Discovering Serenity: My Forest Walk with Bob Ross. Painting #26

Forest Walk
Date Painted: May 20, 2017
Size: 16x 20 

“Forest Walk” invites viewers into a tranquil woodland setting, where nature’s splendor is on full display. Ross skillfully brings the landscape to life, inviting us to immerse ourselves in its beauty. The painting portrays a pathway meandering through a dense forest, bathed in the warm glow of sunlight filtering through the trees. 

The Inspiration

Forest Walk is my 25th painting. I followed along with a Bob Ross episode but it was actually inspired by the forest near where I lived, Thetford Forest. And in linking that, I learned something about it! Anyway, I used to walk my dog in various parts. I also mountain biked a few times through there. Once I began painting, I wanted to capture many parts of where I lived on the canvas where sometimes I’d take a leisurely stroll and gather my thoughts in the quiet misty woodlands. The Thetford forest was one of those things that I enjoyed and wanted to capture in some way. Bob taught me the way.

As an amateur artist, I am constantly seeking inspiration and new techniques to enhance my artistic skills. One day while binge watching Joy of Painting, I came upon S22E13. Bob has done many forest type paintings but this one I believe best captured the essence of Thetford forest. Or at least the technique did. I thought the background technique was cool.

Materials needed to paint “Forest Walk”

Mediums

• Black Gesso
• Liquid Clear

Colors

• Alizarin Crimson
• Bright Red
• Cadmium Yellow
• Dark Sienna
• Indian Yellow
• Midnight Black
• Phthalo Blue
• Sap Green
• Titanium Hwite
• Yellow Ochre
• Van Dyke Brown

Equipment

• Black Canvas (optional if you don’t want to use the black gesso)

• 2 Inch Brush
• 1 Inch Brush
• #6 Fan Brush
• Large Palette Knife
• Script Liner Brush

How I Painted “Forest Walk” and Lessons Learned

To fully immerse myself in the experience, I gathered my painting supplies and set up my easel in a quiet corner of my studio (garage). Bob Ross’s calming voice guided me through each step of the process as I carefully followed along, eager to capture the essence of a peaceful forest walk on my canvas.

The Joy of Layering:

One of the aspects I found most intriguing about Bob Ross’s technique is his emphasis on layering. He often starts with a dark underpainting, gradually building layers of color, texture, and depth. Following his guidance, I began with broad strokes of dark green, creating a base layer that would serve as the foundation for the foliage.

One of the distinctive features of this painting is the remarkable use of color. In “Forest Walk,” we employ a harmonious combination of greens, blues, and browns to create a lush and inviting environment. The variation in hues adds depth and dimension to the painting, while the interplay between light and shadow breathes life into the foliage and the forest floor.

Emotional Impact:

“Forest Walk” carries an emotional weight that goes beyond its visual appeal. Ross’s work often aimed to provide a sense of solace and escape from the stresses of everyday life, and this painting is no exception. The peacefulness of the forest, the gentle light, and the inviting path evoke a feeling of serenity and harmony with nature. As viewers, we can almost hear the rustling leaves and smell the earthy scents, immersing ourselves in this oasis of calm.

Final Thoughts:

After several hours of painting, I stood back and admired my completed forest walk scene. While it may not have been an exact replica of Bob Ross’s masterpiece, it captured the essence of tranquility and natural beauty that he so effortlessly conveyed. However, there was something missing. Something you would commonly see out on a forest walk. A tree stump with a fallen dead tree. That addition was exactly what was needed.

I like the way this turned out. I enjoyed trying a couple of new techniques. From the background to the style of highlighting the tree trunks and painting the reflected light for the shadow. I definitely got better with the grassy highlights. 

Like I did with paintings inspired by my local area, I posted this one to the town’s Facebook group. It was sold within minutes! 

Even though I was doing a lot more originals and trying different styles, I still come back to Bob Ross to learn new things and sometimes to keep it simple.

Conclusion

Following along with Bob Ross’s “Forest Walk” episode was a transformative experience for me as an amateur artist. It not only provided me with valuable insights and techniques but also reminded me of the joy and peace that can be found in the act of creation. Bob Ross’s gentle guidance and positive attitude continue to inspire countless artists, and I am grateful to have been a part of this artistic journey. I encourage all aspiring artists to embrace the world of landscape painting and discover the serenity that awaits within the strokes of a brush.

I hope you enjoy this painting.  Give this one a shot.  It’s fun and you will surprise yourself. 

Don’t forget to check out my gallery to see all my work done or check out my Art Store to see what’s for sale. Also, follow me on your favorite social media platforms. Have a question? Comment below.

Happy Painting!