You've seen him before. He's the soft-spoken guy painting happy clouds, mountains, and trees in about 26 television minutes, using big house-painting-type brushes and cooing soothing 'you can do its' to his audience. Bob Ross' The Joy of Painting program is the most recognized, most watched TV art show in history. Millions of viewers of all ages and from around the globe still relax and unwind with Bob's gentle manner and encouraging words, captivated by the magic that takes place on canvas. 

Bob Ross was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, on October 29, 1942. He grew up in Orlando with his father, Jack, a carpenter, and his mother, Ollie, who had the largest influence on him. She taught him to love wildlife. "I think when I was a kid, I must have had every kind of pet imaginable," Bob said. At 18, Bob joined the Air Force, and after a couple of years was transferred to Alaska. Having been born and raised in Florida, Bob Ross was 21 years old when he saw snow for the first time. And yet that breathtaking Alaskan scenery, and the sights of nature in the years following, would serve as his ultimate inspiration on canvas. 

For more than 35 years, Bob Ross has transformed TV viewers into canvas champions. Folks who never thought to pick up a paintbrush before decided to paint because of Bob Ross. Bob was always proud of the fact that while art has traditionally been accessible to only a select few, his technique brings everyone to the table. 'talent is nothing more than a pursued interest," he would often say. "All you need to paint is a few tools, a little instruction, and a vision in your mind."

You’ve seen him before. He’s the soft-spoken guy painting happy clouds, mountains, and trees in about 26 television minutes, using big house-painting-type brushes and cooing soothing “you can do its” to his audience. Bob Ross’ The Joy of Painting program is the most recognized, most watched TV art show in history. Millions of viewers of all ages and from around the globe still relax and unwind with Bob’s gentle manner and encouraging words, captivated by the magic that takes place on canvas. 

Bob Ross was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, on October 29, 1942. He grew up in Orlando with his father, Jack, a carpenter, and his mother, Ollie, who had the largest influence on him. She taught him to love wildlife. “I think when I was a kid, I must have had every kind of pet imaginable,” Bob said. At 18, Bob joined the Air Force, and after a couple of years was transferred to Alaska. Having been born and raised in Florida, Bob Ross was 21 years old when he saw snow for the first time. And yet that breathtaking Alaskan scenery, and the sights of nature in the years following, would serve as his ultimate inspiration on canvas. 

For more than 35 years, Bob Ross has transformed TV viewers into canvas champions. Folks who never thought to pick up a paintbrush before decided to paint because of Bob Ross. Bob was always proud of the fact that while art has traditionally been accessible to only a select few, his technique brings everyone to the table. “Talent is nothing more than a pursued interest,” he would often say. “All you need to paint is a few tools, a little instruction, and a vision in your mind.”