Ep 8. The Old Oak Tree

In this episode of Bob Ross - The Joy of Painting, titled The Old Oak Tree, Bob Ross takes us through the process of painting a stunning landscape featuring a majestic old oak tree. As always, he begins by preparing his canvas with a layer of gesso and applying a background wash of Prussian blue and a touch of black.

Bob then moves on to the main subject of the painting - the old oak tree. Using a combination of fan brushes and a small detail brush, he effortlessly creates the bark texture of the tree and adds depth with a touch of burnt umber. He emphasizes the highlights on the bark with a lighter shade of the same color. Next, he moves to the tree's foliage. Starting with a deep green hue, he creates the canopy by adding layers of lighter greens and highlights using a fan brush.

After creating the tree, Bob moves on to the background of the painting, adding distant trees and hills to create depth. He uses a combination of colors, including blues, purples, and greens, to show the depth of the forest. Next, he uses a fan brush to create bushes and shrubbery around the old oak tree. He adds dimension to the bushes with a touch of yellow ochre, highlighting the tips of the shrubs with a brighter shade of the same color. He then creates a small stream running through the woods using a mixture of blues and greens.

To finish off the painting, Bob adds a few final touches, including a small path leading up to the old oak tree and some highlights on the stream using white paint. He also uses a small detail brush to add a touch of swirling motion to the water. Finally, he signs his masterpiece in the bottom corner of the canvas.

Throughout the episode, Bob's calming voice and laid-back approach to painting make for a soothing and enjoyable experience. His ability to create stunning landscapes with ease and simplicity is truly inspiring, and it's no wonder he has become a beloved figure in the world of art. Whether you're a seasoned painter or a newcomer to the craft, The Old Oak Tree is sure to leave you feeling inspired and eager to pick up a paintbrush and begin creating.