Happy Clouds and Bob Ross

Bob Ross is a modern icon for oil painters.  He specialized in scenic paintings; a lot of which was purely from his imagination. He was born and raised in Florida however after joining the US Air Force he lived in Alaska for several years.  These years spent in the mountains greatly influenced his paintings.  Bob Ross' artwork has inspired thousands if not millions of people.  He certainly inspired me when I was growing up and watching his series on PBS called "The Joy of Painting".  I have fond memories of my family watching his shows together, trying to copy his style with his "happy clouds" and "happy trees".  Ross is remembered for his saying "We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents."   When talking about his career in art, he said, "I started painting when I was little.  I didn't know I had any talent.  I believe talent is just a pursued interest.  Anybody can do what I do." Some of the pieces I've painted I've done from my imagination as well, although I know I haven't done anywhere near as many as he estimated in his life, 30,000!