Elena Rossi
Bob Ross, the host of The Joy of Painting, was an American painter, art instructor, and television artist. He gained popularity due to his calm and positive demeanor, encouraging words, and his unique wet-on-wet painting technique. Despite his immense popularity, art critics have had varying opinions about his work. Some considered his work frivolous, with perceptions of poor technique and oversimplification. However, others recognize the impressionistic qualities of his work and the impact he has had on aspiring artists. With a recent spike in interest, Ross's work is being exhibited in museums and his legacy continues to inspire and encourage creativity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Art style | Impressionistic, picturesque |
| Painting technique | Wet-on-wet |
| Painting medium | Oil on canvas |
| Painting subjects | Landscapes, mountains, lakes, snow, log cabins, trees, shrubs |
| Painting style | Delicate, majestic, colourful, vibrant, glimmering |
| Personality | Calm, positive, encouraging |
| Influence | Bob Ross inspired many people to take up painting |
| Commercialisation | Bob Ross opposed the commercialisation of his work |
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What You'll Learn
Bob Ross's wet-on-wet painting technique
To use the wet-on-wet technique, the first step is to coat the canvas in a liquid base coat, which can be used to blend and thin colours directly on the canvas. This step is essential for the technique, as it allows for the blending of thin and thick paint. Ross would then create the image directly from his imagination, without sketching it first. He would use a limited paint palette, deconstructing the process into simple steps.
The wet-on-wet technique was taught to Ross by his instructor Bill Alexander, who Ross credited during the first episode of the second season of "The Joy of Painting". Ross described the technique as a "precious gift" that he wanted to share with his viewers. The technique originated in Flanders during the 15th century and has been used by many notable artists, including Frans Hals, Diego Velázquez, and John Singer Sargent.
Ross's use of the wet-on-wet technique allowed him to quickly create intricate landscapes, typically featuring mountains, lakes, snow, and log cabins. He would start with simple strokes that appeared as coloured smudges, gradually transforming them into detailed scenes. Ross believed that everyone has inherent artistic talent and encouraged his viewers to paint along and improvise. His calm and relaxed approach, along with his belief in "happy accidents", has made him a popular and beloved figure in the art world.
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The impressionistic approach
Bob Ross's artistic approach was deeply rooted in the "
Ross's wet-on-wet technique, also known as the alla prima method, is not a recent innovation in the art world. It dates back to the 15th century in Flanders and has been utilised by renowned artists such as Frans Hals, Diego Velázquez, Caravaggio, Paul Cézanne, John Everett Millais, John Singer Sargent, and Claude Monet, to name a few.
The wet-on-wet technique is characterised by the absence of sketching or preliminary outlines. Ross would create images directly from his imagination, layering paint on the canvas in quick succession. This approach, combined with his limited paint palette, resulted in the creation of serene landscapes featuring mountains, lakes, snow, and log cabins, inspired by his time in Alaska.
Ross's artistic philosophy centred around the belief that anyone could create art and that it should be an enjoyable endeavour. He emphasised that there are no mistakes, only "happy accidents," fostering a positive and encouraging environment for aspiring artists. This accessibility and his ability to convey emotion through his art have contributed to his enduring popularity.
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The artist's philosophy and influence
Bob Ross was a fixture on US public television from 1983 to 1994. During each episode of The Joy of Painting, Ross narrated, in real time, the production of one oil painting. He produced thousands of works over the show's 31 seasons, but they were rarely sold and only shown infrequently; Ross insisted that his mission was pedagogical rather than commercial.
Ross painted landscapes because of the joy he found in nature, and he wanted to capture that joy in both his paintings and the process of painting. He repeatedly said that everyone has inherent artistic talent and could become an accomplished artist given time, practice, and encouragement. He believed that "we don't make mistakes; we just have happy accidents." This philosophy is reflected in his Zen-like adages, such as "let's add some happy little trees" and "you have happy accidents. And those happy accidents turn out to be some of the most fantastic things that can happen."
Ross's signature style was the wet-on-wet technique, which involves rapidly applying layers of oil pigment to a gessoed canvas during a brief window of time. This approach has an impressionistic quality, approximating rustic scenes in a picturesque mode. However, while the Impressionists relied on external perception, Ross worked indoors, tapping into the mind's eye and encouraging viewers at home to paint along and improvise.
Ross's television show helped promote a line of art supplies and class recordings, building what would become a $15-million business – Bob Ross Inc. Despite the unusually high supply of original paintings, Bob Ross originals are scarce on the art market, with sale prices frequently topping $10,000. Ross himself was opposed to having his work turned into financial instruments, and his paintings have never been sold by major auction houses.
