Best of the Joy of Painting

This book is filled with many painted pieces of work by Bob Ross. Beautiful, vivid, interesting canvases of his work fills the pages of this publication. But the publisher, or editor, didn’t present the ‘how to’ and techniques in color. They are a grayed out and uninteresting group of characters. I was very disappointed when I saw this. Ross brought it, but the powers that be dropped the ball on this one.

Even if you never picked up a brush. Or didn't know how to read. Anyone could get an idea from this book. Maybe it's boring to others. Maybe because he does everthing step by step. So that you can make your own creations. I have never used oils in my life. But I wanted to learn. My Grandmother was a great artist. But when she could teach me, I was to young. When I was old enough, she passed away. I hope she can look down and see. I really did enjoy what she made. Now, I can make something beautiful too. I bought this and the red cover book. Super

Good old Bob Ross! I used to watch his series in high school and his shows were great. This book conveys their tone and has the added bonus of giving us his finished landscapes to look at as long as we want. I got this book so I could see the paintings, but under his step by step instruction I've also tried my hand at creating my own---and making art this nice isn't as easy as Bob makes it look! Whether you want to use this as a how-to guide for your own time in front of a canvas, or you simply like Bob Ross' artwork, this is a friendly visit with everyone's favorite PBS guru of oil painting.

It is ironic that the best recommendation for this book comes from someone who gave it one star! Study this book and you will be able to do what Bob does... Serious growing dynamic artists will surely look beyond this book but maybe they should at least take a peek. If Van Gogh had been as loved and/or recognizable in his time as Bob Ross was, he probably wouldn't have cut his own ear off. As a nearly elderly weekend painter I heartily recommend this book. I think my only visual handicap so far is that it's time for new bifocals though the visually verbose would certainly disagree.

I have never personally been a big fan of Bob Ross, but as an art teacher who only spends 2 hrs a week with my students, I can say that this book is perfect for them. My students love his style because they can can complete a very simple, yet beautiful painting in a very short amount of time. I wouldn't recomend it for more advanced artists, but if you are not trying to win any awards, and just want to complete a quick and beautiful painting, this has a lot of great examples.

I have realy enjoyed this book. Have only been painting 5 months, but results are wonderful. Thanks, Bob RossEileen Houston, TX