If you’re familiar with Bob Ross then you’re familiar with happy accidents.
“We don’t make mistakes. We just have happy accidents.”
Delivered in his trademark calm, soothing, eternally optimistic demeanor.
He viewed any “mistaken” brushstroke or color combination as an opportunity to add character and uniqueness to a painting — even if unplanned. Each accident could lead to beautiful and unexpected results, making each piece more interesting and personal.
He’d turn an unintended dark splotch into a bush or a light splotch into a reflection on a lake. He’d turn an errant brush stroke into a bird or a cloud.
He made you feel like you could do it. You, a beginner without ever having picked up a brush, could create something artistically satisfying and beautiful. Even experienced pros make mistakes and encounter unexpected moments. It’s all about how you deal with them. He helped you frame a perspective of experimenting without fear.
During its original run from 1983 to 1994, Ross’s The Joy of Painting attracted over 80 million global viewers. I was one of them. I started to view titanium white and dark sienna as characters in the show. He struck a chord.
Try stuff. Embrace the unexpected. See accidents as opportinities. You can do it.
We don’t make mistakes. We just have happy accidents.
