For those of you that have already been ushered into knowing the wonder that is Bob Ross, I commend you on your excellent taste, and you may already know what I'm about to say. For those who don't know, though, let me give you a small hint into his teachings - it may change your life.
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If you're anything like me, you probably use a streaming service like Netflix for a lot of your entertainment. If so, you may have come across shows like Bob Ross: Beauty Is Everywhere," and my personal favorite, "Chill with Bob Ross" while browsing for something to watch. Bob Ross, the show's eponymous star, is a master with a paint brush, using oils to create landscape masterpieces effortlessly every single time. His show aired from 1983 to 1994, and since, he has risen from a TV personality to an internet star. Next time you come across his program, I implore you just to watch one episode - you'll see what I mean. There's even a YouTube channel dedicated to some of the show's earlier seasons with over 500 videos to choose from. Not swayed? On top of that, when when the painting gets monotonous, Bob introduces us to the recently rescued squirrel or baby deer that he cares for and releases into the wild.
Through his exquisite oil painting, small furry rescue animals, and deep, soft, tenor voice that hits you in the center of the chest, Bob Ross manages to impart the smallest but most vital pieces of wisdom. His particular brand of kindly, fatherly wisdom can be taken as lessons to apply to our daily life.
Now somewhat of an internet celebrity (you've seen the memes), he comes to us in many forms, but always teaching the same principles through the medium of instructional painting. I have witnessed a wave of Bob Ross enthusiasts across the internet and also throughout my circles of friends - whole groups of people in stunned silence, hanging on his every word. If that isn't storytelling and teaching at its best, just remember he’s painting in real time, and each and every one is a masterpiece. Don't believe me? Then I suggest you follow along with Bob, as he's kind enough to list his different paint colors at the start of every episode.
Wise words from a wise man. There's nothing quite like an evening spent drawing, writing and generally doing menial tasks around the house with Bob Ross on in the background. When these things become tiring, arduous, or just stop working, I will glance up and be soothed by the way he creates perfect mountains from imperfect brush strokes. If you are still not persuaded to check out what he has to offer, then maybe just start small. Every episode during the painting, a brush cleaning is necessary. This involves getting excess fluid off the brush by beating it.
Or as Bob Ross puts it:
His childlike giggle and the look of pure and unbridled happiness on his face are a sight to behold, and one everyone I know finds it both hilarious and heartwarming.
Maybe we all could benefit from a little more happiness and beauty from Bob Ross - a man so enthralled by the joy of painting - in our lives? His words have such truth and positive energy to them.Truly, I implore you all to take half an hour of your day to smile and be amazed. I will leave you with a few of my favorites.
