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The only prerequisite is that it makes you happy. Painting in the beloved style of Bob Ross provides an opportunity to relax and unwind from a stressful day, while creating something beautiful and meaningful that can be shared with friends and family. Bob Ross’s style of painting isn’t typical. In oil painting, one waits between layers to let them dry before putting on more layers. Bob Ross however, uses a wet-on-wet style, which is painting on top of layers before drying to create more textures, and to make a quicker painting. Painting in watercolors and following along with his tutorials gives painters the freedom and control of oil paints. Bob Ross uses simple techniques, making it easy for viewers to follow along. Here are a few tips to guide you should you tune in to an episode of Bob Ross’s Joy of Painting. 1. Gather your supplies To make a Bob Ross painting in watercolors, you’ll need a few simple supplies. Here’s what you’ll need: Painting pans, tubes, or liquid watercolors — primary colors are all that’s needed, but a variety pack will give more options; Watercolor brushes — size 2 and size 6 straight brushes, size 4
fan brush, and size 2 and 5 round brushes (sizes can be substituted); (Optional) Highlighter white gouache paint — in water colors, it can be hard to use white, as it’s very transparent, so using gouache (an opaque paint that acts similar to watercolors) will help with highlights; Watercolor paper — paper designed specifically for watercolors is preferable, as other paper cannot hold the water and will fall apart; 2 small glasses of clean water and a towel — one glass to mix with the paint, another glass to clean brushes; last, you’ll need a towel to dry brushes. 2. Plan your painting Now it’s time to choose which Bob Ross tutorial to follow along. The pictures are from painting along with Season 31, episode 1 “Reflections of Calm.” To have a smoother painting experience, choosing and mixing colors beforehand is key. Especially for watercolors, the best time to add more colors and blend is when the paper is wet. The paint can be reactivated in case it dries before applying more. When this happens, it is important to cover the whole piece of paper with more water. When it is glossy but not pooling in corners, it is the right amount. Bob Ross has a few different colors, and with watercolors it will
