How old would bob ross be today
Author: c | 2025-04-25
How old would Bob Ross be today? What is Bob Ross's famous quote? What age was Bob Ross when he died? Today Bob Ross would be 81 years old. how old was Bob Ross when he died? Bob Ross died in 2025 at the age of 52. When was Bob Ross born? Bob Ross was born on October 29th, 2025.
How Old Is Bob Ross - StatMuse
Book Notification is an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner. If you click on a book title it will take you to Amazon or your default book store where you can read more about the book or purchase it. We earn money from qualifying purchases.Bob Ross was born on October 29th, 1942. Bob passed away July 4th, 1995 at 52 years old. Bob Ross was born in Daytona Beach, USA.Bob Ross was the author of the Joy of Painting series which consists of 35 novels. The Joy of Painting series started in 1984 with the novel The Joy of Painting Volume 1. The most recently released novel in the Joy of Painting series was Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting which was released in 2017. There are no upcoming novels for the Joy of Painting series.Bob Ross also wrote the Non-Fiction Books series which has 14 books including Modern and Classic Woodburning Stoves and the Grass Roots Energy Revival and Laugh, Lead and Profit: Building Productive Workplaces With Humor.Related AuthorsThe most common authors followed by users who also follow Bob Ross are:T.M. Logan, author of the novel: Lies.Tara Westover, author of the novel: Educated: A Memoir.Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of the novel: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.Taylor Smith, author of the Mariah Bolt Series.Victoria Jenkins, author of the Detectives King and Lane Series.Bob Ross: F.A.QWhen was Bob Ross Born?Bob Ross was born on October 29th, 1942.When did Bob Ross die?Bob Ross died on July 4th, 1995 at 52 years old.Where was Bob Ross Born?Bob Ross was born in Daytona Beach, USA.What was the first book Bob Ross wrote?The first book written by Bob Ross was Muddled Meanderings in an Outhouse, published in 1972.What was the most recent book Bob Ross wrote?His most recently released work was Bob Ross: My First Book of Numbers (a short story) on October 10th, 2023.How many books has Bob Ross written?Bob Ross has written 62 books. 35 books in the Joy of Painting Series, 1 Short Story/Novella, 4 books in the Collections, 5 books in the Bob Ross Art Books, 14 books in the Non-Fiction Books, 3 books in the My First Bob Ross Books Series.Have a Question?Author Discussion Book Notification is an Amazon Associate. Book links to Amazon, eBay and other book stores are affiliate links, and we earn money from any qualifying purchases.Quickly follow any authors by searching their name in this box A new generation can learn how to paint happy trees and to make happy accidents with a TV series teaching the Bob Ross-method of painting using some of the prolific artist’s work that have never been seen before.Before Ross died in 1995 from cancer, he had completed seven paintings to use in season 32 of “The Joy of Painting.”“He was so sick, but he was still working on his next series because he wanted to be able to keep going,” said Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc. Her parents, Annette and Walt Kowalski, co-founded the company with Ross.Those works were stored away for almost three decades. Certified Bob Ross instructor Nicholas Hankins has studied those seven paintings and paints them from scratch on camera in “The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins: Bob Ross’ Unfinished Season,” which started airing this spring in some markets on American Public Television. Some episodes are available on PBS’ website.The opportunity to “take these paintings. and do what Bob ultimately wanted done with them, (to) have them out in the world making people happy is gratifying” said Hankins recently over Zoom. He teaches at the Bob Ross Art Workshop and Gallery about 15 miles from Daytona Beach, and oversees instructor certification. Hankins also uses six of his own paintings in this new “Joy of Painting,” which was filmed and produced at WDSC-TV Daytona State College.“I think that Bob would be incredibly proud of how we’re doing this,” said Kowalski. “There aren’t really many thingsBob Ross The Old Mill Art Print Painting Bob Ross Poster Bob Ross
