What Would Happen if I Watched the Bob Ross Channel Every Day?

My fellow blogging friend, Richard, reminded me of my recent fascination with Bob Ross in a post sharing some famous quotes made by the painter extraordinaire. Richard blogs about writerly things on Big Sky Buckeye.

In a recent post, I belive I mentioned I caught an episode of Bob Ross and The Joy of Painting while visiting my Mom a few weeks ago. There is a channel here in the metroplex dedicated to his show The Joy of Painting. I told myself I’d watch it—a thing that hasn’t happened yet—to see how it would impact me.

Would I be kinder, gentler, and/or a better painter?

I’m curious, so let’s explore…

1. I Might Become Kinder and Gentler

Bob Ross had a very calming voice, employed affirming language, and presented a gentle manner to the viewing public. I believe it’s possible that watching him regularly could subtly rewire how I approach myself and others:

• Ross talked about “happy little accidents,” not mistakes.
• Ross created without judgment and encourages viewers to do the same.
• His presence is a masterclass in emotional regulation and grace.

Potential Effect: Daily exposure could help me absorb his kindness. I might begin speaking more gently—to myself and others—and demonstrate greater patience.

2. I Could Become a Better Painter (But Only if I Practice)

While watching, in and of itself, won’t make me a great painter, painting along with Bob consistently could:

• Teach me layering techniques, color mixing, and how to build texture.
• Help me grow comfortable working fast and with freedom—like Ross often did.
• Over time, I’d likely internalize his composition habits and learn how to see landscapes differently.

Bonus Tip: If I have a canvas or sketchpad nearby, I could paint while watching an episode.

3. It’s Possible I’d Be Calmer

There’s a meditative quality to Ross’s show:

• The rhythmic brush sounds
• His soothing cadence
• The gentle pace of his painting

Potential Effect: Watching daily could lower my stress level and serve as a ritual of calming. It might help me to think of it as a visual form of daily prayer and reflection, especially if I treat it intentionally.

Of course, if I just watch without engaging emotionally or creatively, it will quickly become background noise and lose its transformational value.

Otherwise, a daily dose of Bob Ross could result in a calmer spirit, a kinder heart, and being more open to creativity and less concerned with imperfections. And—BONUS—if I paint along with the episodes I watch, I should become a better painter.

So yes—watching Bob Ross every day could help forge a softer, braver version of myself. And honestly, in a world as harsh as this one, a daily dose of kindness, trees, and titanium white doesn’t sound too bad.

The point of all this is that this is also true if I want to be more Christlike. To be more like Jesus, I need to emulate and imitate Him.

5 ^1-2 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

Ephesians 5:1-2 The Message

What say you?

Share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for subscribing to my big, beautiful blog!

Until my next post…

Be salty, stay lit.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

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The Stigma Stops Here.🛑

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