Home / Biography / Bob / Ross

Bob Ross: The Man Behind the Happy Little Trees – Biography, Painting Style, and Legacy

Editorial Team Post a Comment

 





Bob Ross, born Robert Norman Ross on October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida, was an American painter and television personality best known for his PBS television show, "The Joy of Painting," which aired from 1983 to 1994. Raised in Orlando, Florida, Ross dropped out of high school in the ninth grade to work with his father as a carpenter. At 18, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Alaska, where he first developed an interest in painting. He took his initial painting class at a United Service Organizations (USO) club in the early 1960s.

While in Alaska, Ross discovered the television program "The Magic of Oil Painting," hosted by German painter Bill Alexander. Alexander utilized the "wet-on-wet" (alla prima) oil painting technique, which involves applying wet paint onto wet paint, allowing for the rapid completion of a painting. Ross mastered this technique, enabling him to create detailed landscapes within the span of a 30-minute television segment. He began selling Alaskan landscape paintings to tourists, eventually earning more from his art than his military salary. In 1981, after 20 years of service, Ross retired from the Air Force as a master sergeant.

Following his military retirement, Ross sought private painting lessons from Bill Alexander and later became a traveling salesman and tutor for Alexander's company. Encouraged by his student Annette Kowalski, Ross decided to venture on his own. Together with his wife and the Kowalskis, they founded Bob Ross Inc. Initially, the business struggled, leading Ross to adopt his signature permed hairstyle as a cost-saving measure, as regular haircuts were becoming too expensive. Although he later disliked the hairstyle, it became an iconic part of his image and was featured in the company logo.

In 1983, "The Joy of Painting" premiered on PBS. Filmed in Muncie, Indiana, the show featured Ross teaching viewers his wet-on-wet technique, creating serene landscapes in real-time without prior sketches. His calming voice, gentle demeanor, and encouraging phrases like "happy little trees" endeared him to a wide audience. Ross's attire—jeans and a plain light-colored shirt—was chosen for its timeless look, and he spoke as if addressing a single viewer, enhancing the personal feel of the show.

Ross's landscapes were often inspired by his time in Alaska, featuring mountains, lakes, and snow scenes. He believed that everyone had inherent artistic talent and could become accomplished artists with time, practice, and encouragement. He often reassured his audience, saying, "We don't make mistakes; we just have happy accidents."

Throughout his career, Ross painted an estimated 30,000 paintings. Despite this prolific output, original Bob Ross paintings are scarce on the art market, with sale prices often reaching thousands of dollars. Many of his works remain with Bob Ross Inc., as Ross was opposed to having his work turned into financial instruments.

Ross passed away from lymphoma on July 4, 1995, at the age of 52. Interest in his work experienced a resurgence in the 21st century, with episodes of "The Joy of Painting" available on platforms like YouTube. In 2020, the Smithsonian Institution acquired several of Ross's paintings and artifacts related to his show, and the Bob Ross Experience museum opened in Muncie, Indiana, offering workshops and showcasing his studio.

Regarding the question of whether Bob Ross always painted the same picture, it's a common misconception. While Ross often depicted similar themes—tranquil landscapes featuring elements like trees, mountains, and lakes—each painting was unique. His consistent use of the wet-on-wet technique and familiar subject matter contributed to a cohesive style, but he introduced variations in composition, color schemes, and specific elements in each piece. This approach allowed him to teach fundamental painting techniques while providing viewers with a comforting sense of familiarity.




Post a Comment "Bob Ross: The Man Behind the Happy Little Trees – Biography, Painting Style, and Legacy"