Even if you’ve never stepped foot inside an art gallery or museum, chances are you’ve heard the name Bob Ross. You might also know about Bob Ross’s famous “happy little trees” or “happy little clouds.” Bob Ross, an iconic figure in the art world, left behind a legacy that transcends generations. His soothing voice, boundless creativity, and iconic afro made him a beloved public figure and household name. His beloved show, ‘The Joy of Painting’, continues to inspire and delight.To some, Bob Ross may appear as just another painter, but it’s much more complex than that. He was an artist, a teacher, and a master of a unique painting technique that captivated millions. Through ‘The Joy of Painting’, Ross invited viewers into the magic of painting and empowered everyday people to paint and create alongside him. He unlocked viewers’ imaginations and showed them a world brimming with possibilities.In this exploration of his legacy, we’ll journey through Bob Ross's early years, the magic of his show, the controversies he faced, as well as the enduring love for his paintings. What Does Bob Ross Have To Do With Landscape Photography? "Happy Little Trees" is much more than a catchy phrase. As an artist, "Happy Little Accidents" happen far more often than many would ever admit to. I grew up watching Bob Ross on television and was inspired by not only his art but his positive personality as well. As landscape photography has drifted farther from documentary style photographs and closer to the strange world of AI, many artists look to create magical, dreamy representations of their work that often resemble paintings themselves. Bob had a great eye for composition in his work and many photographers today are out looking to capture similar scenes every day. The last light of a chilly autumn day comes to a close in a kaleidoscope of color both on earth and in the sky as seen from Last Dollar Road near Telluride, Colorado. Fine Art Limited Edition of 50. ‘The Joy of Painting’ Television Series’ First Painting Up for Auction According to The Art Newspaper, the painting that was completed on air during the very first episode of ‘The Joy of Painting’ – a piece called A Walk in the Woods – has been priced at $9.85 million. The Minneapolis-based gallery Modern Artifact said that the price was intended to be a “not-for-sale-number,” and added that they hoped to take the work on tour. While A Walk in the Woods is but one of the nearly 30,000 paintings Ross allegedly created throughout his lifetime, few of the paintings have ever gone to auction. Many of the works created on his show were donated to PBS member stations,. How old would Bob Ross be today? What is Bob Ross's famous quote? What age was Bob Ross when he died? Today Bob Ross would be 81 years old. how old was Bob Ross when he died? Bob Ross died in 2025 at the age of 52. When was Bob Ross born? Bob Ross was born on October 29th, 2025.How old was Bob Ross at death? - Answers
The Smithsonian Museum, or have been kept by Bob Ross Inc. A Walk in the Woods was previously owned by a woman who frequently volunteered at the very station where Ross recorded his iconic television show. She had won the painting in a fundraising auction to support the station. Many of Ross’s paintings have shared this fate, and collectors say it’s difficult to know how many originals are still out there in circulation or storage.But exactly who is the man behind the Bob Ross brand, and how did one of his paintings fetch a 10 million dollar price tag? While his show didn’t take off until the mid-80s, his story begins back in the middle of the twentieth century, just as America was getting involved in World War II. Bob Ross | The Early Years The artistic virtuoso who would later become a beloved television personality came from humble beginnings that contributed to his unique approach to art. Born October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida, Ross had an early affinity for creativity. His childhood was marked by an innate curiosity and a love for nature, a trait that would greatly influence his later artistic endeavors. Growing up, Ross had a penchant for caring for injured and orphaned animals, which enriched his deep connection with the natural world. This incredible empathy and affinity for nature, coupled with an early fascination with painting, would ultimately set the stage for his future success. Tragically, his early life was not without its hardships. Ross faced much personal loss, including the passing of his father when he was just an adolescent. Despite the many challenges he faced, Ross persevered, and his passion for art only grew stronger. Ross's early art journey was formalized during his 20-year career with the U.S. Air Force, where he initially served as a medical records technician. During his service, Ross discovered the “wet-on-wet” oil painting technique, which would later become his signature method. Inspired by a show on public-access television, he began to experiment more with this technique, and it eventually became the hallmark of his artistic expression. Bob Ross | Personal Life and Family As Ross served in the U.S. Air Force and began to practice some of the artistic techniques that would come to define his career, his personal life was also evolving. Ross was married thrice in his lifetime and had two children. His first marriage was to Lynda Brown, and together, they had a son