The series had the remarkable effect of bringing Bob Ross back to the comfort of his home and away from his constant travels. Looking back on this partnership, Steve Ross reflected, “They gave him a fresh career, a new lease on life, really.” While their business relationship ultimately soured and ruptured due to disagreements over Ross’s rights and the use of his image following his passing in 1995, it’s crucial to remember the years when Ross thrived as the beloved face of painting on public television.
During the pilot episode of “The Joy of Painting” in 1983, Bob Ross, with the gentle and soothing tone that would define his on-screen persona, uttered, “We begin with a vision in our hearts, and we transfer it onto canvas.” This statement encapsulated the essence of Ross’s approach in the hundreds of episodes that followed. He calmly guided viewers through the steps needed to create majestic mountains, a stark contrast to his former militant self.
By the conclusion of that inaugural season, Steve had reached an age where he could join his father on-screen. At seventeen, Steve had already established himself as a talented painter. During his debut episode, the younger Ross adeptly posed thoughtful questions to his father about his artistic process and techniques. This Q&A dynamic proved to be a winning formula, earning Steve a recurring role in subsequent episodes.
However, perhaps Steve’s most significant contribution to the Ross legacy was his role as an instructor. He became a Certified Bob Ross Instructor (CRI) and followed in his father’s footsteps by traveling and helping the public discover the joys of painting. As the years passed, Steve continued to appear in “The Joy of Painting” episodes, allowing viewers to witness his evolution into a flourishing artist who was more than capable of upholding the esteemed Ross name.
