Bob Ross’ painting tutorials are ideal for teaching beginners and non-beginners alike. His positive energy was cheery and infectious, which makes his teachings calming and effective. His videos are still available online, free to watch and enjoy. Here are the five best Bob Ross tutorials to help improve your painting skills this fall.
The Grandeur of Summer
The Grandeur of Summer is a one-hour Joy of Painting special where Ross recreates a mountain scene with a lake below. Because there is extra time, he deep dives into technique and different tool descriptions. Whether it’s your first time painting or your millionth, you’re sure to learn something new.
Distant Mountains
Distant Mountains is the first episode of season 14, and it features Ross instructing on another mountainscape, this one with a pathway around a large lake. It’s a great beginner painting tutorial because the composition is simple, and he teaches you how to paint foliage using the 1-inch flat brush and fan brush. The video also shows you how to use the knife for the mountains, so you become more adept with your tools.
Final Reflections
Final Reflections was the season one finale episode, where Ross invites his son Steve to the studio. Steve reads viewer questions asking about specific painting techniques, and Ross answers while he paints. It’s like an FAQ for painting, and it’s a great episode for learning more.
Ocean Sunrise
Ocean Sunrise is one of the more unique Ross episodes, as he invites his friend Audrey Golden to visit. Her work has a different feel than much of his, but she paints one of the most beautiful sceneries. Having the perspective of another painter can also help you learn some new brush strokes to add to your repertoire.
Northern Lights
The most stunning Bob Ross painting tutorial is Northern Lights, a scene depicting the aurora borealis over the mountains. Below the skyline is a snowy cabin landscape. Most of the wintery scenery uses fairly basic techniques, and Ross focuses his teaching on the colorful swirling skies.
Looking to learn more new things this season? Check out The Palmer blog.