named Steve. While this marriage ended in divorce, Ross found love again with his second wife, Jane, who was a crucial figure in his life and career. Despite his fame, Ross managed to keep much of his life and personal That come our way where we have to wonder, what should we do? Bob was very specific in how he wanted this whole thing to go into the future.”Hankins is a familiar face to Ross devotees. His own teaching videos posted to the Bob Ross YouTube channel drew upwards of 300,000 views before the idea of TV was ever mentioned.Kowalski is fascinated by the online response to Hankin’s videos. “People notice that Nick is not at all trying to be Bob, and he’s delivering naturally as himself and yet there’s still that same sort of feeling you get watching Bob.”A surge of interest in all things Bob Ross came out of the pandemic, when people were staying home and looking for ways to pass time. Now, with so many distractions, it can seem like there aren’t enough hours in a day to unwind and rest. If viewers don’t tune in for a painting lesson, Hankins hopes his 30-minute “Joy of Painting” episodes helps people to relax in the same spirit as the originals.“I hope I can carry that part of the legacy on,” he said. “I want to genuinely create an environment where people are going to come in, take half an hour and just turn off the world. Right now is a time we need it.”Kowalski says people used to sheepishly tell Ross “all the time” that they would fall asleep to his episodes, but he didn’t mind. “He said, ‘I love hearing that you’ve never watched a fullBob Ross Birthday - National Today
Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed sounds like the title of a true-crime parody, promising a dark and gritty take on the life of one of America’s cheeriest—and most beloved—artistic figures. Nonetheless, there’s nothing jokey about Joshua Rofé’s Netflix documentary (Aug. 25), which serves as both a loving portrait of the landscape painter who inspired millions to pick up a brush, and a disheartening exposé of the various ways in which his work, and legacy, were exploited by the selfish partners closest to him.Rofé’s film is, first and foremost, a celebration of a caring, ambitious man who rose from humble origins to become a unique (that afro!), ubiquitous presence on American public television. As recounted by his son Steve, his good friend Dana Jester, his small-screen director Sally Schenck, and his first instructor John Thamm, Ross didn’t always seem destined for stardom. Having joined the Air Force at the age of 18, Ross developed his love of painting gradually. The moment that initially changed the course of his life came when he saw Bill Alexander’s The Magic of Oil Painting on TV. Awestruck by Alexander’s skill at completing paintings over the course of a single episode via a swift wet-on-wet technique (also known as “alla prima”), Ross began training, as well as crafting his own paintings on gold miners’ pans. Before long, he had tracked down Alexander, who made him his de facto apprentice.Sex, Deceit, and Scandal: The Ugly War Over Bob Ross’ GhostRoss subsequently taught classes at some of the numerous workshops that Alexander held around the country (his television show was largely a way to steer students to his money-making program). It was there that Ross met Annette and Walt Kowalski, a couple who were smitten with the young artist. They advised Ross to strike out on his own, and in the process, they became the nuts-and-bolts businesspeople behind the Bob Ross phenomenon that would take off once they struck a deal for the PBS series (The Joy of Painting), which would run from 1983 to 1994. For a time, this arrangement worked perfectly, and everyone benefited. Yet according to the documentary, trouble was brewing, starting with Ross’ alleged affair with Annette behind the back of his second wife Jane—which Annette denies to this day—and then with the Kowalskis’ increasing demands that Ross prioritize profit ahead of everything else.(L TO R) Steve Ross, Bob Ross and Dana Jester in Netflix’s Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed Netflix" loading="lazy" width="960" height="640" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" src=" TO R) Steve Ross, Bob Ross and Dana Jester in Netflix’s Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed NetflixWhile his gift for landscapes was awe-inspiring, Ross truly became a sensation thanks to his Fred Rogers-style personality. Via copious clips from The Joy of Painting, Rofé captures his subject’s gentle, upbeat spirit. In a soothing voice that often flirted with sensuality—as if his comments to “caress” the canvas were intended to be taken in a more adult way—Ross peppered his episodes with encouraging wordsPainter Bob Ross - Today in History
