Elena Rossi
Bob Ross, the TV artist with a soft voice and a calming manner, has inspired many to take up painting. Ross's show, *The Joy of Painting*, taught viewers how to create beautiful landscapes with his distinctive wet-on-wet technique. If you want to paint like Bob Ross, you'll need a few specific tools and materials. The Bob Ross Master Paint Set is a good place to start, containing oil colours, a landscape knife, a landscape brush, a background brush, a fan brush, a script liner, and a 30-minute Bob Ross, Getting Started DVD. You'll also need paint thinner, some canvases, paper towels, and old clothes or an apron.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to paint | 27-30 minutes |
| Painting style | Wet-on-wet |
| Number of paintings created | Tens of thousands |
| Painting kit price range | £35-£120 |
| Painting kit contents | Brush, spatula, paints, liquid white, odourless thinner |
| Additional supplies | Easel, palette knife, fan brush, paint thinner, towels, palette, liner brush, can of liquid white/magic white, canvas |
| Paint colours | Titanium white, Phthalo green, Phthalo blue, Prussian blue, Burnt umber, Van dyke brown, Alizarin Crimson, Sap green, Cadmium Yellow, Indian Yellow, Permanent Red, black |
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What You'll Learn
Bob Ross used the 'wet-on-wet' technique
Bob Ross used the wet-on-wet technique, also known as 'alla prima', which involves applying a new layer of oil paint on top of a still-wet layer, rather than waiting for each layer to dry. This method allows artists to complete paintings very quickly, which was a key part of the appeal of Bob Ross's show, "The Joy of Painting".
Ross first discovered oil painting when he started taking art lessons while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He studied the wet-on-wet technique and perfected it by studying at various art schools after leaving the Air Force. He even taught the technique to several of his friends and colleagues.
The wet-on-wet technique simplifies oil painting so that it can be finished in a day. Ross would start by coating his canvas in a liquid base coat, which allowed him to blend paint directly on the canvas rather than on a palette. He would then use a combination of two-inch brushes and painting knives to create intricate landscapes, typically featuring mountains, lakes, snow, and log cabins.
The appeal of Bob Ross's show was not only his humour and persona but also the fact that he could complete a full painting in just 30 minutes, inspiring viewers to try painting themselves. Ross's company, Bob Ross Inc., produced videos, books, and all the materials required to paint along with him, as well as certifying instructors to teach people to paint in his style.
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You will need an easel, palette knife, and brushes
Bob Ross' wet-on-wet painting technique has inspired many to take up painting. Ross himself used a variety of tools and materials to create his artwork, and there are several essential items you will need to start painting like him.
Firstly, you will need an easel to hold your canvas in place while you paint. This will ensure your surface is secure and stable, allowing you to focus on your brushwork without worrying about smudging or accidental marks.
Next is the palette knife, a metal, wooden, or plastic knife used to mix and apply paint. Bob Ross often used a palette knife for creating texture and spreading paint quickly and efficiently across the canvas. It is an essential tool for achieving the wet-on-wet technique, where layers of wet paint are applied on top of each other.
Finally, you will need brushes. Bob Ross typically used a variety of brushes, including fan brushes for creating his iconic trees and foliage, and two-inch brushes, which are a staple for his style. You may want to purchase multiple brushes in each style to avoid having to wash them too often during your painting session.
With these essential tools, you will be well on your way to creating your own Bob Ross-inspired artwork!
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Bob Ross paints are pricey, but alternatives are available
Bob Ross' oil paints are relatively easy to replace, but his brushes are harder to substitute. Ross developed his line of brushes specifically for his 'wet-on-wet' technique, which involves packing a lot more and longer bristles into the brush. However, the paints themselves can be replicated by adjusting the thickness of the paint for its intended use. For example, colours traditionally used for highlights have more oil in them, making them thinner, while darker colours used for mountain or tree bases are leaner with less oil (or more pigment).
