Bob Ross is a Great American Hero

First off, I can really appreciate how "Mr. Ross" utilizes acrylic paint instead of his traditional choice, oil.  The quality of the acrylic paint really lends itself to the complex style of the waves and the highly-detailed lighthouse.  Another technique I can really appreciate is his use of the palette knife.  I have never seen such expert use of this tool, he gives the happy little clouds and the happy little ship such a realistic feel with it.  Ross handles the light flawlessly;  I love the way it is subtly shining out of the lighthouse and glittering on the foamy waves.

This work also has a heavy emotional quality. Bob communicates the painful life of this doomed alcoholic sailor.  This evokes a sense of sympathy in the viewer, we feel for the drunken sailor being swallowed by the cold, heartless waves.  Watching Bob add his final touches of blood splatter and canvas-ripping really stresses the expressive qualities and deep emotions tied with this piece.  I really hope to observe this work up close in a museum, preferably in that little room at the MoMA with all of the Edward Hopper stuff.

In conclusion, Bob Ross is not only a brilliant painter, but also a hero.  He warns all of us novice artists not to be afraid of the paint.  This is a topic I have always struggled with, I have just have nightmares that the paint is chasing me, and I can't escape.  Now, thanks to Bob Ross, I can finish a painting without having a mental breakdown...sort of.

Eat it AP test. Eat it.