By AGFRAG Entertainment Group,[47][48] although this never came to fruition.Newfound interest in Ross occurred in 2015 as part of the launch of Twitch Creative. Twitch hosted a nine-day marathon of The Joy of Painting beginning on October 29 to commemorate what would have been Ross's 73rd birthday.[49][50][51] Twitch reported that 5.6 million viewers watched the marathon and, due to its popularity, created a weekly rebroadcast of one season of The Joy of Painting each Monday. A portion of the advertising revenue was promised to charities, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.[52]In June 2016, Ross's series Beauty Is Everywhere was added to the Netflix lineup. The 30-minute episodes are taken from seasons 20, 21 and 22 of the original The Joy of Painting series.[53][54] The newfound interest surprised the Kowalskis, since they were managing Ross's image and The Joy of Painting episodes. They created a YouTube channel for Ross which gained more than a million subscribers within a year.[14]The renewed interest in Ross also led to questions of where his paintings were located, given that more than a thousand works were created for The Joy of Painting. In an investigative report by The New York Times, the Kowalskis affirmed that they still held all of them, though without the proper care generally needed to store art.[14] In 2019, four of Ross's paintings were acquired by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History,[55] which displayed one of the paintings in 2021.[56]In 2020, the makers of Magic: The Gathering announced a limited release of Bob Ross paintings adapted to card artwork.[57]In August 2021, Netflix released a documentary called Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed exploring Ross's life, career, legacy, and the controversy surrounding the Kowalskis versus Bob Ross's family.[58][59]In 2021, Bob Ross Inc. in conjunction with Running Press Kids, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, released the official Bob Ross children's book biography titled: This is Your World: The Story of Bob Ross.[60] Written by Sophia Gholz and illustrated by Robin Boyden, the book shares the story of Ross's life and how he eventually became one of the most well-known American painters of his time.[61]Owen Wilson plays Carl Nargle, a fictional character based on Bob Ross, in the 2023 film Paint.[62]ASMRThe Twitch streams created a new interest in Ross and caused his popularity to grow.[14] His videos subsequently became popular with devotees of autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR).[11] ASMR refers to a. How old would Bob Ross be today? What is Bob Ross's famous quote? What age was Bob Ross when he died?Steve Ross Now: Where is Bob Ross' Son Today?
Service. This shift allowed him to channel his experiences into a soothing artistic style, which he showcased on his television program.Despite his impactful military background, it is Ross's legacy in the arts that resonates most with the public. His soft-spoken nature and mastery of painting techniques drew in viewers, making art accessible and enjoyable for many. The contrast between his military discipline and his artistic flair adds depth to his persona, making his life story compelling.In summary, Bob Ross is celebrated not only for his artistic contributions but also for his unique journey from a military sergeant to a beloved television icon, leaving an indelible mark on both the art world and popular culture. His story highlights how diverse experiences shape individuals, influencing their paths in unexpected ways. (Image Source: Pixabay.com) What Does Bob Ross Clean His Brushes With?Hi everyone, this is Brian from Art Party Limited. Bob Ross mentioned the brush beater rack during his show, The Joy of Painting, but he never demonstrated its use. Bob Ross utilized odorless paint thinner (mineral spirits) both to thin paint and to clean his brushes. To clean them, Ross poured odorless paint thinner or turpentine into a small bucket and used a dry rag or paper towel to wipe the brush.In his show, he often referred to the Bob Ross brand of odorless paint thinner, though it isn't entirely odorless; it's more odor-compatible. In this article, I'll detail how Bob Ross cleaned his brushes during painting, emphasizing the safe methods he used. Notably, he consistently washed brushes between colors. This meticulous technique contributed to the clarity in his work, as it prevented colors from muddying together.In an upcoming course, I will break down a Bob Ross painting into three smaller projects to prepare for a larger painting in lesson five, allowing complete readiness for the final piece. In essence, while Bob's brushes might not have been perfectly clean or dry, a small amount of leftover paint or oil doesn't significantly impact the outcome.So how did Bob Ross clean his brushes? His technique involved "beating the devil out of it," enabling the thinner to disperse effectively without retaining excess. For those interested