This was my very first painting last May. I was so frustrated with how it turned out that I almost quit. I remember when I started watching Bob Ross last year how he made it look so easy. So I bought a cheap easel that always fell over when I touched it. My painting experience that day was really depressing lol. Not joyful. I had purchased a Bob Ross starter kit and decided to give it a go. My wife encouraged me to try again. So I started watching his episodes every day. I have MS and one of the things I deal with is memory issues. So it’s hard to retain what I watch and learn. So I watched them over and over and over and over.
Eventually I purchased a better easel and was painting outside in the summer. They got a little better but I always struggled with the magic white. I didn’t have a good place to paint so I just did it when it was warm.
I remember another setback. We went out of town for medical appointments and I accidentally left my expensive BobRoss brushes outside. It rained and ruined a few of them. I’m still embarrassed that I did that.
Several months later and now have a little studio that I can paint and store my equipment. But truly when he says anyone can learn to do this he is right. 2020 was an awful year for everyone and this is one thing that came out of it that was good for me. It’s a great escape and I’ve come to really enjoy it. I’ve given a few away to those who’ve really wanted them as well. Which gives me encouragement to keep going.
So if you are new and are struggling like I was, don’t give up! Keep going. I truly have found the joy with it as Bob Ross mentions.
Very inspiring story! That is so much true that Bob said that everyone can learn - fully support this too!
Hi Happy!....inspirational is an understatement, you have had to deal with a lot whilst trying to raise a large family,nice to hear you found solace in painting as many people do. Your work has come a long way since your very first painting, i was most impressed with your portfolio
Thanks for sharing your story. Isn't it amazing what painting can do for you.... It provides an escape, a source of joy and pride when we manage to paint something nice.... Happy for you and keep on painting😉🤗
Thank you! I am always amazed at everyone’s talent on this web site. Such creativity and life! I feel as though I am surrounded by great artists and teachers. A wide breadth of talent and experience. Very humbled and thankful to be here.
Thanks for you story Daniel. I have just had a look at your work and your comments are a real inspiration to me. To enjoy what you do, in the way that you do is exactly fitting for the ethos of this website. I am very new to this site but I am already enjoying the sense of community and have received some lovely comments which are a great encouragement. You should be very proud of what you have achieved and your family too. Keep up the good work!
Rah, thank you for your kind words. This indeed is a wonderful site. So thankful to have found it. You are right about the community here :)
Thank you for sharing your first painting stories. I think we all have one of those! Very glad you stuck with it because your progress is striking. You embody Bob's words. It is truly through our greatest hardships that we learn and develop as human beings.
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Thank you for the inspirational story and glad to be sharing the joy of painting with you.