Ep 1. Misty Rolling Hills

Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting Series season 8 episode 1, titled "Misty Rolling Hills", takes viewers on a journey through a serene and peaceful landscape. Bob Ross, the beloved painter and instructor, begins the episode by welcoming his viewers and introducing the tools and techniques he will use to create the stunning painting of the misty valley ahead.

As usual, Bob starts with the canvas primed and ready to go. He begins by using a 2" brush to create a base layer of white over the entire canvas, leaving just a few unbrushed spaces for the upcoming mountains. Once the base layer is dry, Bob begins to create the outline of the mountains with a mixture of Alizarin Crimson and Phthalo Blue. The mountains are quickly brought to life with Bob's signature wet-on-wet techniques, which blend the colors seamlessly and create the illusion of texture.

Bob then moves on to the misty valley below, using a combination of Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, and just a hint of Phthalo Blue to give it the appearance of being lost in the fog. The effect is truly mesmerizing, as the valley seems to stretch on for miles, with rolling hills and distant trees fading into nothingness as they disappear into the mist.

Next, Bob sets his attention to the foreground of the painting, working on a meandering stream that flows through the middle of the valley. The stream is created using a combination of Van Dyke Brown and Titanium White, with just a dash of Sap Green to give it some depth and complexity. Bob uses the same wet-on-wet technique as before, blending the colors together until they form a beautiful, lifelike stream that looks like it could be flowing right off the canvas.

As the painting nears completion, Bob starts to add the finishing touches that really bring the whole piece together. He uses a small knife to add details to the mountains, such as rocky outcroppings and craggy cliffs, and he adds some tree trunks and branches around the edges of the canvas to give the impression of a densely wooded forest.

Throughout the episode, Bob's calming voice and easy-going demeanor make it clear why he's captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. His simple yet effective painting techniques make it seem like anyone can pick up a brush and create something truly beautiful, and his love for nature is evident in every stroke.

By the end of "Misty Rolling Hills", viewers are left with a breathtaking painting that captures the majesty and tranquility of the natural world. Bob's ability to create something so incredible in just a half-hour episode is a testament to his talent, and his legacy as a painter and instructor lives on to this day.