in his cleaning methods, I recommend painting in areas where you can freely beat brushes—like a studio or outside.The Bob Ross Brush Cleaner and Conditioner is also available, which can restore brushes to a like-new condition and prolong their lifespan. It's crucial to note that natural bristle brushes should never be washed with water, as it can damage them; only odorless paint thinner should be used. Brands like Speedball's Mona Lisa are also suitable.To clean brushes, dip them in odorless thinners, shake off the excess, wipe on paper towels, and then "beat" the brush on a surface. For stubborn paint, linseed oil can be effective; a quick dip in a jar can remove most fresh paint. Overall, using the appropriate techniques and products is key to maintaining Bob Ross brushes, ensuring they remain in excellent condition for painting. (Image Source:Comments
Book Notification is an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner. If you click on a book title it will take you to Amazon or your default book store where you can read more about the book or purchase it. We earn money from qualifying purchases.Bob Ross was born on October 29th, 1942. Bob passed away July 4th, 1995 at 52 years old. Bob Ross was born in Daytona Beach, USA.Bob Ross was the author of the Joy of Painting series which consists of 35 novels. The Joy of Painting series started in 1984 with the novel The Joy of Painting Volume 1. The most recently released novel in the Joy of Painting series was Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting which was released in 2017. There are no upcoming novels for the Joy of Painting series.Bob Ross also wrote the Non-Fiction Books series which has 14 books including Modern and Classic Woodburning Stoves and the Grass Roots Energy Revival and Laugh, Lead and Profit: Building Productive Workplaces With Humor.Related AuthorsThe most common authors followed by users who also follow Bob Ross are:T.M. Logan, author of the novel: Lies.Tara Westover, author of the novel: Educated: A Memoir.Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of the novel: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.Taylor Smith, author of the Mariah Bolt Series.Victoria Jenkins, author of the Detectives King and Lane Series.Bob Ross: F.A.QWhen was Bob Ross Born?Bob Ross was born on October 29th, 1942.When did Bob Ross die?Bob Ross died on July 4th, 1995 at 52 years old.Where was Bob Ross Born?Bob Ross was born in Daytona Beach, USA.What was the first book Bob Ross wrote?The first book written by Bob Ross was Muddled Meanderings in an Outhouse, published in 1972.What was the most recent book Bob Ross wrote?His most recently released work was Bob Ross: My First Book of Numbers (a short story) on October 10th, 2023.How many books has Bob Ross written?Bob Ross has written 62 books. 35 books in the Joy of Painting Series, 1 Short Story/Novella, 4 books in the Collections, 5 books in the Bob Ross Art Books, 14 books in the Non-Fiction Books, 3 books in the My First Bob Ross Books Series.Have a Question?Author Discussion Book Notification is an Amazon Associate. Book links to Amazon, eBay and other book stores are affiliate links, and we earn money from any qualifying purchases.Quickly follow any authors by searching their name in this box
2025-04-06A new generation can learn how to paint happy trees and to make happy accidents with a TV series teaching the Bob Ross-method of painting using some of the prolific artist’s work that have never been seen before.Before Ross died in 1995 from cancer, he had completed seven paintings to use in season 32 of “The Joy of Painting.”“He was so sick, but he was still working on his next series because he wanted to be able to keep going,” said Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc. Her parents, Annette and Walt Kowalski, co-founded the company with Ross.Those works were stored away for almost three decades. Certified Bob Ross instructor Nicholas Hankins has studied those seven paintings and paints them from scratch on camera in “The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins: Bob Ross’ Unfinished Season,” which started airing this spring in some markets on American Public Television. Some episodes are available on PBS’ website.The opportunity to “take these paintings. and do what Bob ultimately wanted done with them, (to) have them out in the world making people happy is gratifying” said Hankins recently over Zoom. He teaches at the Bob Ross Art Workshop and Gallery about 15 miles from Daytona Beach, and oversees instructor certification. Hankins also uses six of his own paintings in this new “Joy of Painting,” which was filmed and produced at WDSC-TV Daytona State College.“I think that Bob would be incredibly proud of how we’re doing this,” said Kowalski. “There aren’t really many things