There are several alternative paint options available that are of equal quality to Bob Ross branded paints and are more affordable. Winsor & Newton oil paints are available in most art supply stores and are highly regarded. Another option is Gamblin’s 1980 oil colours series, which is more affordable than their "Gamblin Artist" product line. The 1980 line has been commended for its lack of oiliness, making it suitable for the Bob Ross wet-on-wet technique. Blick’s Studio line is another budget-friendly option, available in 50 colours, and the company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Winton oil paints are also great colours to use for wet-on-wet landscape painting and are cheaper than the Ross brand.
When purchasing supplies, it is worth considering the quantity and quality of the materials. For example, buying in bulk can save money, and larger canvases are often better for inexperienced painters. Additionally, some stores offer discounts or coupons that can help reduce costs.
Overall, while Bob Ross paints and supplies can be pricey, there are several alternative options available that can help make the Bob Ross painting experience more accessible and affordable.
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Odourless thinner is useful for cleaning brushes
Bob Ross' show, *The Joy of Painting*, attracted millions of viewers during its run from 1983 to 1992. The appeal of the show was not only Bob’s humour and lovable persona but also the fact that he completed a full painting in just 30 minutes, inspiring viewers to give it a go themselves. Bob Ross Inc. produced videos, books, and all the materials required to paint along with Bob.
To start watching Bob Ross and painting along with him, you will need a range of supplies. These include an easel, a palette knife, a fan brush, a one-inch brush, a two-inch brush, a container with a piece of rack or wire mesh in the bottom, paint thinner, a few towels, paper towels, a palette, a liner brush, a can of liquid white/magic white, and your paints.
There are other ways to clean brushes without using solvents. One method involves using paper towels and a container with 2-3 inches of drying oil such as linseed, safflower, walnut, or poppy oil. First, unload any excess paint out of the bristles with a paper towel or painting rag. Then, dip the brush into the oil up to the ferrule, entirely coating the bristles. Next, use a paper towel to work the oil between the bristles, releasing and drawing out the colour. Squeeze the bristles from the ferrule to the tip or simply wipe the brush back and forth onto a towel. Repeat as many times as needed until the oil starts running clear. Finally, wipe and massage any remaining oil out of the bristles before use.
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You can buy Bob Ross kits, but you need to buy a canvas separately
Bob Ross' televised painting lessons, *The Joy of Painting*, attracted millions of viewers during the decade that it ran. Ross' calm and encouraging demeanour, along with his unique
Ross' company, Bob Ross Inc., produced videos, books, and art materials for those who wanted to paint along with him. Today, you can buy Bob Ross kits, which are a great way to get started with painting. These kits are targeted at beginners and typically include step-by-step photo or video instructions, as well as some of the basic tools and paints you'll need.
However, it's important to note that most kits do not include a canvas. You will need to purchase a canvas separately, and it's recommended to stick to double-primed canvases, as Ross' wet-on-wet technique won't work on canvas paper. You can find canvases in various sizes, such as 12"x12", 16"x20", or larger, depending on your preference and skill level.
In addition to the kit and canvas, there are a few other supplies you may want to consider. These include an easel, palette knife, fan brush, paint thinner, towels, and a palette. With these supplies, you'll be well on your way to creating your own gorgeous landscape paintings, just like Bob Ross!
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Frequently asked questions
Bob Ross creates his paintings with ease and in under 30 minutes. To start watching and painting along with him, you will need an easel, a palette knife, a fan brush, paint thinner, paper towels, a palette, a liner brush, and a can of liquid white/magic white.
Bob Ross uses oil paints and has his own line of oil paints, which can be pricey. However, you can find low-cost alternatives on Amazon.
Bob Ross uses a variety of colours, including titanium white, Phthalo green, Prussian blue, burnt umber, Alizarin crimson, sap green, and cadmium yellow.
Bob Ross uses a variety of brush sizes, including one-inch, two-inch, and fan brushes. Two-inch brushes are a staple for Bob Ross.
Bob Ross painting kits can be purchased from Amazon, Michaels, and his official store. The kits vary in price, starting around £35 and going up to £120.
