Why Is Bob Ross Still So Popular
Twenty-five years after his death, the painter who gave us happy little trees is more ubiquitous than ever.
Every days a good day when you paint. Bob Ross
Staring at the empty canvas on the easel in front of me, I couldnt understand how thisnothingmight somehow transform into even a rough approximation of the Bob Ross painting we were using as a model. That painting was classic Bob Ross: a snowy landscape bursting with color, a world of glimmering trees and vibrant shrubs around a slick, icy pond. Gazing at it evoked that feeling you get sitting by a fire on a crisp, cold night. No way I could make anything like that.
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I was in a room on the side of a big-box craft store in the suburbs north of Dallas, about to start a class taught by John Fowler, a Bob Rosscertified instructorwhich means that he spent three weeks in Florida learning the wet-on-wet painting technique Ross employed on television. A tall, bespectacled man in his 60s, with a light beard and a deep voice and soothing cadence reminiscent of Ross himself, John explained that he has a few things in common with the puffy-haired painter. They both spent many years in the Air Force, for example, and both retired with the rank of master sergeant. Id learn he also uses some Bob Ross vernacular, sprinkling instructions with expressions such as We dont make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.
The Origins Of Bob Ross
Before his television show, The Joy of Painting reached the air, Bob Ross had a twenty-year career in the U.S. Air Force. Towards the end of his career in the Air Force, he took his first painting lesson, which would change the trajectory of his life forever.
His love for painting eventually led him to study a technique called wet-on-wet paintingthe technique he would later teach on his showfrom the famous painter William Alexander. Ross became one of Alexanders painting instructors, teaching Alexanders method to amateur painters. It was at one of these painting classes that Ross ran into Annette Kowalski, and from there, the Bob Ross we know today was born. 1
Together Kowalski and Ross created the show The Joy of Painting, which first aired in 1983. The show nearly didnt make it past its first season. But, over 400 episodes later, and millions and millions of avid fans spanning generations, the legacy of Bob Ross has been cemented in the world of art.
His popularity lately has left a lot of Bob Ross fans wanting a genuine Bob Ross painting of their own.
As it turns out, the answer to Where can I buy a Bob Ross painting? has a fascinating answer.
Well let this wonderful piece from The New York Times tell you more. Stick around and youll be hit with a wave of nostalgia and joy that will leave you with a smile on your face all day!
The Legacy Of Bob Ross
Many of us have a memory of Bob Ross playing in the background of our lives. Maybe we tried painting along with him from time to time, or our favorite grandparent had him on after school.
I am particularly fond of a memory that happened after my grandfathers funeral when my many cousins and I returned to my grandmothers house and we turned on The Joy of Painting. It was then that we discovered Bob Ross was beloved to every one of us and was a favorite after school program to watch with our grandfather. It was a beautiful moment that bonded us together as happy clouds and trees were painted in the background.
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Why Do We Love His Work So Much How Is It That He Has Now Captivated A World Of Online Viewers Too
Theres nothing fancy about the studio he paints in. Many of his shows are repetitive. And yet, we remain captivated by the way in which his calm voice plays against the quickness of his brush strokes. In 30 minutes he can start with a blank canvas and take us to entirely new worlds. Along the way encouraging us to find beauty in mistakes, be bold with our choices, and do what makes us happiest.
Whether or not you are painting along with him, his words of encouragement bolster the audience. That joy, that kindness is timeless, and it still rings through today. Its a wonderful reminder that there is still space for joy and happiness in the world. There is still space for people to be kind and to share their passion with the world.
If you dont remember what an episode of The Joy of Painting is like, jump over to the Bob Ross YouTube channel, its really a treat! Over there youll find many of his shows available to watch for free! Really, though, go take a minute to watch one. Youll be reminded that joy is out there in the world.
Oh, and if you want to take a little Bob Ross joy with you every day, go follow his company on , , or . Or, you can always give the Bob Ross headquarters a call at 1BOB-ROSS.
Stay beautiful & keep laughing!
-Liesl
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