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Life Lessons from Bob Ross
Bob Ross taught us more than how to paint--he taught us how to live a calm, mindful life.
Inspired by Bob Ross's famed painting techniques, quotes, and iconic images, this affirming guide-to-life book will help you navigate your own personal landscape, one day--or canvas--at a time.
Beloved for his relaxing tone and his way of imparting his meditative outlook on life (all while creating a painting in under thirty minutes on television), Bob Ross had a quiet, nurturing disposition that made him the perfect guide to overcoming (and appreciating) everyday challenges both big and small.
Featuring Bob's most famous quotes and illustrated by more than thirty of his original paintings, Be a Peaceful Cloud and Other Life Lessons from Bob Ross is filled with calming, mindful essays that tap into his advice on imagination, friendship, mistakes, and finding happiness. Chapters range from Blank Canvas: It's Your World, which illuminates how to approach each day, to Bravery Tests: Challenging Yourself, which draws upon your inner strength, to Happy Little Accidents: Creating Success from Failure, which affirms the power of positive thinking.
Bob Ross's lessons gently encourage everyone to live their best Bob Ross life--an aspiration more important now than ever before.
Inspired by Bob Ross's famed painting techniques, quotes, and iconic images, this affirming guide-to-life book will help you navigate your own personal landscape, one day--or canvas--at a time.
Beloved for his relaxing tone and his way of imparting his meditative outlook on life (all while creating a painting in under thirty minutes on television), Bob Ross had a quiet, nurturing disposition that made him the perfect guide to overcoming (and appreciating) everyday challenges both big and small.
Featuring Bob's most famous quotes and illustrated by more than thirty of his original paintings, Be a Peaceful Cloud and Other Life Lessons from Bob Ross is filled with calming, mindful essays that tap into his advice on imagination, friendship, mistakes, and finding happiness. Chapters range from Blank Canvas: It's Your World, which illuminates how to approach each day, to Bravery Tests: Challenging Yourself, which draws upon your inner strength, to Happy Little Accidents: Creating Success from Failure, which affirms the power of positive thinking.
Bob Ross's lessons gently encourage everyone to live their best Bob Ross life--an aspiration more important now than ever before.
- GenresNonfictionArtSelf Help
128 pages, Hardcover
Published April 21, 2020
5 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Bob Ross
71 books184 followersBob Norman Ross was an American painter and television host.
With his calm, patient nature, Ross came to prominence as the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, a long-running television program on public broadcast stations in the United States. Ross died of lymphoma at the age of 52.
With his calm, patient nature, Ross came to prominence as the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, a long-running television program on public broadcast stations in the United States. Ross died of lymphoma at the age of 52.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 4, 2021
This would probably be a 4 or 5 star book if it was just Bob's art and direct quotes, unfortunately there are also painfully twee, platitudinous paragraphs dotted between the art - "As hard as it is to believe...Bob was still just human. As a real person, he faced many of the same challenges everyone does" - wow. This book is aimed at adults by the way, in case you were wondering.
I would guess that a lot of people find Bob Ross's art mainstream and pedestrian but I had no idea he had such range and had used such a wide palette. There are early paintings in here that are full of atmosphere. Also he could paint water and grass like almost no-one else, I imagine Miyazaki giving an approving nod. I do find that if I'm feeling particularly stressed a 22 minute video of Bob painting will calm me down and get my head back into a creative mode. He certainly had something!
I would guess that a lot of people find Bob Ross's art mainstream and pedestrian but I had no idea he had such range and had used such a wide palette. There are early paintings in here that are full of atmosphere. Also he could paint water and grass like almost no-one else, I imagine Miyazaki giving an approving nod. I do find that if I'm feeling particularly stressed a 22 minute video of Bob painting will calm me down and get my head back into a creative mode. He certainly had something!
