Hope Blakely

Was Jan van Eyck really the original wet-on-wet painter? That question led me down a fascinating path through art history—from ancient fresco techniques to the luminous glazing methods of the Old Masters. In this post, we explore what van Eyck actually contributed to oil painting, how his work compares to modern techniques, and why these centuries-old methods still influence artists today.

Painted from a photograph taken along Ireland’s northern coast, Heart Tethered by the Tide reflects the grit of a working harbor and the quiet pull of memory. Worn rope, calm water, and distant land come together in a moment of stillness and reflection.

The Showman is a bold, vertical portrait of a blue-and-gold macaw inspired by a reference photo taken at the Denver Zoo in January 2025. Painted using a glazing technique to build rich, luminous color, this 7 × 21 inch original artwork captures the confident posture and unmistakable personality of the bird. Now fully framed and ready to hang, The Showman proves that presence isn’t about width or size — it’s about attitude, color, and command.