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The Joy of Painting

  • TV-G
  • 1983–1994
  • 31 seasons
  • Family, Documentary
  • 8.5

We don’t make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.

The Joy of Painting was an American television show hosted by painter Bob Ross that taught its viewers techniques for landscape oil painting. Although Ross could complete a painting in half an hour, the intent of the show was not to teach viewers "speed painting". Rather, he intended for viewers to learn certain techniques within the time that the show was allotted. The show began on January 11, 1983, and lasted until May 17, 1994, a year before Ross' death.

Episodes

Season 21 of The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross features the following wonderful painting instructions: Valley View, Tranquil Dawn, Royal Majesty, Serenity, Cabin at Trails End, Mountain Rhapsody, Wilderness Cabin, By the Sea, Indian Summer, Blue Winter, Desert Glow, Lone Mountain, and Florida’s Glory.

13 episodes
  1. 1Valley View

    27 minSep 5, 1990

    This beautiful lake in the glen will leave you fully rested and at peace with the world; Bob Ross creates a quiet mountain masterpiece.

  2. 2Tranquil Dawn

    27 minSep 12, 1990

    Join Bob Ross on a warm winter morning, the surroundings still undisturbed by Nature’s little creatures; enjoy the freshness of a new day not yet awake.

  3. 3Royal Majesty

    27 minSep 19, 1990

    Travel with Bob Ross to a secluded waterfall deep in the mountains, standing tall and proud. This magnificent scene instills comfort and joy.

  4. 4Serenity

    26 minSep 26, 1990

    Breaking the silence of a misty morning is a rippling brook through the forest. Join Bob Ross as he takes you to this favorite escape.

  5. 5Cabin at Trail's End

    27 minOct 3, 1990

    Take a leisurely hike down a weathered pathway with Bob Ross and happen upon an old cabin; create a beautiful oval painting you can be proud of.

  6. 6Mountain Rhapsody

    27 minOct 10, 1990

    Experience the blissful pleasure of the coldest season under a splendid pastel sky with Bob Ross; enjoy this fabulous mountain masterpiece.

  7. 7Wilderness Cabin

    27 minOct 17, 1990

    Paint along with Bob Ross and discover the beauty of a secluded log home with only quiet pond and rustic trees for companionship.

  8. 8By the Sea

    27 minOct 24, 1990

    Come visit the coast with Bob Ross and paint a glorious ocean-scape; enjoy the solitude and gentle rhythm of the waves caressing the shoreline.

  9. 9Indian Summer

    28 minOct 31, 1990

    Paint along with Bob Ross and discover what autumn beauty unfolds as those exotic orange and gold colors appear on canvas.

  10. 10Blue Winter

    27 minNov 7, 1990

    Travel with Bob Ross to the middle of winter, where shades of indigo create the stark reality of the season. You’d better bundle up for this one!

  11. 11Desert Glow

    26 minNov 14, 1990

    Follow along with Bob Ross as he takes you into the incredible beauty of the dry lands. A unique oval painting for beginners and accomplished artists as well.

  12. 12Lone Mountain

    27 minNov 21, 1990

    Travel with Bob Ross and enjoy a spectacular view -- this painting presents a fabulous lesson in creating rugged and rocky natural surfaces.

  13. 13Florida's Glory

    27 minNov 28, 1990

    Bob Ross presents an intriguing painting with an outline of the ‘sunshine state’, and then creates a lovely beach setting within the borders.

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Availability from JustWatch, via TMDB. Full listing for United States

Series cast

Bob RossSelf - Host403 episodes
Steve RossHimself13 episodes
Dana JesterHimself3 episodes
Dorothy DentHerself1 episode
Diane AndréHerself1 episode
Audrey GoldenHerself1 episode
Joyce OrtnerHerself1 episode
Ferne SiroisHerself1 episode
Ben StahlHimself1 episode
John ThammHimself1 episode
Annette KowalskiHerself1 episode

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