On what would have been his 78th birthday, fans and fellow painters are honoring the life and legacy of the great Bob Ross. One of the world’s most talented and popular artists in recent history, Ross is very famous for hostingThe Joy of Paintingfor many years, teaching his techniques to aspiring painters in a calm, soothing way. Sadly, Ross was only 52 years old when he passed away from lymphoma in 1995, but even a quarter-century past his death, the legendary artist’s memory continues to shine very brightly.
Commemorating his birthday, the official YouTube account for Ross has just uploaded a tribute video forBob Ross, titled “Keeping the Bob Ross Dream Alive: Happy Birthday Bob!” The video features many Certified Ross Instructors from all over the world, all of whom continue to teach “the Bob Ross technique” to budding painters everywhere. After showcasing a large variety of painters honoring Ross by creating new artwork in his style, the video concludes with a brief clip of Ross fromThe Joy of Painting.
“God bless, and I’ll see you next time,” Ross states as he finishes up another one of his paintings.
Additionally,a Joy of Painting marathonhas also begun streaming on Ross’s Twitch channel. Along with streaming one classic episode of the show after another, the marathon will also include trivia, giveaways, and other fun moments for fans to appreciate. Those watching along can also chat with other Twitch users if you want to turn Bob’s birthday marathon into a social experience. The event also includes a sneak peek at the Bob Ross Experience, an exhibit devoted to the artist that opens in Muncie, Indiana this weekend.
Because he’s been featured prominently in different forms of media in recent years, Ross is still just as popular as ever. Ryan Reynoldsfamously spoofed The Joy of Paintingfor a scene in the 2018 sequelDeadpool 2, which was one of the most successful movies of the year. He has also been parodied on other shows likeFamily GuyandThe Boondocks. His likeness has also been used for various merchandise in recent years, such as a NECA action figure, aBob Ross: The Art of Chillboard game, and even a Chia Pet.
You can check outThe Joy of Paintingmarathon onTwitch, and to see the video tribute from the Certified Ross Instructors, you can also visit the official channel for Bob Ross onYouTube. Any aspiring painters hoping to learn the Bob Ross technique for themselves can call 1-800-BOB-ROSS to find a Certified Ross Instructor in their area, or they can visit theBob Ross official website.
