Every one adores the softspoken artist painting a beautiful picture in 30 minutes. Although Bob has passed away, his gift lives on with public television to a worldwide audiance. You too can learn to oil paint like Bob Ross by taking classes from a certified instructor.

I am a CRI, Certitified Ross Instructor; CRFI, Certified Ross Floral Instructor; and a CWI, Certified Wildlife Instructor. I teach Landscape, Seascape, Floral and Wildlife classes. I have advanced training in Seascape and Floral techniques. I'd like to prepare you for learning the Bob Ross tecnique. It is not complicated and your certified instructor will walk you through, step by step.

Bob Ross was not only an artist, he also developed tools and paints that differ from the typical supplies in order to enable anyone to oil paint. It is critical you use Bob Ross supplies and not mix them with others to paint fabulously and quickly.

The Bob Ross technique is a wet on wet style. Special primed, stretched canvas with the perfect tooth is prepared with one of the liquid bases. This allows his specially formulated paints to float on the canvas. Specially designed brushes are loaded using different techniques for the desired effect. You will be amazed how these brushes work for you!

Do not mix paints! Bob developed these paints to work with his technique. Standard oil paints will not give you the results you are expecting. Floral and wildlife paints are even softer to blend in various textures so your image emerges from the canvas.

The Bob Ross knives are unique. Did you know a cabin lives within the blades? Knives are used for blending and marbelizing paints, for creating buildings, tree bark, pathways, rocks and so much more. Bob even painted entire pictures using only his knife!

Bob Ross odorless thinner is made to work with these brushes and paints. Other brands can ruin your brushes so beware. The cleaning bucket has a special screen to remove paint. And a rack that fits inside a trash can lets you smack the thinner off the brush just like Bob does on his easel.

Various easels are available ranging from travel, tabletop and a two in one floor model. They are a great investment and again are integral to this technique.

Some extra supplies are a big help, such as Viva paper towels as they are lint free. Cut full size sheets into quarters or half size sheets into halves. You will need a nice sized stack for each painting. Babywipes are excellent for getting paint off your skin, as is lava soap. Blue Dawn liquid dish soap (not ultra) will get wet paint out of your clothing. Freezer paper or a piece of canvas will protect your work space.

Supplies can be found at craft stores, from your instructor, from the company, online and here on eBay. The company can refer you to a Certified Ross Instructor or inquire at national chain craft stores. You can study to become a certified instructor in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, as well as many destinations around the world. NSB is the only location with 52 of Bob's originals on display.

Join millions of Bob Ross enthusiasts and Happy Painting!