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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 5 of The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross features the following wonderful painting instructions: Mountain Waterfall, Twilight Meadow, Mountain Blossoms, Winter Stillness, Quiet Pond, Ocean Sunrise, Bubbling Brook, Arizona Splendor, Anatomy of a Wave, The Windmill, Autumn Glory, Indian Girl, and Meadow Stream.

13 episodes
  1. 1Mountain Waterfall

    27 minJan 2, 1985

    Bob Ross creates a tiny waterfall tucked beside a glassy lake, while surrounded by snowy majestic peaks and distant evergreens.

  2. 2Twilight Meadow

    26 minJan 9, 1985

    Crisp blue sky and lake embrace soft rolling hills and leafy trees – Bob Ross paints the stillness of evening perfectly on black canvas.

  3. 3Mountain Blossoms

    26 minJan 16, 1985

    Guest Artist Dana Jester shares with us the beauty of sweet lavender clusters nestled in the heart of a snowy winter forest.

  4. 4Winter Stillness

    27 minJan 23, 1985

    Ice cold pond, snowy-covered banks, soft hues in the sky … Bob Ross teaches us to admire the simple beauty of nature.

  5. 5Quiet Pond

    26 minJan 30, 1985

    Take a journey with Bob Ross and discover the beauty of a shimmering pool gently cradled by a soft, beautiful and bright forest.

  6. 6Ocean Sunrise

    26 minFeb 6, 1985

    Watch as the sun comes up into the golden sky and creates an illusion on the calm morning sea in this painting by guest artist Audrey Golden.

  7. 7Bubbling Brook

    26 minFeb 13, 1985

    In the evening light Bob Ross creates a fast flowing little waterfall happily running through the lush green meadow grass.

  8. 8Arizona Splendor

    26 minFeb 20, 1985

    In this brilliant southwestern scene Bob Ross portrays a unique view of nature with clear blue skies, dry mountains and graceful river.

  9. 9Anatomy of a Wave

    27 minFeb 27, 1985

    Guest Artist Joyce Ortner captures the true beauty of the ocean waves, blue and enchanting in this breathtaking seascape masterpiece.

  10. 10The Windmill

    26 minMar 6, 1985

    Bob Ross creates a proud strong windmill, standing in watch beside old farm buildings where happy little animals lay still in the night.

  11. 11Autumn Glory

    27 minMar 13, 1985

    In this landscape Bob Ross paints a far away mountain snuggled in with bright green trees and bushes mirrored in glistening waters.

  12. 12Indian Girl

    27 minMar 20, 1985

    Guest artist Ferne Sirois shares her own Native American heritage in this adorable portrait of a playful, smiling little child.

  13. 13Meadow Stream

    26 minMar 27, 1985

    Bob Ross paints a beautiful summer scene today – rushing little riverlet flowing through the luscious greenery of a cabin landscape.

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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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