He may be dead, but Bob Ross, or at least his televised image, remains one of the most popular painting instructors around. On September 8, the downtown library will host its third “Paint-Along with Bob Ross”—this time offering two sessions, because the last one in June was so popular. The AADL’s Richard Retyi expects close to 200 people to “come through and paint along with the master.”
Ross’s TV show, The Joy of Painting, first ran on PBS from 1983 to 1994 (he died in 1995). He usually painted traditional landscapes—mountains, forests, and what he called in his mystically calm voice, “happy little trees.” At Paint-Alongs, attendees follow Ross’s gentle, step-by-step instructions on large-screen TVs.
With Paint-Alongs popping up around the country, the late painter is enjoying a retro-cool moment. At BobRoss.com, you can buy painting supplies, coloring books, and T-shirts with messages like “No mistakes, only happy accidents.” At the library event, Retyi promises a “festive atmosphere,” complete with a “Bob Ross cardboard standee for people to pose next to.”
