Bob Ross Joy of Painting: Barns Collection

I'm a musician currently exploring the world of computer program synthesizers from a wonderful app called "GarageBand". While I am (was) primarily a guitar player, after downloading this app I quickly discovered a new world of colors and sound that guitar just couldn't quite grasp. Because I did take some beginner's piano at a young age, I am not totally keyboard illiterate although I don't read music, rather play by ear and compose original stuff. Some who listen to my stuff seem to really dig it, as practice will enhance, with psychedelia, scifi music, moody aural works that are free form and would be good as background music in some films. That said, at least in the improvisation department, I can somewhat identify with Bob Ross, even though I couldn't draw flies. Some creative types can do music and visual art but not all of us. So why then, would I even watch, much less recommend a painting DVD set when I have no intention of taking up the hobby? Good question. Here's the answer. Bob Ross was legendary because not only was he able to create astounding natural paintings, he did it with the exception sometimes of applying backdrop blacks or white before beginning the actual painting in 30 minutes. Like all real magic, he made it look simple, and explained what he was doing in simple terms, too. What appeals to me is his calm voice, obvious love of nature and a personality of kindness not seen much any more. We lost a good friend when he succumbed to cancer. It is inspiring and jaw dropping to watch a blob of yellow or some shade of red or green, make a few broad strokes, and suddenly watch what looks like a pell mell paint ball scramble gel into a work of beauty. It's very relaxing to watch these seascapes come to life, and, see Ross blend colors and light/dark dynamics that convince me that real magic, not slight of hand, does indeed exist on some metaphysical plane. You don't have to be an artist of any type to enjoy this DVD. It's soothing, beautiful and a wonderful catharsis from the normal TV bombarding we have to endure. Fortunately, there is a protege, Kevin Hill, who also has a show on PBS in some markets. Hill too has that remarkable capability, and it's nice to see the talent be passed on. In an ugly world, Ross was quick to demonstrate the good and the beautiful, something we as a society have stupidly chosen to overlook.

What a JOY to receive this DVD! I used to watch Bob Ross all the time when he was on TV. He is so wonderful, peaceful and joyful and he is a wonderful painter/teacher! I am really enjoying watching him again. I hope I can get all of the DVDs of his shows!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this series, "the BoB" is just delightful! I have never had any formal art lessons and wanted to learn some basic techniques so I ordered the seascape series and the Joy of Painting series. Bob Ross's kind, persistant teaching method (and the rewind function) walked me through the basics in a very clear and enjoyable manner. At the end of the day I had a lovely painting to encourage more efforts. It was great! I would highly recommend this series. My sister, Mom and I did two paintings together. We had a blast and hung our paintings on the wall when all was done. Since then I have purchased more Bob Ross DVDs as gifts. So far everyone loves him and there are several more fledgling painters enjoying their new passion! Thanks, Bob!

My daughter really loves Bob Ross. This was a really great present for her. She is definitely enjoying it.

Great gift

I grew up with this show, and I love watching it. I'm not a painter at all, but I love to watch him do it. A lot of times, I'll just listen to Bob talking in the background while I do something else. He's just so soothing to listen to. The mountain scenes were always my favorite, so this collection is great for me. I'd love to get the entire series, but it costs over $1000. So, ~$30 was well worth some nostalgia for me. The video quality is good. It's not high-def like blu-ray, but it's still pleasing to watch. Audio is also good - not great, but good. The baseline volume fluctuates from episode to episode sometimes, so I find myself turning the volume up and then back down. That's a minor nit, though. I run audio through my receiver, and I turn on surround sound processing so that his voice plays through my center channel instead of the front two speakers - that just sounds more natural to me (probably because I grew up with his voice playing through a single speaker on a TV). Some notes: (*) The audio is stereo and not 5.1 as the cover photo states. (*) The cover photo says "Full Screen," but that stands for the "old" full screen ratio of 4:3. If you have a widescreen TV, your TV and/or disc player can almost surely stretch the image to fill the whole screen if you prefer that, but I like to keep it at 4:3 to show the original aspect. A bit pricey in general, IMO, but still worth it. Highly recommended, especially if you're already a fan. You can also check if your local PBS station still shows The Joy of Painting (mine still does from time to time).

I purchased the video and others from Bob Ross and don't laugh, but it really changed my life. Since purchasing I've be painting, other than stick figures, and have also purchased books on Amazon on how to paint. I like his "happy little clouds".

It’s a bob ross dvd. It works. That is all I wanted. Of course none of my paintings are as good as his…

Perfect for a beginner like me, to be able to learn HOW to create landscapes has been a great help. The great, late Bob Ross's enthusiasm keeps you focused on not just how to create a painting, but the best ways to use a brush to achieve the effect you want. I am sooooo chuffed to have this DVD. (and a multi region player) This DVD has taught me so much that I didn't know from watching the TV series. I can see where I have been going wrong, and armed with this new understanding, I hope to now create some better paintings. I hope this review has helped, and if you are beginning like me, do watch this DVD before you rush to get his others like I have. The only problem I have is, staying awake whilst Bob's gentle voice oozes out from the TV, I can't be the only one he affects like this.....

Está genial!! Se ve perfecto y tal y como esperaba viene en Alemán e Inglés... y se entiende perfecto y funciona perfecto en mi dvd de España... Tenía miedo en ese sentido, pero el dvd lo lee perfecto... y Ross es maravilloso enseñando

the dvd of bob ross is good to go with the books i got to learn to paint thay do give agood start and in side look at the best amzon again good price to bye mike france

Bob Ross, wie man ihn aus dem TV kennt. Die Maltechnik ist leicht nachzuvollziehen und man erzeilt bereits nach kurzer Zeit gute Ergebnisse. Wer die Nass in Nass Technik erlernen will kann hier jeden Schritt nachvollziehen und solange anschauen, bis die Details klar werden. Sehr gute Hilfe für den Beginn eines tollen Hobbys.

I chose a rating of 3 because it did not meet the expectations of a student of painting. It's fine to paint the mountains but more explanation and 'how to' would be helpful.