Bob Ross

Robert Norman “Bob” Ross (1942–1995) was an American painter and television host best known for PBS’s *The Joy of Painting*. Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, and raised in Orlando, he served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Alaska, where he began painting landscapes inspired by the scenery. Ross studied with painter Bill Alexander and developed a fast, accessible wet-on-wet oil technique. From 1983 to 1994, *The Joy of Painting* introduced millions to art through calm instruction and encouraging phrases. He co-founded Bob Ross Inc. to market art supplies and instructional materials. Ross died in 1995.