2025-04-11Even if you’ve never stepped foot inside an art gallery or museum, chances are you’ve heard the name Bob Ross. You might also know about Bob Ross’s famous “happy little trees” or “happy little clouds.” Bob Ross, an iconic figure in the art world, left behind a legacy that transcends generations. His soothing voice, boundless creativity, and iconic afro made him a beloved public figure and household name. His beloved show, ‘The Joy of Painting’, continues to inspire and delight.To some, Bob Ross may appear as just another painter, but it’s much more complex than that. He was an artist, a teacher, and a master of a unique painting technique that captivated millions. Through ‘The Joy of Painting’, Ross invited viewers into the magic of painting and empowered everyday people to paint and create alongside him. He unlocked viewers’ imaginations and showed them a world brimming with possibilities.In this exploration of his legacy, we’ll journey through Bob Ross's early years, the magic of his show, the controversies he faced, as well as the enduring love for his paintings. What Does Bob Ross Have To Do With Landscape Photography? "Happy Little Trees" is much more than a catchy phrase. As an artist, "Happy Little Accidents" happen far more often than many would ever admit to. I grew up watching Bob Ross on television and was inspired by not only his art but his positive personality as well. As landscape photography has drifted farther from documentary style photographs and closer to the strange world of AI, many artists look to create magical, dreamy representations of their work that often resemble paintings themselves. Bob had a great eye for composition in his work and many photographers today are out looking to capture similar scenes every day. The last light of a chilly autumn day comes to a close in a kaleidoscope of color both on earth and in the sky as seen from Last Dollar Road near Telluride, Colorado. Fine Art Limited Edition of 50. ‘The Joy of Painting’ Television Series’ First Painting Up for Auction According to The Art Newspaper, the painting that was completed on air during the very first episode of ‘The Joy of Painting’ – a piece called A Walk in the Woods – has been priced at $9.85 million. The Minneapolis-based gallery Modern Artifact said that the price was intended to be a “not-for-sale-number,” and added that they hoped to take the work on tour. While A Walk in the Woods is but one of the nearly 30,000 paintings Ross allegedly created throughout his lifetime, few of the paintings have ever gone to auction. Many of the works created on his show were donated to PBS member stations,
2025-04-06The Smithsonian Museum, or have been kept by Bob Ross Inc. A Walk in the Woods was previously owned by a woman who frequently volunteered at the very station where Ross recorded his iconic television show. She had won the painting in a fundraising auction to support the station. Many of Ross’s paintings have shared this fate, and collectors say it’s difficult to know how many originals are still out there in circulation or storage.But exactly who is the man behind the Bob Ross brand, and how did one of his paintings fetch a 10 million dollar price tag? While his show didn’t take off until the mid-80s, his story begins back in the middle of the twentieth century, just as America was getting involved in World War II. Bob Ross | The Early Years The artistic virtuoso who would later become a beloved television personality came from humble beginnings that contributed to his unique approach to art. Born October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida, Ross had an early affinity for creativity. His childhood was marked by an innate curiosity and a love for nature, a trait that would greatly influence his later artistic endeavors. Growing up, Ross had a penchant for caring for injured and orphaned animals, which enriched his deep connection with the natural world. This incredible empathy and affinity for nature, coupled with an early fascination with painting, would ultimately set the stage for his future success. Tragically, his early life was not without its hardships. Ross faced much personal loss, including the passing of his father when he was just an adolescent. Despite the many challenges he faced, Ross persevered, and his passion for art only grew stronger. Ross's early art journey was formalized during his 20-year career with the U.S. Air Force, where he initially served as a medical records technician. During his service, Ross discovered the “wet-on-wet” oil painting technique, which would later become his signature method. Inspired by a show on public-access television, he began to experiment more with this technique, and it eventually became the hallmark of his artistic expression. Bob Ross | Personal Life and Family As Ross served in the U.S. Air Force and began to practice some of the artistic techniques that would come to define his career, his personal life was also evolving. Ross was married thrice in his lifetime and had two children. His first marriage was to Lynda Brown, and together, they had a son named Steve. While this marriage ended in divorce, Ross found love again with his second wife, Jane, who was a crucial figure in his life and career. Despite his fame, Ross managed to keep much of his life and personal
