ABOUT THE PROJECT
It was Trent's idea. We talked about it over a beer.
"Wouldn't it be cool to get a bunch of people together and paint along with a Bob Ross?"
Everyone I've met knows who Bob Ross is. He was a staple of Saturday public television during my childhood. Every Saturday I'd tune in to watch Bob transform a blank canvas into an amazing landscapes filled with "happy little trees". Episodes highlighted Bob's amazing nature as much as his signature wet-on-wet painting technique. His voice and mannerisms inspired viewers to get express themselves through painting without discouragement.
"We don't make mistakes, just happy accidents."
It's been a few years since Trent and I had that original conversation. Side projects seem to have a way of falling off of the priority list. But the fact that the project still came up in conversations over the years proved that it was still a meaningful endeavor. How will this talented group of artists translate Bob's method and instruction? Will the be able to put their own spin on things? Will a show that has two sets of eleven similar paintings be any fun to look at?
Bob was a master of his technique. That's no joke. His work might not be considered "high art" by some, but the dude could paint. His personality and stories and gentle nature flowed through the television screen. It's with great respect to Bob and his art that we gather.
He's going to put this group through its paces.
--Shon Taylor