The Journey
Last week, I had the privilege of completing my Level 2 training towards my Certified Ross Instructor certification. I loaded up my things with much anticipation and drove to New Smyrna Beach, home of the Bob Ross Workshop and Gallery.
Even just walking into the small studio, nestled in a strip mall near the beach, fills me with peace. Bob’s paintings adorn the walls. Right beneath them are the floral works of his business partner and friend, Annette Kowalski. Now also on proud display are the paintings of Nicholas Hankins, who is not only the world’s best Bob Ross technique painter, but also operates the Gallery and trains new instructor teachers. Nic and his wife, Ada, humbly and kindly represent the world that was Bob Ross’. They demonstrate and convey that truly anyone, given the right instruction and motivation, can paint a beautiful landscape. I am grateful that my primary instructor, Faye, as well as the Hankins’ are there. They taught my “Fundamentals” class and welcome me back warmly. I love how true and respectful they are to the technique of wet-on-wet painting. I love how genuinely they teach, how reverend they are to Bob’s paintings and how patient and encouraging they are towards yours truly, who is a bundle of nerves.
This journey is very important to me. It represents growth, healing, and a new life chapter. The week is intense…with two complete canvases most days. We study trees, mountains, and basically complete what Faye calls “a happy little bootcamp” in five days time. But even as intense as the class is at times, I feel joy and I am eager to complete the next challenge. I learn how to “not get into my head” and overthink things. Encouraging words from the instructors motivate me to do more, to do better and when I look at my paintings at the end of the day, I can see the improvement. Painting is my passion and this class only solidified that passion.
At the end of the week, I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. One year ago, I painted my very first canvas. One year ago, I surprised myself and my family with a happy little painting. Completing my level 2 class was not even something I saw possible a year ago.
While I am far from the ability and skill of my teachers, I am on my very own journey. No matter how long it takes. In fact: the longer- the better! Because to me, painting truly is a life-long journey of learning, of practice, and of discovery. It’s not about how perfect my painting is. It is about how I see the world around me. About how I can share this beautiful journey with people I love and care about. And what a journey it will be!