December 7, 2020
This small book is a joy for any fan of Bob Ross. Featuring full-page paintings of happy trees, nice little clouds, and warm cabins, each section focuses on a different aspect of Bob’s life philosophies. Patience, facing obstacles, and taking time for you, are just a few of the topics covered. There are even some tidbits about Bob’s personal life. Did you know, Bob first decided to perm his hair as a way to save money by needing fewer hair cuts? This book compiles the positivity and wisdom Bob imparted on his audience each episode. Reading through felt like a visit with an old friend, complete with his encouragement and acceptance.
“You’ll never believe what you can do till you get in there and try it.”
“You’ll never believe what you can do till you get in there and try it.”
June 10, 2023
A short book with beautiful paintings that I stumbled upon while shelving books at the library. I'd give it five stars for the paintings and three for the writing - observations by Robb Pearlman about life and Bob Ross. I'm glad I stumbled upon it as it offset the other, more serious novel I recently finished.
January 16, 2022
A gift for Christmas from my son. We both love art and things to think about during these crazy times.
February 8, 2023
This is a small book of full-color reproductions of paintings and quotes by the famous late painter, Bob Ross. It would make a good gift for a fan or a holiday/Secret Santa/white-elephant exchange or to introduce someone unfamiliar with Bob to his work and his ethos. It's not a long book, but it's colorful and whimsical.
I was a child in the era before the internet and grew up with a TV set with a roof antenna that got adequate reception for three channels and possibly a fourth channel on a good day and depending on the wind. The one channel that always came in well was the local PBS station.
Sesame Street taught me songs about letters and numbers and friendship, Mr. Rogers covered kindness and sharing and other life lessons, and Bob Ross entertained us with his soft tone and razzle-dazzling a blank canvas into an entire landscape painting within about 22 minutes. He didn't sound, look, or act like other TV stars with his low-key personality and high-key production of paintings, certainly not other celebrities I'd see in movies or on TV who were overly polished and slick while Ross was more akin to a down-to-earth uncle who'd tease you in a good-humored way as he worked. That, too, was part of his charm. Bob also had some zinging one-liners most fans recognize, a few of which appear in this book. Bob was an ASMR artist way before there was such a thing.
The book is not written by Ross (he passed away, sadly, in the '90s) and it's not an in-depth Ross collection or narrative (there are good documentaries and you can catch his shows online and on streaming services for that), but this book is written in association with Bob's longtime business partner's support/approval and includes some general facts about Ross as well as broader life lessons that make it a pleasant read for a morning or afternoon break.
It's not a book to overthink, much like the best episodes of Ross' show. Just lean back and enjoy his paintings and the gentle, supportive reflections that bubble up in the coordinating paragraphs of text.
I was a child in the era before the internet and grew up with a TV set with a roof antenna that got adequate reception for three channels and possibly a fourth channel on a good day and depending on the wind. The one channel that always came in well was the local PBS station.
Sesame Street taught me songs about letters and numbers and friendship, Mr. Rogers covered kindness and sharing and other life lessons, and Bob Ross entertained us with his soft tone and razzle-dazzling a blank canvas into an entire landscape painting within about 22 minutes. He didn't sound, look, or act like other TV stars with his low-key personality and high-key production of paintings, certainly not other celebrities I'd see in movies or on TV who were overly polished and slick while Ross was more akin to a down-to-earth uncle who'd tease you in a good-humored way as he worked. That, too, was part of his charm. Bob also had some zinging one-liners most fans recognize, a few of which appear in this book. Bob was an ASMR artist way before there was such a thing.
The book is not written by Ross (he passed away, sadly, in the '90s) and it's not an in-depth Ross collection or narrative (there are good documentaries and you can catch his shows online and on streaming services for that), but this book is written in association with Bob's longtime business partner's support/approval and includes some general facts about Ross as well as broader life lessons that make it a pleasant read for a morning or afternoon break.
It's not a book to overthink, much like the best episodes of Ross' show. Just lean back and enjoy his paintings and the gentle, supportive reflections that bubble up in the coordinating paragraphs of text.
