By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Nate Miller has found his happy place teaching novices to paint happy trees living in sweeping landscapes.
Miller, a certified Bob Ross painting instructor, has opened a studio in Pemberville where he teaches amateurs to turn blank canvases into works of art using the method made famous by Ross.
Ross, whose “Joy of Painting” show was on PBS from 1983 to 1994, is perhaps best known for his soothing voice and his positive instructions.
“We don’t make mistakes,” he often told his students watching the TV screen. “We have a happy accident every so often.”
And there was his trademark permed afro hairstyle. Ross reportedly didn’t like the perm, but once it became part of his TV persona, he was stuck with it.
In 2019, Miller happened upon the show on YouTube.
“I knew he was the kooky guy with the hair,” Miller said. “It took two or three episodes and I was hooked.”
Miller had no formal art training, but quickly picked up Ross’ techniques.
“It’s so beginner friendly,” he said.
Miller enrolled in a workshop in Florida, where he became certified as a Bob Ross instructor.
Since then, he has been teaching novices to create beautiful landscapes.
“People who haven’t painted since elementary school can come in and do it,” he said.
For four years, Miller has been taking his classes to area senior centers, libraries, even a lavender farm. Now, with the opening of his Extravagant Works Studio, he can teach up to 18 people at a time.
Adopting Bob Ross’ instruction style came easy for Miller.
“What separates Bob Ross teachers from other artists is you have to be really patient with students,” he said. “Just by teaching his style and being supportive, you end up sounding like Bob Ross.”
The technique for official Bob Ross instructors involves oil painting over a wet surface covered with liquid white.
“You can always fix everything that happens on the canvas. That’s one of my favorite parts,” Miller said.
That makes the learning experience less intimidating for newbies.
“Your painting won’t turn out like your neighbors,” Miller said. But using Ross’ techniques, any slips of the paintbrush aren’t mistakes but rather “happy accidents” that can be turned into “happy trees” or other features in the landscape.
“Everything is happy,” Miller said.
Ross stressed the value of imperfections.
“It’s our world. We can do it anyway we want to,” he said during one episode as he gave instructions on making mountains. “Put ‘em exactly where you think they should live. Shoot, that’s a nice little mountain. I like him.”
Then he moved onto a tree.
“We’ll give him a friend that lives about there,” he said. “Everybody needs a friend.”
Ross died in 1995, leaving 403 episodes of his “Joy of Painting.”
The official grand opening of Miller’s Extravagant Works Studio will be Saturday, Nov. 2, at 531 E. Front St., Suite 2, Pemberville. In addition to classes, the studio also offers unframed paintings, Bob Ross T-shirts and other paraphernalia.
“This is your destination for all things Bob Ross,” Miller said. “I want people to associate Pemberville with Bob Ross.”
Classes can be scheduled by emailing extravagantworks@gmail.com or calling 419-460-6884.
The next round of classes will be held Nov. 13 and 23 from 9 a.m. to noon, and Nov. 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. The classes are $60 per student, with all materials supplied by the studio.
Miller plans to post the proposed painting for each class three months in advance. He is planning to hold summer art camps for kids, and possibly some wine and canvas events for adults. His previous painting location at a church would not allow for such events.
More information can be found at extravagantworks.com.
