It has recently come to my attention that not everyone knows the name Bob Ross. Apparently, my English teacher and a small group of friends had never heard this amazing man’s name and knew nothing about his show, The Joy of Painting– a program that got me through quarantine and a number of crises. If a few people I know do not recognize the name, I think it’s safe to say that there are a proportional number of students on our campus who are unaware of this famous painter and American treasure. This article will strive to remedy that.
Bob Ross reached national acclaim in the ’80s and ’90s for his television show The Joy of Painting, in which he showed viewers how to paint gorgeous landscapes in oil paint.
His quiet voice narrated the actions on his canvas while simultaneously weaving little philosophies and feel-good sayings into the show. Funnily enough, for having an extremely quiet and soothing voice, he used to be a drill sergeant in the Air Force. He said the reason he left was because “he got tired of yelling.”
The warmth and kindness he exuded was almost palpable. He would frequently have animal guests on his show, such as Peapod the Pocket Squirrel, whom he fostered. His message was always this: be kind to every critter you encounter.
My father was the one who introduced me to this wonderful TV show when I was in seventh grade. I was a child who, before, had virtually no interest in painting or art. However, my father, who for some reason or other, put Ross’s show on the television one day, unknowingly started a persistent (and sometimes expensive) hobby of mine.
I would watch Bob Ross paint whenever I felt bored or uninspired, which happened often during the COVID shutdown. His friendly and calm demeanor added an openness to the show, an invitation to attempt his painting techniques. Unlike many TV personalities, Bob Ross did not strain for the camera, trying to be funny, smart or entertaining. Instead, he was just genuine.
He personified elements of his paintings, creating little characters. He loved to talk about painting “happy little clouds, just floating on up there and having a grand ol’ time”.
One of his most common sayings referred to trees, bushes, or anything that there could be more than one of in a painting. He would start by painting a tree trunk, adding the leaves, and a number of other details, then say, “Hmm, he looks lonely, let’s give him a friend. Everybody needs a friend,” and start on a companion tree for the original.
While these are well-loved quotes, put on many a hat and T-shirt, I must say his most iconic line is this: “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”
I think that this low-pressure attitude toward art is what really drew me to his show and eventually led me to enjoy creating art myself. I sure made plenty of “happy accidents” when first starting out, but Ross’ calm voice and genuine nature helped me focus on the enjoyment I got from painting, not how good the final product turned out.
I think these positive and hopeful philosophies are what make him such a treasure, even 20 years after the show finished airing and he has long since passed. He was an incredible painter, yes, but I think the way his show made you feel was its real draw.