January 28, 2022
This book is beautiful, I really love Bob's paintings and his all personality. I could watch him painting for hours. The writing, on the other hand is just really bad. It's very cliché and anyone who has seen at least one episode of The Joy of Painting could have written those sentences. I recommend the Netflix documentary to everyone who likes Bob, it's really good and demonstrates how books like this are made. I gave it 4 stars only because of his paintings.
August 16, 2020
Uplifting
May 13, 2022
It’s nothing fancy but makes a great coffee table book! We love Bob and this is a fun way to receive daily inspiration ❤️
December 23, 2022
The Bob Ross quotes in the book are lovely and the artwork throughout is BEAUTIFUL. I just love Bob Ross. Also really inspiring hearing he did not start his show until his 40’s. Only downside is he didn’t write the entire thing since he is gone - the portions of the book for information/motivation would start w a Bob Ross quote, then the other author would write his insight about Bob after. Still great, but wish it could’ve been all Bob selfishly. Ben also got me this for my birthday bc he knows I love Bob Ross, so that’s cute!!
Edit: THIS IS MY 100TH BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!!! WOOHOO!!!
Edit: THIS IS MY 100TH BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!!! WOOHOO!!!
September 7, 2025
Bob Ross, a legend, a teacher, an inspiration to many! Growing up, spending nights and early mornings waiting to see Bob Ross painting was a highlight of my childhood; so to revisit his sayings and philosophies of life through his artistic journey was absolutely sweet and timely. I feel honored to know a little bit more about him and I feel challenged to make the best out of happy little accidents or to be more intentional about having clean brushes. Read the book to understand. Thank you Bob Ross and friends!
February 27, 2024
Sweet book of Bob Ross quotes with little life lessons. 💕
“Things that just happen are sometimes more beautiful than things you really sit and plan”
“You have to have dark in order to show light, just like in like.”
“… we don’t make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.”
“Learn to compose as you paint. Learn to take advantage of what happens. Happy accidents are your best friend.”
“You’ll never believe what you can do till you get in there and try it.”
“Things that just happen are sometimes more beautiful than things you really sit and plan”
“You have to have dark in order to show light, just like in like.”
“… we don’t make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.”
“Learn to compose as you paint. Learn to take advantage of what happens. Happy accidents are your best friend.”
“You’ll never believe what you can do till you get in there and try it.”
March 4, 2025
This is mostly Bob Ross’s beautiful, landscape paintings (in color) with positive, life lessons sprinkled throughout (organized by themes, such as “streams, mountains, trees, happy little clouds, dark and light, etc.). Very sweet and uplifting.
September 8, 2020
"Life Lessons from Bob Ross" while a very short read was a very enjoyable time. The book offers advice that was handed down to people from Bob Ross over 403 episodes of "The Joy of Painting" seperated through fittingly named sections after nature such as "streams" or "clouds". Half of the book is made up of pictures of art painted by Bob Ross on the show, and they fit in well with the advice that is in the book, while also looking very nice.
The advice given in the book is very inspirational, ranging from overcoming challenges to relaxation. The books writing style feels as if Bob wrote it himself despite his passing years ago. The short and relaxed nature of the book makes it something nice to read when you aren't busy. I found to book to be extremely enjoyable and would recommend to anyone.
The advice given in the book is very inspirational, ranging from overcoming challenges to relaxation. The books writing style feels as if Bob wrote it himself despite his passing years ago. The short and relaxed nature of the book makes it something nice to read when you aren't busy. I found to book to be extremely enjoyable and would recommend to anyone.
March 5, 2023
Robb Pearlman brings Bob Ross into book form with these wonderful quotes, facts about Bob's life and legacy, and how to take Bob's statements from his Joy of Painting Show and incorporate them into your own life.
As someone who grew up watching his T.V. show, Bob's words and art have always been a calming influence that I still apply today.
Happy Clouds and Happy Accidents!