Critics have had mixed opinions about Ross's work. Some have dismissed it as frivolous or lacking in artistic importance, and his work has not been displayed in major museums or auction houses. However, others have praised his accessibility and his ability to convey emotion in his art. Ross himself seemed comfortable with the notion that his work was not considered traditional or fine art, and his popularity has endured and even grown in recent years, with a spike in interest attributed to the streaming of The Joy of Painting on YouTube and Netflix.
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Commercialisation of art
Bob Ross, the host of the long-running TV show "The Joy of Painting", has had a complex relationship with art critics. On the one hand, some critics have dismissed his work as frivolous and not worthy of being displayed in museums. Ross himself seemed to acknowledge this perception, stating on a 1994 episode of "The Phil Donahue Show" that his work was not traditional or fine art. He also faced criticism from other painters who believed that nothing of artistic importance could be learned from his techniques.
However, in recent years, Ross has experienced a surge in popularity, with his entire show being available on streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix. This renewed interest has led to exhibitions of his work, such as "'Happy Accidents: An Exhibit of Original Bob Ross Paintings' at the Franklin Park Arts Center, which has been a commercial success. Additionally, the Smithsonian Institution has acquired four of Ross's paintings, indicating a shift in the perception of his work.
While Ross's paintings may not have been frequently sold or displayed in museums during his lifetime, his impact on the art world is undeniable. Ross's dedication to making art accessible to everyone and his belief that anyone could create art for the sheer joy of it have left a lasting legacy. He empowered countless "backyard artists" and fostered a deeper appreciation for art among his viewers.
Furthermore, Ross's on-screen persona and his ability to capture the beauty of the world and convey emotions through his landscapes have endeared him to many. His calm and gentle demeanour, coupled with his encouraging words, have left a lasting impression on those who watched him paint. Despite criticism of his techniques, Ross's unwavering belief in the inherent artistic talent within everyone has undoubtedly left a positive mark on the art world.
In conclusion, while Bob Ross may have faced scepticism and criticism from some art critics, his impact on popular culture and the democratisation of art cannot be overlooked. His approachability and encouragement have likely inspired a generation of artists who may not have otherwise explored their creative side. Ross's legacy serves as a reminder that art can be both accessible and commercially successful without sacrificing its ability to evoke emotion and inspire creativity.
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The artist's personality and presentation
Bob Ross's on-screen persona was a key part of his appeal. He was known for his distinctive appearance, including his "signature perm", and his calm, soft-spoken, and encouraging demeanour. Ross believed in the inherent artistic talent of all people and the idea that painting could be fun, rather than a serious endeavour. This philosophy is reflected in his famous catchphrases, such as "let's add some happy little trees" and "we don't make mistakes, we just have happy accidents". Ross's attitude towards art was influenced by his belief that creation enriches people's lives and that art could be a way of capturing the eternal beauty of the world.
Ross's dress sense was also a notable aspect of his presentation. He consistently wore jeans and a plain light-coloured shirt, which he believed would be a timeless look. This choice of attire contributed to his approachable and unassuming image.
Ross was also known for his love of nature and animals, which was reflected in the landscapes he painted and the animals he cared for. He often featured small animals on his show, particularly wounded squirrels and birds that he had nursed back to health. Ross's landscapes, typically featuring mountains, lakes, snow, and log cabins, were inspired by his time in Alaska during his Air Force career.
While Ross revealed little about his personal life, his on-screen presence and artistic philosophy left a lasting impression on viewers. His dedication to promoting art as a fun and accessible activity for everyone has earned him a dedicated following, with many people continuing to be inspired by his unique approach to art and life.
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Frequently asked questions
Art critics have had mixed opinions about Bob Ross's paintings. Some critics considered his work frivolous, with poor technique and oversimplification. However, others have praised his work, with one critic comparing him to Fred Rogers, host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, noting that Ross's soft voice and slow pace of speech were similar. Overall, Ross's work has gained a significant following, with exhibitions of his paintings selling out and pulling in thousands of viewers.
Bob Ross used the "'wet-on-wet' or alla prima technique, which involves applying layers of oil paint to a canvas rapidly before the previous layer dries. This technique creates an impressionistic effect and was used by artists such as Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh.
Bob Ross painted an estimated 30,000 paintings during his lifetime. He produced paintings during each episode of his show, "The Joy of Painting," often creating three versions of the same painting.
While Bob Ross's paintings are scarce on the art market, they have sold for thousands of dollars, frequently topping $10,000. However, Ross himself was opposed to his work being turned into financial instruments, and many of his paintings are owned by Bob Ross Inc.
Bob Ross had a dedicated fan base due to his calming presence, positive attitude, and encouragement of creativity. His show, "The Joy of Painting," featured him instructing viewers on painting techniques while creating peaceful landscapes. His approach to art, which emphasized individual interpretation and the joy of the creative process, resonated with many people.
