The Joy Of Painting

[naomi24]

The joy of painting

This is an old programme but one I’ve just happened upon. For anyone who would like to have a go at painting - or even for those who already paint - it offers a lot of great techniques and advice - and it’s enjoyable. Just a little recommendation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Joy_of_Painting

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000hjkv

[wolf63]

Bob Ross ♥

[naomi24]

Nice man, wasn't he wolf.

[wolf63]

He was so calm and informative.

There was a biography youtube video of him.

I still can't paint.

[Ellipsis]

Thanks, naomi, I think Mrs E will be interested ...

[Atheist]

I really like to watch Bob Ross. He's been criticised on AB before for being kitsch, chocolate-boxy etc, and I agree. But I am sure that he must have persuaded lots of people to have a go at painting, and being able to watch him dabbing and splashing must be an inspiration for someone who'd never thought of trying it before. Painting isn't some god-given highbrow activity, it's what ordinary people can do and enjoy, regardless of what art critics might think. I doubt if many art critics actually paint.

[rowanwitch]

However, it's really just an exercise in selling the associated range of paints and brushes.
I know tastes differ but his system to me is painting production and definitely not art. Clever, as if you slavishly follow his method you will get a reasonable result.
Not something that would get past an art tutor.

[Mozz71]

I think you're missing the point Rowan. It's not meant to be high art, nor does it allude to be. It's painting from scratch for people who have never touched a brush. It's kind of an art shpw equivalent of a Delia cookery show. Plus Bob Ross was fantastic. Hard to believe he used to be a drill sergeant before he was famous.

[Patsy33]

I've recently had a go at painting. I must find this programme sometime.
I do remember it vaguely.

[davebro]

Where's Ken!

[rowanwitch]

I suppose it's a step up from paint by numbers. I am sure a lot of people take great pleasure in it, but sadly local art shows are swamped by the efforts of his devoted followers.

[Theland]

Naomi, I love this programme, and even a Philistine like me managed to paint a few half decent pictures that I found very therapeutic.
The icing and cherry on the cake was my family liking them.
(Maybe they were telling porkies:-)

[david small]

I’ve been following Bob for years. I’ve got all of his brushes, all of his oil paints, his magic white, his large pallet. Unfortunately not his talent. My mountains are passable, my happy little clouds are OK. Tree’s not bad, but mountainous landscapes get tedious after a while, with or without a happy hut. Lovely man, calming, and a good teacher. Sorely missed. Incidentally, his hair was actually not curly, but it became his trademark. He hated it.

[Atheist]

Rowan, I don't think it matters if it gets past art tutors or not. If kids and adults get the yen to have a go, then that's good. Do you remember Adrian Hill and other 'introducers' to painting? I think it's all good.

[Vagus]

It’s one of the most boring things on tv, in my opinion.
I dislike him and find him somewhat supercilious, and his ‘art’ I don’t class as art at all, it’s almost like painting by numbers.
It obviously has its place for some people, but not for me.

[Atheist]

Do you paint at all, Vagus?

[naomi24]

Hardly close to painting by numbers Rowan. I don’t think that’s fair at all, but I have to say I didn’t realise you were such an authority.

I hope it encourages others anyway.

(I love mountain landscapes. My artist friends call me ‘the rock chick’).

[Atheist]

He does show how to fiddle with a brush and some paint to create pleasing effects. I don't think he claims to be an artist. He's probably happy to leave that to people like Hirst and Emin. I much prefer people playing with paint than those who try to make loadsamoney being clever. That's just me; others love art.

[Vagus]

I do paint, have done numerous courses, and paint a lot by myself.
I don’t do landscapes, I find them uninspiring, I much prefer colour, liveliness, splashing paint around.
We’re all different, he just doesn’t do it for me. I don’t even think he’s very talented, despite what lots of other people think.
I think that’s unfair to say about Rowan, Naomi, she doesn’t profess to be an expert.

[Atheist]

Vagus; I think that 'art' is now defined by what monetary value people are prepared to set on something with no practical use. That's great fun for those seeking money (although very few will succeed). I don't care about 'art' - I think that if people want to paint or draw or tinker with maths or writing then good luck to them. If such activities satisfy their ambitions and give them pleasure then that is good. If they want to make money, then good luck to them. If not, then good luck to them. Why express negative opinions about someone's work, if they are working to please themselves?

[Atheist]

Vagus, I can't paint landscapes, not can I paint abstracts. Portraits is what give me pleasure.