Friday, March 18, 2016

Bill Alexander vs Bob Ross: A Win-Win

Day 131

If you are a fan of Bob Ross, the prolific landscape painter who taught many beginner's a simple way to paint on public broadcasting, you're in for a treat. There is another painter who originated wet-on-wet painting, his name is Bill Alexander. He is credited with perfecting the "magic" white paint used to cover the canvas in preparation for painting.

Bill Alexander also had a television show teaching amateurs how to create beautiful landscapes with a wide brush and a special palette knife by swishing and jabbing and scraping oil paints on a wet canvas.

I believe Alexanders paintings are more detailed than Bob Ross. Though their techniques are almost identical. Bill Alexander has a heavy Russian(?) accent which can make him a little difficult to understand. His strokes are stronger and more deliberate.

Bob Ross is the better teacher however, with his soft easy, voice and mannerisms. He is very easy to follow as he explains everything as he does it.

Alexander expresses the beauty of his creations. Ross looks for the story in his creations.

Both are excellent painters and teachers for the beginner/amateur painter.

Here are two of my favorite videos: Bill Alexander and Bob Ross. Click on each to see the video's on YouTube. Each is approximately 30 minutes. If nothing else they are very relaxing to watch.

Until tomorrow,

Ken


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