Bob Ross is Boss for Generations to Come...

Bob Ross is best known as the host of the public television series 'The Joy of Painting', in which he creates a beautiful painting right before our eyes in a heart-warming half hour segment completed in real-time. Encouraging his viewers to follow along on their own, Bob instructs even the most novice hobby painters and aims to prove that painting is not just for snobs or elitists.

Using his wet-on-wet oil painting technique, he guides his viewers with his soft-spoken instruction through a step-by-step process to create harmonious landscapes similar to his. But what I find interesting is a vast majority of viewers are not painters, and do not paint along upon viewing the program. I never did… I would be inspired as a second grader to paint after the program ended, using Rose Art watercolors and computer paper; but what’s so appealing about watching someone else paint? Yet, ever since I was a child I’ve been mesmerized by Ross’s masterful works, encouraging words of wisdom, and quirky 80’s sayings.

The program aired 1983-1995, and still appears as reruns in many broadcasted areas. As Bob Ross welcomes you to the show you are taken into a world where only you the viewer, Bob, and the canvas exist. Using only his supplies and products he begins by brushing mere hues of color into the canvas, and within minutes you are transported to a calming landscape and state of mind that only Bob can convey. I think that viewers get a sort of emotional release just from watching this man paint. They are elevated to a form of relaxation and wonder for a mere 30 minutes, as Bob encourages the audience to lay down “happy little trees” and “lil buggers” where ever they please.

He repeatedly stated on the show his belief that everyone had inherent artistic talent and could become an accomplished artist given time, and practice, and was often fond of saying, “We don’t make mistakes, we just have happy little accidents.” All this encouragement feels good… even when you’re not participating!

Bob Ross has built his fortune off his instructional videos, books, and painting sets and supplies, but donated his show to public television. Bob Ross historian and former business associate Annette Kowalski (along with her husband Walt and their daughter) presently run Bob Ross Incorporated from the quiet suburbs of Washington, D.C. People clamor for his books and videotapes, his brushes and paints, his discarded drop clothes. What kind of easel does he use? What's gesso? They want to know everything, and they're prepared to put it all down on their Discover card.

The Bob Ross empire leverages no small degree of delicate sorrow from its participants: often audience members fall in love with Ross before they realize he's been dead since 1995. Viewers who maintain emotionally wrenching, co-dependent television relationships with him latch onto him even harder once they discover he's "not here" any longer. They simply cannot let go- thus causing a sort-of cult following.

Nearly 15 years after his death, Bob Ross is still an icon of afternoon public television. And as one generation of viewers and amateur painters grows older, it looks like the next might be ready to embrace his eclectic charm and encouraging rhetoric.

Just this past week on Thursday April 2nd, fans of Bob Ross were able to come together for “Beat The Devil Out Of It” - Bob Ross tribute party in New York City at Gallery bar on 120 Orchard Street. This event consisted of a look-a-like contest, a $1 raffle with exclusive Bob Ross brand products, lessons in painting "happy trees," and a special performance featuring the Boss Ross tribute dance troupe Titanium White Hot Dancers, plus a gallery of Bob Ross-inspired artwork! Holy shit, right?

The event organizers gave all proceeds to an organization that helps teenagers living in shelters pursue art by promoting creativity, "as a means of transforming lives, just as Bob Ross believed." And I’d like to think he'd be very proud.

So not only is there a following still coming together to honor Ross the Boss but I recently discovered that Bob’s ethics and masterful skills are being sought by a younger generation- on a virtual level. Back in April of 2006, news broke that a Nintendo DS, Wii, and PC games based on The Joy of Painting were in the works. Little was known about the games except that they were scheduled to be developed by AGFRAG Entertainment Group, a small studio largely concentrating on PC flash games.

Unfortunately, the game is currently in limbo. On the Bob Ross Game Yahoo Group, which the developers used to keep gamers up to date on the project, the following message was posted:

"AGFRAG is no longer involved in the development of ANY Bob Ross Game. Please contact Bob Ross Inc. for further information. Thank You."

So that’s a bummer… hopefully the happy virtual trees, mountains, and clouds will someday come into existence, but while it is possible that another developer may hop onboard, Bob Ross Inc. would be hard pressed to find another taker for what looks to be a merely cult project.

I thoroughly enjoy watching The Joy of Painting even if I’m not painting along, and I would love to play it in video game form as well, but I believe Bob Ross’s peaceful demeanor and appreciation for art and life is an example for all mankind to follow for generations to come.

I find “The Joy of Painting” therapeutic, humorous, and highly entertaining for adults and children of all ages. I recommend that everyone should become regular viewers. So Join Bob Ross on Chicago’s Create channel that airs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. http://www.createtv.com/CreateProgram.nsf/vProgramsByNola/BJOY?OpenDocument&Index=
And Bob Ross products, merchandise, instructional videos and books can be found on: http://www.bobross.com