About
Beloved American painter, art instructor, and television host who created and hosted the iconic public television series The Joy of Painting from 1983 to 1994. Known for his soothing baritone voice, distinctive permed hairstyle, and philosophy of happy little accidents, he became an enduring worldwide cultural icon of artistic creativity and gentle encouragement.
Before Fame
Enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 18 and served for twenty years, reaching the rank of master sergeant while stationed in Alaska, where the snow-covered mountains heavily influenced his signature wet-on-wet oil painting style.
Trivia
Painted an estimated 30,000 paintings throughout his lifetime, and famously recorded his entire 31-season television series for PBS without taking a salary, building his business through art supplies and how-to books instead.
Family Life
Son of Jack and Ollie Ross. He had one son, Robert Stephen Steve Ross, who is also a talented painter and occasionally appeared on The Joy of Painting.
Associated With
Learned the wet-on-wet oil painting technique from German painter Bill Alexander before developing his own widely recognized instructional method.
