Ep 13. Northern Lights

In season 8, episode 13 of Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting Series, viewers are treated to an incredible display of vibrant colors as Bob Ross paints the stunning Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Throughout the episode, he skillfully guides viewers through the process of capturing the elusive dance of the lights as they play across the night sky.

As with all episodes of The Joy of Painting, Bob Ross begins by setting a calming, meditative tone through his soothing voice and gentle demeanor. In this episode, he recommends a few colors for viewers to gather before they begin, including Prussian blue, sap green, midnight black, and a few other shades he notes will be useful along the way.

Once Bob Ross has prepared his canvas with a thin layer of liquid white paint, he begins the process of creating the backdrop for the Northern Lights. With his trademark technique of blending paint with a bristle brush, Ross quickly brings to life a beautifully atmospheric sky. He works the brush back and forth, adding clouds and depth to the painting before moving on to the next step.

As the painting progresses, Ross introduces some new techniques that viewers might not have seen before. One such technique involves using a flat fan brush to achieve a textured look in the sky, which he then softens with a large blending brush. Another technique Ross employs involves using a smaller brush to create a subtle contrast in the sky, which he then enhances with a light touch of paint.

As the painting takes shape, Ross continues to weave in tips and tricks for his viewers. He advises them on how to mix colors to create a more natural look, how to use the brush to change the focus of the painting, and how to blend colors to create the appearance of distant mountains and trees.

Perhaps the highlight of the episode is when Bob Ross begins to paint the stars and the Northern Lights themselves. With a steady hand and a keen eye, he carefully adds bright points of light to the sky, each one seeming to twinkle against the dark backdrop. He then uses shades of purple, pink, and yellow to create the majestic patterns of the Northern Lights, carefully blending them to create that signature shimmering effect that is so mesmerizing to behold.

Throughout all this, Ross maintains his easygoing, reassuring presence, never making viewers feel as though they are "doing it wrong" or "not good enough." Instead, he gently encourages them to keep going, to experiment, and to enjoy the process of painting without worrying too much about the end result.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left with a sense of awe and inspiration. Not only have they been treated to an exquisite painting of the Northern Lights, but they have also been reminded of the beauty of nature and the joy that can come from creating something with their own hands.

Overall, season 8, episode 13 of Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting Series is a true gem of a show. With its calming pacing, expert guidance, and beautiful results, it is sure to inspire anyone who watches it to pick up a paintbrush and start creating.