Repost with final good byes!!!

I use windsor & newton water soluble oil paints. when Steve gets what he deserve, I will support . Know of at least two co. making his style palette knives. they work well.

JD (and all else who may read this) - I share your sentiment regarding the information that this documentary has exposed. I, and perhaps many others, have already known these truths long before this Netflix film. But consider this: What if no one ever watched a Bob Ross tutorial again? Or never painted one of his paintings? Just to spite Bob Ross Inc. The amazing life of the man and the gift of the artist and all he loved will be forever lost. Every one of our happy accidents, trees, mountains and clouds are a tribute to Bob and his legacy. For 38 years and counting. "Happy painting and God bless my friends" - Bob

First off, very nice work. Stones, water, rocks, etc. all done very well. On the documentary I have not watched it yet however I read the article which basically went through the same stuff as the documentary. Very sad the way Bob and Steve were treated. But don't give up painting just because BRI and the Kowalski's. If you need too change to non-BRI products. As Bob said, "painting will do great things for your heart."

Thanks for all the comments. Do u know when sometimes Bob says painting was hard for me I had to work hard at it.? Thats in reality is me. Thats the big struggle I have inside of me. Is an ethical struggle. I get Why Ross loved this. I get the joy of being able to do something like that painting. At the same time is just so wrong!!!. I have been blessed to live in Florida. I have gone to his tomb. I have gone to the shop in New Smyrna. I dont mean to make this a crying session, but I guess since I didn't know the background of all of that and was caught up on the magic of the show, I was very angry to find that out.

I watched the documentary last night, very sad state of affairs. Annette Kowalski didn't want to speak and says volumes. It seems there were a lot of others who were not prepared to speak out against her for fear of being sued too. I agree with the sentiment for no longer sponsoring BRI and the devious, money grabbing Kowalskis. They have no interest in the Joy of Painting, just the joy of lining their pockets at Bob's and Steve's expense. I have Bob Ross branded everything (brushes, palette knives, paints, liquid mediums, odourless thinners and books) and whilst I won't throw them out in disgust I won't be buying any more of their products so will be looking around for alternatives. $90K was what was needed to appeal against the last verdict and that seems a real shame as I would buy products produced by Steve in a heart beat. Perhaps he should just launch a brand without the Ross name? I'm not sure of the legalities but the Bill Alexander brand has Magic White and BRI launched with Liquid White, so why not just make another version? Alla Prima is not a technique that can be copyrighted. Neither Bill or Bob created the technique they just developed their own style for using it. I say Steve should launch with "Awesome White" or maybe "F@ck You Annette White" and crack on with it.

So true Rah. This technique is older than all of them together. It is a shame. Also its terrible as well what they did to the Jenkins. I would definitely take a class with Steve any time.

BRI’s paints suck, they fan brushes die on my too fast, and the only thing that’s really hard to find elsewhere is the 2 inch and 1 inch brush, but I did my first 40 paintings without the BR brand brushes and was doing ok.

For whatever it’s worth, I admire some of what Steve said and I can really relate.

“I’ve known so many depressed people that came out of their depression with painting and drawing.”

“It’s important to express yourself through that kind of symbolism and get out those emotions.”

“Once I started to paint again I realized I could take these emotions that I had and turn them into something.”

“But he (Bob Ross ) brought so much happiness to people and that’s what’s important.”

In 2014 I left work due to my ms. This led to a lot of isolation for me. It was and is easier to stay home than to get out. In April of 2017 my 14 month old baby girl was diagnosed with Wilms tumor pediatric cancer. Now we had to stay home because her immune system was compromised. Was a long year for us. Later that year my wife had cardiac arrest while in the hospital with her. My daughter is cancer free and my wife survived after they worked on her 28 minutes. This past year as everyone knows, was awful. More isolation.

Given the dreadful state of the world like a lot of other people, I decided to tune out the world and tune in to Bob Ross. His calm demeanor and ability to teach made me think that maybe a stick figure guy like myself could give this a try. In many ways focusing on painting over the last year has kept me distracted, eased my loneliness, and given me joy.

Was I surprised to learn he wasn’t perfect? No. Am I? Heck no. And while I am saddened to see what happened to his son I take inspiration from Steve. Towards the end of the documentary he picked up the paint brush and with a plethora of emotions started painting again.

So I’m going to pick up mine. And keep painting. And I think every single person on here whether they have been here for a few years now or one day, is an artist.

My own opinion is this. Bob didn’t give you your ability to paint and draw, God did. And the world isn’t limited to only one or two great artists. There are many. Just look at this site. How shall I honor Steve? By agreeing with what he said picking up my paint brush and thanking God that while imperfect, He used Bob Ross to keep me going.

Life is hard. And ugly. And sometimes there are rays of hope. I need to remind myself to look for those sometimes.

BTW at the art store yesterday I came across Gablin (I think it’s called) and Windsor Newton paints. Will give them a try. I pray his son one day gets what he deserves. Kudos to him and Dana.

I buy windsor Newton, water soluble oils, yes I also know two companies making palette knifes the BR style. wet on wet technique with two-inch brush , didn't start with BR, his teaching talent made it take off. I won't stop painting landscapes, I will keep posting in this community. I will not buy BRinc. items, atleast until Steve gets what he deserves. Happy painting everyone.

Thank u for that Jane. !!

Happy Island thank u for that inspiration. Thanknu for sharing all that intimate experience with us. It means a lot to hear this. Thanks

Hey everyone I got in touch today with Alexander Art. They are local for me (online but in state) and offer similar everything. I was always frustrated with the length of time it took to get product from “the other guys” anyway. They are also a tad cheaper. I don’t know about anyone else but I like Bill as well as Bob and other great artists. The more I have to learn from the better right? I’m going to give them a try on product next month. The one thing she did say was not to use paint thinner. Because of its toxicity. And I remember what the film said about his cancer. She recommended using baby wipes to clean as you go and at the end of the session using 2 parts veg oil, 1 part dawn dish soap (not ultra) and 1/2 part water or less and make a mix to clean the brushes. I removed all of my paint thinner today from my studio. BTW she was really kind and didn’t bad mouth “the other guys” once. Very courteous and professional. You can search their web site and call if need be for product info.

Have an awesome day :)

Thanks Happy Island. I have been looking at Alexander Art products too. Interesting what you said about thinners, great research and thanks for sharing!