Joy of Painting Bob Ross Technique

The first step you will want to take is to gain some knowledge about how to use oil paints. You can just jump right in, but if you take a bit of time to learn a few tips and techniques first, you will be more successful and save a bit of your supplies. Finding affordable art classes is a difficult task, and after much searching, I chose to invest in Bob Ross's Joy of Painting DVD's for my son. He loves them and has done really well implementing the techniques Bobs lessons teach.

Bob Ross does a very good job of teaching others to paint. His shows are informative, simple to follow and help the artist feel successful with their painting. You will learn many great techniques to help you develop your artistic skills.

Beginning with an all-inclusive kit is a great way to get started with oil painting. Having the right paints, brushes, and training information all in one place will help the beginner successfully complete their first paintings, while also allowing them to discover what other tools they will want to acquire.

This is the approach I took with my son and it worked out really well. From starting with a kit, he was able to jump into the lessons and learn how to paint various elements like mountains, trees, rivers and clouds. He had all the supplies necessary, but what it did do was help us to see what he uses more of so we could invest in larger quantities of those items. A great example of this is Bob Ross' liquid white for painting on the canvas before painting. Kits are a great way to go. I highly recommend them.

For the most ease in painting, certain accessories are needed. One thing you will really want to use is an easel. Weather it is a table top easel or one that stands on the floor, you will enjoy the ease with which it allows you to paint.

A good brush cleaning system is important as well. You will be using many different colors with a variety of brushes and being able to clean them quickly, and efficiently is important. We have learned this the hard way. The brush beater rack is so helpful!

You have a choice between flat panels or stretched canvas. It's really a matter of personal preference. For beginner painters, I recommend the flat panels, in smaller sizes. It is nice to have the smaller canvas's (like 5x7 or 8x10) for practicing the different elements. With Bobs lessons, you will learn how to paint trees, or mountains etc, and to use a small canvas for the technique is great. Flat panels also take up less room when you store them.

I also recommend buying multi-packs rather than one canvas at a time. A lot of times they are cheaper if you buy them in a pack.