Bob Ross - The Joy of Painting

About Bob Ross - The Joy of Painting

"Bob Ross - The Joy of Painting" is a popular television series that began airing in 1983. It widely known for featuring Bob Ross, a soft-spoken and cheerful painting instructor who won hearts with his easy-to-follow painting tutorials and calming demeanor. Over the span of each half-hour episode, Bob Ross would create beautiful landscapes using his spontaneously comprehensive painting technique. His iconic phrases and friendly, reassuring approach made the series a delightful watch for millions, making it a cultural phenomenon that continues to be popular today.

Making/Production

This show was produced by WNBS-TV, a PBS station based in Muncie, Indiana. Bob Ross filmed the series from 1983 until 1994, often painting in real time and completing each piece of art within the 30-minute time slot. His technique, referred to as 'wet-on-wet,' was unique because it allowed the quicker layering of paints, thus enabling him to complete his paintings under such a limited timeframe.

Actors

• Bob Ross - Played by himself, Ross was the host and sole on-screen personality of the show. He offered step-by-step directions to viewers and conveyed his philosophy of painting, which holds that everyone has an inherent artist within them.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• Bob Ross was famous for his calm and gentle demeanor. His soothing voice has been described as therapeutic, earning him the title of "TV's Most Calming Personality."
• Ross’s style of painting, known as the “wet-on-wet” technique, was actually not unique to him. He borrowed it from a painter named Bill Alexander who had his own painting show.
• Even though Ross’s show ran for more than a decade, he never received a salary for his work. Instead, his income came from his painting supplies business.

Quotes

• "We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents."
• "Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you're willing to practice, you can do."
• "There's nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend."

Music, Soundtrack

Each episode of "The Joy of Painting" was self-contained, so there was not a consistent soundtrack list. However, the show opened and closed with an instrumental theme song that became very recognisable to its audience.