Country Creek. Painting #78. Inspired by Bob Ross and a Maine Forest Walk

Country Creek, a Bob Ross Study, takes you deep into the woods, where a small clearing opens beside a babbling brook. Across the stream, a beam of sunlight breaks through the canopy and lands on a quiet patch of meadow, almost inviting you to step across and explore. The only question is: how do you get to the other side? This is painting #78, created live on Twitch.

The Inspiration

While my version of Country Creek is based on a Bob Ross composition, the spark came from a recent trip to Maine. One afternoon, I walked through the woods with my cousin, just like we used to as kids, following a brook through the trees. We came upon a spot that looked almost exactly like this scene. I took a few photos, planning to combine elements into an original composition. Then I stumbled across a Bob Ross episode that echoed the same mood: The Joy of Painting S22E12. I’ll paint that idea eventually, but this piece helped me explore how to capture the feeling of that moment.

Materials Needed

Colors

• Alizarin Crimson
• Bright Red
• Cadmium Yellow
• Dark Sienna
• Midnight Black
• Phthalo Blue
• Sap Green
• Titanium Hwite
• Van Dyke Brown
• Yellow Ochre
• Don’t forget the Liquid Hwite!
• Liquid Clear
• Black Gesso

Equipment

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

Notes From the Easel

What I Like About This Painting

• The sunlight breaking through the canopy and landing on the meadow feels natural and atmospheric.

• The stones in the stream came out great.

What Could Be Better

• Mass foliage highlights are still something I’m working on. When there’s a large dark area to highlight, I need to slow down and be more intentional with placement.

• The sky area could have been handled differently. Since Bob forgot to paint the sky in the episode and had to go back, I followed along but by the time I realized it, it was too late to adjust. It works, but more sky color would have improved the balance.

Tips & Tricks

• This is a black gesso painting where the gesso doesn’t cover the entire canvas. Bob rarely explains his exact prep, so you have to improvise. I used a foam brush for the gesso. Old bristle brushes work too, but don’t use your good oil brushes, especially if they’re Bob Ross brand.

• In the white area of the canvas, apply liquid white as usual before painting the sky.

• For stones and stream details, a light touch is everything. Bob makes it look effortless—and for me this time, it actually felt that way.

• When highlighting foliage, think in clusters, not individual leaves. Let the brush dance, but with intention.

Here’s that gif of Bob effortlessly painting stones. The first time I ever tried it was a different story.

Final Thoughts

Country Creek has since found its new home, but it remains one of my favorite woodland studies. It blends memory, technique, and a bit of Bob Ross magic. I’m always curious what scenes resonate with people, especially ones inspired by real places. I’d love to hear what this one brings to mind for you.

And if you haven’t yet, check out the changes to my page. A dedicated blog page, gallery, and shop (under construction). Let me know what you think of the site and what else you’d like to see.

Happy painting!