Happy Throwback Thursday! Today we’re featuring the year 1983 – the year Bob Ross’ The Joy of Painting started airing on PBS!
In January 1983, television audiences were introduced to one of the most soothing and beloved shows ever to grace public broadcasting: The Joy of Painting, hosted by the soft-spoken artist Bob Ross. Over the next decade, Ross would teach millions of viewers how to create “happy little trees,” snowy mountains, and peaceful lakes—while reminding everyone that there were no mistakes, only “happy accidents.”
Ross’s road to art stardom was anything but traditional. He dropped out of high school and joined the U.S. Air Force at age 18, serving for 20 years and rising to the rank of master sergeant. Stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, he was inspired by the snow-covered peaks and serene landscapes that would later become staples of his paintings. During his time there, he took an art class at a local U.S.O. club—and a lifelong passion was born.
While working as a part-time bartender, Ross discovered The Magic of Oil Painting, a show hosted by German painter Bill Alexander, who used the centuries-old “wet-on-wet” technique to complete paintings in under 30 minutes. Ross mastered the method and began selling his own Alaskan landscapes, even painting them on gold-mining pans for tourists. When his art income surpassed his military pay, he retired in 1981—vowing never to raise his voice again after years of barking orders.
After studying under Alexander, Ross struck out on his own with the encouragement of Annette Kowalski. Together, along with their spouses, they founded Bob Ross Inc. in 1983. His trademark permed hair—now iconic—was originally a money-saving decision. That same year, a Virginia PBS station aired a pilot of The Joy of Painting, and it quickly spread nationwide.
Filmed in Muncie, Indiana, the show reached more than 93 million homes and inspired generations of painters. Ross filmed entire seasons in just two days, creating three versions of each painting: one before taping, one on-air, and one for his instructional books. He never accepted payment for the show itself, instead earning his living through art supplies, books, and workshops.
Today, Bob Ross remains a cultural icon. All 403 episodes of The Joy of Painting are available on YouTube, and there’s even a 24-hour Bob Ross Channel streaming his timeless lessons. Though he painted an estimated 30,000 works, originals rarely appear for sale—Ross never wanted his art to be about profit. Still, in 2023, his first-ever TV painting, A Walk in the Woods, went on the market for $9.85 million.
Forty years later, The Joy of Painting continues to remind us all that creativity, kindness, and a calm voice can change the world—one “happy little tree” at a time.