I came to painting the way many people do—by accident, and at just the right moment. What began as quiet evenings watching Bob Ross paint on television slowly turned into something deeper. His calm confidence and belief that art could be learned—not guarded—sparked a curiosity that never really let go.

Over time, that curiosity became commitment. I began studying oil painting seriously, training in the wet-on-wet tradition and later expanding beyond it through hands-on workshops and years of practice. Along the way, I had the privilege of painting alongside artists such as Steve Ross and Dana Jester, whose roots—like Bob Ross’s—trace back to Bill Alexander. Being part of that living lineage shaped not only how I paint, but how I think about tradition, technique, and artistic growth.

As my work evolved, so did my focus. While my foundation lies in classical wet-on-wet methods, my paintings gradually moved toward richer color, deeper atmosphere, and a more personal approach to realism. Landscapes, seascapes, and wildlife remain at the heart of my work—subjects chosen not for spectacle, but for their ability to invite the viewer into a moment of stillness and connection.

Teaching became a natural extension of that journey. I don’t see instruction as separate from painting; it’s simply another way of sharing the same craft. In my classes, I guide students through strong foundational techniques while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and individual expression. Whether someone is painting for the first time or refining skills they already have, my goal is the same—to make the process approachable, meaningful, and grounded in real technique.

Today, I continue to paint, teach, and curate original artwork through the Blakely Art Collection. Every class, every canvas, and every conversation is part of the same larger story—one rooted in tradition, shaped by experience, and driven by a love of creating work that lasts.