Photo by Bob Ross Courtesy of Ball State Public Media
Ball State University has a 40-year association with the iconic Bob Ross and “The Joy of Painting” show. Hear from someone who knew the famous painting instructor, and who continues to celebrate his legacy today.
It’s been 40 years since most Americans were introduced to Bob Ross, the iconic artist with his soothing voice, friendly smile, and bushy red hair, through The Joy of Painting. This popular public broadcasting service (PBS) The painting instruction show maintains a huge fan base worldwide through its currently airing reruns.
In 1983, the show was made available to air on numerous PBS affiliate stations across the United States. By the end of the year, nearly 100 of his PBS stations were airing the show or had it picked up for airing the following year. Filmed over a decade, his 30th season of his 30-hour show was produced at his WIPB-TV studio at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. ball state PBS— is part of Ball state public mediaRoss had filmed some of the show’s early episodes on another PBS affiliate by the time he arrived at Muncie, but before 1983 the show was not widely available across the United States. did not.
It didn’t take long for it to become apparent that Bob Ross was as popular as the show. ” began to be broadcast.” Some of the show’s home-based students have decided to share Bob Ross’ painting techniques with others by becoming Certified Ross Instructors®. Celebrities such as actor David Arquette (“Scream”) have also been certified.
“Like many people, I fell in love with Bob Ross and his painting technique. I was watching,” Arquette said. “His effortless poise, brilliant skill, and general angelic nature drew me to wanting to create art like him, and to do the same for others. .”
Bob Ross died in 1995. But his legacy of positively impacting people has reached individuals through generations, through shows that are culturally relevant, and continue to stand the test of time.
Episode of “Joy of Painting”” Today, it is watched by millions of people around the world. His popularity over the decades has cemented Bob He Ross as an important cultural icon in the art world, the history of public broadcasting, and society in general.
Two people with ties to Ball State University (both who knew Bob Ross personally) share how this unique art instructor impacted them.
Chris Taylor, Associate Lecturer at Media, Senior Director of Sports Production at Ball State
When someone tells you there is something in you, you can acknowledge it and encourage it.
Chris Taylor I had a positive experience with Bob Ross. As a teenager, Mr. Taylor was one of Bob Ross’ pupils. From there my leadership improved.
Sharing what he learned from that experience is one of the ways Taylor rewards the encouragement and guidance Ross has shown him. Mr. Taylor was in middle school when he began taking lessons directly from Bob Ross. Here’s what Taylor said about Ross: during camera interview With WRTV Indianapolis reporter Ray Steele in October 2022:
“He was always encouraging. He was exactly what he was on TV. He saw something in me, and for that I am very grateful.” We have had this wonderful relationship over the last six, seven, eight, or more years of his life. Taught me, really, it’s more about life than painting.
30 years later, I Certified Ross Instructor® And it’s kind of like carrying his legacy forward. I am very, very passionate about it. ”
Taylor appeared on WRTV in Indianapolis to promote the Happy Little Fest, a festival hosted by Ball State PBS and Bob Ross. The Life and Impact of Bob Ross. The fest also marked the 50th anniversary of Ball State Public Media’s first broadcast, a milestone achieved in 2021.
Mr. Taylor was one of the Certified Ross Instructors® at Fest. He taught children the painting techniques of Bob Ross at the event.
Jim Needham, former general manager of WIPB and former professor at Ball State University
“The joy of painting” Bob Ross was a big influence on Jim Needham. Mr. Needham was the General Manager of WIPB when Bob Ross came to Muncie over 40 years ago. This resulting working relationship between the two of them eventually spurred their long-standing friendship.
“The way I was influenced as general manager gave me confidence that I could produce a production that would be appreciated by almost every station in the country,” explained Needham.
“Another thing Bob gave me was his positivity,” Needham added. “Bob had a positive attitude to everything. He was real. Off camera and on, he was. He was not a complainer. He was always He only saw what was right instead of what was wrong.He saw opportunities instead of obstacles.”
That positivity and authenticity is one of the many hallmarks of Mr. Roth’s approach to teaching on the show, guiding his painting technique and sharing much along the way.
“He had an unbridled optimism and a discipline that taught him what he needed to do when he needed it. He did it in a way that didn’t alienate his students. That discipline was a gift,” Needham said.
“Bob saw what viewers couldn’t see for themselves,” he added. “When people at home were learning to paint by looking at him, they understood how to do it and they succeeded. If you look for opportunities to create positive things, you will find that habit patterns are created.”
Soon the habit becomes second nature, Needham adds. It is about improving people’s quality of life. I hope that anyone who has seen Bob Ross on TV or knows him will get it. And it’s a gift we want to share with others. ”
Needham shared a story to illustrate his claims. At a children’s painting session at Happy His Little His Fest last fall, Mr. Needham watched Chris his Taylor teach. He saw a picture of a little boy falling downwards onto the table.
“When the little boy picked up the painting, his face looked like this,” Needham continued. “Chris said to the boy, ‘Oh, this is a great opportunity! I took it in my hand and said to the boy, “Now let’s do this…” The boy made a new drawing with Chris’s guidance, and the boy was delighted. What Chris did is what Bob would have done, and Bob would have been proud had he witnessed the exchange. No question. Seeing such happy coincidences shows in an indelible way that Bob’s spirit is alive and well within all of us. ”
