Ep 2. Nature's Edge

Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting was a beloved television show running from 1983 to 1994, hosted by the late artist Bob Ross. In each episode, Ross would guide viewers through the process of painting a beautiful landscape, often featuring serene natural settings such as mountains, forests, and lakes. Season 6 episode 2, entitled Nature’s Edge, is no exception. In this episode, Ross takes viewers on a journey through the beauty of nature as he paints a serene lakeside scene.

As with all episodes of The Joy of Painting, Nature’s Edge begins with Ross standing before his canvas, ready to get to work. He Starts out, taking a canvas and applying a layer of midnight black paint to the canvas. This technique is his trademark "wet-on-wet" technique that Ross is known for, wherein he applies wet paint to wet canvas. This allows the colors to mix and blend in a way that creates beautifully unique effects on the canvas. Ross explains that today, he will be using a variety of colors to depict the natural elements of a lake, including a range of blues and greens.

First, Ross begins by painting the background of the scene, with a mix of Prussian and Phthalo blue. He explains that this will set the tone for the rest of the painting, hinting at the blue waters of the lake. Then, he adds a mix of yellow ochre and cadmium yellow to create the suggestion of light reflecting off the water. Wispy strokes create the appearance of gentle waves and ripples. Ross then adds variations of blues and greens to create the illusion of mountains and trees lining the edge of the water. With each stroke, Ross carefully begins to build his landscape, painting layer upon layer.

As the painting progresses, Ross works on the details of the scene, using various brushes and techniques to create trees, rocks, and plants. He shows his viewers how to create the illusion of depth by painting parts of the landscape more heavily than others, as well as using some of the “dry brush” technique that he mastered. Ross also involves the importance of tapping and gently pushing the brush on the canvas to create intricate patterns that give the painting texture and interest.

Throughout the episode, Ross provides commentary on his technique and offers words of encouragement to viewers who may be painting along at home. He explains that painting should be a fun, relaxing experience that anyone can learn to do. He emphasizes the idea that art is about the process, not just the end result. Ross encourages viewers to experiment and play with different colors and techniques, to find what works best for them.

As the episode comes to a close, Ross puts the finishing touches on his painting, adding details to the trees, water, and plants. He explains that art, like life, is about balance and the harmony between different elements. The final result of Ross's work in this episode is a serene and beautiful painting that successfully captures the essence of nature's edge. With the finishing touches, Bob Ross signs his name proudly in the lower right-hand corner of the canvas, sending viewers off with a warm goodbye and the assurance that they too can create something beautiful.