Filled with dozens of Bob's beautiful paintings, many of which I hadn't seen (particularly the beach scenes) were not quite as powerful as seeing Bob do them, but never the less, left a lasting impression.
As someone who grew up watching his T.V. show, Bob's words and art have always been a calming influence that I still apply today.
Happy Clouds and Happy Accidents!
Filled with dozens of Bob's beautiful paintings, many of which I hadn't seen (particularly the beach scenes) were not quite as powerful as seeing Bob do them, but never the less, left a lasting impression.
June 21, 2020
Painting. "Every day is like a blank canvas." "Things that just happen are sometimes more beautiful than things you really sit and plan." "The more you paint the easier it becomes, it's like anything else that you try for the first time, you had to practice it a few times, and now you can do it without even looking." "And the more you paint the more you are able to visualize and be creative." "When painting we don't make mistakes - we have happy little accidents."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2020
A great book featuring several paintings from Bob. I used to watch him often when I was young and it brought back so many memories! He was such a humble, encouraging man and this book reflects that so much. My favorite quote from the book, “Trees are like people. They have personalities - each one’s different, each one’s an individual. If your tree doesn’t look just like mine, that means it’s probably better.”
December 17, 2022
4 Stars for all the beautiful paintings and the direct Bob Ross quotes. The rest of the life lessons aren't bad but aren't anything special. The last quote made me tear up. I have watched Joy of Painting episodes for comfort since I was a teenager, and I could hear his voice in my head reading that last line.
August 24, 2024
"How many artists decide not to take a painting class because their dexterity isn't what it used to be twenty years ago? (In fact, Bob used to say that seniors were good painters because their sometimes unsteady hands created such beautiful tree branches.) Many people believe there's a timeline that they need to follow. As Bob would say, that's "baloney."
October 1, 2024
A collection of observations from Bob Ross' painting and the connection of how to view life. I've been a fan of Bob Ross since I was a kid, but I never really thought how I applied some of his sayings to my way of life. How there's always happy little accidents and fluffy little clouds. Such a great way to connect the simplicity of painting and how you live life.
August 18, 2020
Beautiful, awe inspiring paintings by Bob Ross and encouraging words to help individuals through this adventure called life. I love Bob Ross and everything he shared with his viewers. What an incredible man!
February 1, 2021
Sweet book with lovely Bob Ross paintings. It has inspirational ideas, insights, encouragements, bits about his life and works, and ideas for self care. You pick it up because you know his work and want to admire the paintings, you keep going because the words strike a chord.
May 9, 2021
You don't have to be a fan of Bob Ross, or even of painting, to enjoy this book... I know nothing about painting and do not have a single artistic bone in my body. It's wonderful how they make metaphors and comparisons with painting and every day life that everyone can understand and learn from.
May 24, 2021
A lovely little quick read/or use as daily read for some uplifting inspirational thoughts. This little book has Bob Ross original paintings, alongside Ross’ famous quotes with elaborations by Robb Pearlman.
August 25, 2023
Seeing Bob Ross’ paintings is a treat, and certainly the best part of the book. Someone worked hard to correlate his show, ideas and expressions into sometimes very contrived words of wisdom. However, it’s a positive and quick little read- could probably finish in 22 minutes just like his show.
May 19, 2024
Cute, meditative, beautiful. Should probably be read on page a day, spending more time looking at the pictures. Bob Ross is a gifted pater and a genius at life, and Pearlman’s statements are encouraging as well.
January 29, 2025
Fun little book. Filled mostly with images of Bob's paintings with a little bit of life advice given via Bob's world views sprinkled throughout. Not much to say, nothing revolutionary is shared in the book, it is just a super quick read that will leave you a bit happier by the time you finish.
August 9, 2020
Very uplifting. Short read.
August 15, 2020
Wise and beautiful
October 30, 2020
short, sweet, beautiful.
November 30, 2020
Very inspirational! Learned a lot about Bob’s life story. Didn’t realize he was prior military!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews