MUNCIE — Many of us are spending more time at home, and thanks to relaxed data caps, we’re able to stream just about any show we want. However, if you’re looking to take a break from all things pandemic, you might want to check out a Hoosier classic: Bob Ross’ “The Joy of Painting.”
“The Joy of Painting” series began in 1983 and ran until 1994 for a total of 31 seasons. Every season, with the exception of the first, was shot at WIPB-TV on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie.
Former Channel 6 anchor Barbara Lewis spoke with Bob Ross about the show in 1990.
“I only paint for one person when I’m painting, and that’s the person who is on the other side of that camera,” Ross said. “That person is very special to me. I care about that person.”
Anyone that’s seen the show is probably familiar with Ross’ calm and relaxing tone while painting. But the art wasn’t the only reason viewers watched.
“There’s a lot going on besides painting, and I think people are aware of that and they enjoy that. The letters that we get don’t always talk about the painting,” said Ross.
“Believe in yourself. You can do anything that you believe you can do, but you have to believe. We try to teach people through painting, that if you can see it here [points at head] and you can believe that you can do it, that you can put it right up here on this canvas.”
