Artist Bob Ross may not be painting happy, little trees on Earth anymore, but his spirit is everywhere — especially in Moscow.
Vandal Entertainment will host a paint night in honor of the charismatic creator 7 p.m. Wednesday in the University of Idaho Bruce Pitman Center.
Many found inspiration in Ross through his PBS show, “The Joy of Painting.” He decided to teach people to paint after he found his passion for art through the United States Air Force.
Ross taught many to believe in their artistic stills and remains a major icon.
Despite dying in 1995, his legacy lives on, especially through such events like Bob Ross Style Paint Night, which is hosted by Wild at Art.
Lindsay Trombly | Argonaut
Wednesday’s event is free for those with a Vandal Card, pizza is included and space is limited. However, the painting fun is limitless. We will all be painting happy little trees, or whatever else we can with full stomachs and friendly faces.
As Bob Ross’s No. 1 fan and a painting enthusiast, myself, I suggest you attend this event.
I’ve gone the last few years with friends and it’s one of my favorite annual events.
During the event, I feel equal to my non-artist friends and even close to Ross, himself.
Honestly, you don’t have to be artistic to attend.
Whenever I bring my friends, who don’t consider themselves artists, they have just as much fun as I do.
At the event, everyone is an artist, and again, there’s no experience needed.
Once the canvas is in front of you, paints selected and brush in hand, just let loose and channel your inner Ross. His inspiration will guide you along the way as you follow the prompt provided or utilize your own imagination.
Every year the painting prompt is different. My first piece was an impressionistic blue sky, while last year it was a sunset featuring a tree.
But most of the time students don’t even follow the prompt, and it’s actually encouraged not to, so your creativeness can shine through.
Painting whatever is in your heart isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it actually makes the event more fun, showcasing everyone’s different backgrounds. However, we are all brought together by Ross’s love for painting — and our own.
Wednesday’s event is a great way to reduce stress, anxiety and take your mind off of academic life for a little while.
Creating art recharges your batteries and puts your brain to work as you put paint on a fresh canvas, which is a good thing for all UI students regardless of major or artistic ability.
Whether you’re a biology major or an art major, attend Bob Ross Style Paint Night. Take a break from textbooks and instructors, as well as for yourself — everyone should take time to do art and enjoy it.
Channel your inner Ross, and let his inspiration fuel your artistic visions. By the night’s end, I promise you, too, will become an artist.
Lindsay Trombly can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @ lindsay_trombly