Bob Ross Painting Workshops: Certified Ross Instructors
The Bob Ross Experience at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens offers visitors a unique opportunity to step into the world of the beloved artist and television host. Located in the historic L.L. Ball home where The Joy of Painting was filmed for series 2-15, the experience immerses guests in Bob’s philosophy of fearless creativity. From standing at his iconic easel in the restored television studio to exploring original paintings and artifacts, visitors can connect with Bob Ross’s enduring legacy in a meaningful way. But beyond just viewing his work, guests can also take part in painting workshops to learn his signature “wet-on-wet” technique firsthand.
Minnetrista is proud to have an in-house Certified Ross Instructor, Joseph Durham, who serves as both an instructor and program coordinator, ensuring that guests can regularly participate in classes. In addition to our in-house instructor, we also welcome Certified Ross Instructors (CRIs) from across the country to teach workshops. These talented artists have undergone official training to master and teach Bob’s unique painting method, carrying on his legacy by helping others discover the joy of painting. Whether you’re a first-time painter or a seasoned artist, these workshops provide a welcoming space to create, learn, and embrace Bob’s belief that “there are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”
CRI Profiles will be added to this post as instructors are assigned.
Jeanne Firment
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From Jeanne—It was 1983, I was a senior in high school, when I first saw Bob Ross on my local PBS station. As I watched him for the first time I was mesmerized and captivated and that's when I knew I wanted to paint like him. I enjoyed art and drawing since early childhood and took 4 years of art class in high school, but never was taught how to paint. So when I saw Bob on TV for the first time, I was so grateful for him for showing me how to paint. I told myself, "I am going to paint like that some day." I can attest dreams do come true.
Favorite Bob Ross quotes:
"You need dark to show light, just like in life."
"All you need is the desire to make beautiful things happen on canvas."
Shane Morrow
TikTok | Website | Instagram | Facebook
From Shane—I watched Bob Ross when I was younger but didn't realize I wanted to paint until I got much older. I was going through a tough time in my life and I saw Bob Ross on TV and it changed my life. It turned into my happy place and whenever I painted it would make me happy . It pulled me out of a hole and I started learning how to paint like Bob.
Favorite Bob Ross quotes:
“Got to have dark before you can see the light. Just like in life the bad times make the good times so much better.”
“If what you are doing doesn't make you happy, you’re doing the wrong thing.”
Jessie Mason
From Jessie—When I was little I watched Bob Ross on PBS. A few years ago I rediscovered Bob through a livestream website called Twitch. I had tried many mediums in high school and college but never attempted oil painting! I figured, as Bob always said, this was my invitation to start oils. I absolutely fell in love with oil painting and decided to become a Certified Bob Ross Instructor. Since then, I have taught classes in Florida, Nevada, California, and even on a cruise ship!
Favorite Bob Ross quotes:
“Don't be afraid to scrape the paint off and do it again. This is the way you learn, trial and error, over and over, repetition. It pays you great dividends, great, great dividends”
“And this is where it really pays if you got a little twitch in your hand”
