Famous painter's method taught in Plains
<p>Don Dixon demonstrates the Bob Ross technique for a group of students at the Grange in Plains on Saturday, June 29.</p>
PLAINS- The legacy of Bob Ross, known worldwide as the creator and host of the popular television show “The Joy of Painting,” came to Plains on Saturday. Instructors trained in techniques used by Ross gathered with students at the Grange to put on a workshop for would be artists from Sanders County.
The workshop was divided into two groups, one painting a nature scene of mountains, trees and a lake while the other group devoted its time to creating delicate flowers on the canvas. Instructors gave tips and encouragement before going from student to student, checking on their progress.
The workshop organized by Kenton Pies of Plains brought two Bob Ross certified instructors from Stanford, MT to teach 15 students in the “wet-on-wet” technique popularized by the television show. Don Dixon and Carol Lawen spent the day familiarizing students with the user-friendly method of painting.
About ten students watched carefully as Dixon delicately applied paint to the canvas using a special tool resembling a putty knife. Dixon dragged the tool in a downward motion leaving a smear of paint that became the face of one of the mountains in the scene. The effect created a sense of texture and depth in the tranquil setting.
Dixon said he has been a Bob Ross instructor for about 12 years. According to Dixon, what makes the Ross technique special is that it allows people who ordinarily would not think they could paint discover their hidden talents.
“Bob Ross thought that anyone could paint if they had the desire,” said Dixon. “He proved it over and over again. I am a perfect example. When I was a kid in school they told me I had no talent but I did. It just took this style to prove it to myself.”
On the other side of the room, Carol Lawen took students through the steps for creating a serene painting of flowers. Delicate application of paint with thin bristle brushes resulted in subdued shades of color augmented by a background of green leaves and foliage.
Lawen and Dixon embodied the trademark personality of Ross with their calm demeanor and relaxing instruction. The comforting atmosphere created by the workshop allowed students to take their time and concentrate on producing an original work of art.
Bob Ross was the host of “The Joy of Painting” from 1983 to 1994. Ross instructed viewers in a method of oil painting known as the “wet-on-wet” technique that involves applying layer after layer of paint without allowing it to dry. Ross kept the types and amount of tools and paint simple so viewers were able to easily imitate him and to keep costs down.
Ross specialized in landscape painting, typically mountains, bodies of water and his famous catch phrase, “happy little trees.” Ross was known for his calm personality and soothing voice. His show made him famous worldwide and garnered him a somewhat cult-like following. His show is still rerun on many PBS stations to this day.