2025-03-29That come our way where we have to wonder, what should we do? Bob was very specific in how he wanted this whole thing to go into the future.”Hankins is a familiar face to Ross devotees. His own teaching videos posted to the Bob Ross YouTube channel drew upwards of 300,000 views before the idea of TV was ever mentioned.Kowalski is fascinated by the online response to Hankin’s videos. “People notice that Nick is not at all trying to be Bob, and he’s delivering naturally as himself and yet there’s still that same sort of feeling you get watching Bob.”A surge of interest in all things Bob Ross came out of the pandemic, when people were staying home and looking for ways to pass time. Now, with so many distractions, it can seem like there aren’t enough hours in a day to unwind and rest. If viewers don’t tune in for a painting lesson, Hankins hopes his 30-minute “Joy of Painting” episodes helps people to relax in the same spirit as the originals.“I hope I can carry that part of the legacy on,” he said. “I want to genuinely create an environment where people are going to come in, take half an hour and just turn off the world. Right now is a time we need it.”Kowalski says people used to sheepishly tell Ross “all the time” that they would fall asleep to his episodes, but he didn’t mind. “He said, ‘I love hearing that you’ve never watched a full
2025-04-09Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed sounds like the title of a true-crime parody, promising a dark and gritty take on the life of one of America’s cheeriest—and most beloved—artistic figures. Nonetheless, there’s nothing jokey about Joshua Rofé’s Netflix documentary (Aug. 25), which serves as both a loving portrait of the landscape painter who inspired millions to pick up a brush, and a disheartening exposé of the various ways in which his work, and legacy, were exploited by the selfish partners closest to him.Rofé’s film is, first and foremost, a celebration of a caring, ambitious man who rose from humble origins to become a unique (that afro!), ubiquitous presence on American public television. As recounted by his son Steve, his good friend Dana Jester, his small-screen director Sally Schenck, and his first instructor John Thamm, Ross didn’t always seem destined for stardom. Having joined the Air Force at the age of 18, Ross developed his love of painting gradually. The moment that initially changed the course of his life came when he saw Bill Alexander’s The Magic of Oil Painting on TV. Awestruck by Alexander’s skill at completing paintings over the course of a single episode via a swift wet-on-wet technique (also known as “alla prima”), Ross began training, as well as crafting his own paintings on gold miners’ pans. Before long, he had tracked down Alexander, who made him his de facto apprentice.Sex, Deceit, and Scandal: The Ugly War Over Bob Ross’ GhostRoss subsequently taught classes at some of the numerous workshops that Alexander held around the country (his television show was largely a way to steer students to his money-making program). It was there that Ross met Annette and Walt Kowalski, a couple who were smitten with the young artist. They advised Ross to strike out on his own, and in the process, they became the nuts-and-bolts businesspeople behind the Bob Ross phenomenon that would take off once they struck a deal for the PBS series (The Joy of Painting), which would run from 1983 to 1994. For a time, this arrangement worked perfectly, and everyone benefited. Yet according to the documentary, trouble was brewing, starting with Ross’ alleged affair with Annette behind the back of his second wife Jane—which Annette denies to this day—and then with the Kowalskis’ increasing demands that Ross prioritize profit ahead of everything else.(L TO R) Steve Ross, Bob Ross and Dana Jester in Netflix’s Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed Netflix" loading="lazy" width="960" height="640" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" src=" TO R) Steve Ross, Bob Ross and Dana Jester in Netflix’s Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed NetflixWhile his gift for landscapes was awe-inspiring, Ross truly became a sensation thanks to his Fred Rogers-style personality. Via copious clips from The Joy of Painting, Rofé captures his subject’s gentle, upbeat spirit. In a soothing voice that often flirted with sensuality—as if his comments to “caress” the canvas were intended to be taken in a more adult way—Ross peppered his episodes with encouraging words
2025-04-04