ENCINITAS — Eighth grade visual art students at The Grauer School paid homage to Bob Ross with a series of landscape paintings in preparation for the late, legendary artist’s birthday on Oct. 29.
The class created their Ross-inspired paintings by pausing, rewinding and re-watching sections of a 30-minute video in which Ross demonstrates his painting techniques, taking their time to successfully complete their tribute works of art while learning new techniques at the same time.
“For years, I have been teaching my students about Bob Ross, who was one of my idols as a young child growing up in the 80s and 90s. He was one of the reasons why I decided to become an artist. Watching him was like watching a magician, only he used a paintbrush instead of a wand,” said Johnny King, visual arts, photography and yearbook teacher at The Grauer School. “Over the years, when our students work on their landscape paintings, I’ve loved sharing Bob Ross clips as inspiration, having the students learn certain techniques along with the calming sounds of his voice and the paintbrush being pressed onto the canvas.”
In the Grauer School’s visual arts classes, students explore traditional and modern mediums and art techniques including graphite, charcoal, ink, watercolor, acrylic, silk-screening, ceramics and digital art to 3D-printed pieces.
King holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Cum Laude honors from Sonoma State University and has worked as the school’s visual arts teacher for 11 years.
“Even though the students watched the same Bob Ross episode, each student was able to create their unique painting, since the ‘Bob Ross way’ allows for many opportunities to deviate from his path,” King said. “I loved seeing the students navigate their way through as they problem-solved and shared their techniques and tips.”
Interested families can learn more about the performing arts programs and other opportunities for students at the annual Grauer Open House on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.grauerschool.com.