Reviews
" Happy Clouds, Happy Trees presents a compelling argument about the significance of Bob Ross culturally and socially, and in the realm of arts education. The authors' smart engagement with emergent and established theories of aesthetics and art practice relative to art education pedagogy, as well their use of a cultural lens to situate the 'phenomenon' of Bob Ross in the larger contemporary milieu, results in a text that 'joyfully' shines." --Lisa Rathe, Journal of American Folklore, This book, like Bob Ross himself, is a wonderfully captivating encounter that takes you to unexpected places in both art and life. Happy Clouds, Happy Trees: The Bob Ross Phenomenon reveals information about the internationally famous painter Bob Ross, but goes far beyond being a biographical recounting of this character of contrasts. Bob Ross is often viewed and welcomed as a calming, neighborly, painting presence and a trusted, artistic friend; other times he is seen as a joyful, yet perplexing, enigma. Which was he? A mix of both? Who was Bob Ross, really? In discussion of intriguing topics such as boredom, democracy, sentimentality, seduction, imitation, shamanism, and joy, along with the inclusion of lively and thoughtful comparisons between Bob Ross, Andy Warhol, Thomas Kinkade, Floridas Highwaymen, and a host of other artists, this book gives richness to the conversation about Bob Ross and how he is perceived. Happy Clouds, Happy Trees provides a window into the life of Bob Ross while at the same time exploring a multitude of artistic ideas, audiences, artists, and the art world, casting light on the life and practice of this unique painter, teacher, and friend to millions.Paul E. Bolin, professor and assistant chair of art education and visual art studies, The University of Texas at Austin, " Happy Clouds, Happy Trees presents a compelling argument about the significance of Bob Ross culturally and socially, and in the realm of arts education. The authors' smart engagement with emergent and established theories of aesthetics and art practice relative to art education pedagogy, as well their use of a cultural lens to situate the 'phenomenon' of Bob Ross in the larger contemporary milieu, results in a text that 'joyfully' shines." --Lisa Rathje, Journal of American Folklore, Happy Clouds, Happy Trees presents a compelling argument about the significance of Bob Ross culturally and socially, and in the realm of arts education. The authors' smart engagement with emergent and established theories of aesthetics and art practice relative to art education pedagogy, as well their use of a cultural lens to situate the 'phenomenon' of Bob Ross in the larger contemporary milieu, results in a text that 'joyfully' shines., Happy Clouds, Happy Trees presents a compelling argument about the significance of Bob Ross culturally and socially, and in the realm of arts education. The authorssmart engagement with emergent and established theories of aesthetics and art practice relative to art education pedagogy, as well their use of a cultural lens to situate the phenomenonof Bob Ross in the larger contemporary milieu, results in a text that joyfullyshines.Lisa Rathje, Journal of American Folklore, This book, like Bob Ross himself, is a wonderfully captivating encounter that takes you to unexpected places in both art and life. Happy Clouds, Happy Trees: The Bob Ross Phenomenon reveals information about the internationally famous painter Bob Ross, but goes far beyond being a biographical recounting of this character of contrasts. Bob Ross is often viewed and welcomed as a calming, neighborly, painting presence and a trusted, artistic friend; other times he is seen as a joyful, yet perplexing, enigma. Which was he? A mix of both? Who was Bob Ross, really? In discussion of intriguing topics such as boredom, democracy, sentimentality, seduction, imitation, shamanism, and joy, along with the inclusion of lively and thoughtful comparisons between Bob Ross, Andy Warhol, Thomas Kinkade, Florida's Highwaymen, and a host of other artists, this book gives richness to the conversation about Bob Ross and how he is perceived. Happy Clouds, Happy Trees provides a window into the life of Bob Ross while at the same time exploring a multitude of artistic ideas, audiences, artists, and the art world, casting light on the life and practice of this unique painter, teacher, and friend to millions., "This book, like Bob Ross himself, is a wonderfully captivating encounter that takes you to unexpected places in both art and life. Happy Clouds, Happy Trees: The Bob Ross Phenomenon reveals information about the internationally famous painter Bob Ross, but goes far beyond being a biographical recounting of this character of contrasts. Bob Ross is often viewed and welcomed as a calming, neighborly, painting presence and a trusted, artistic friend; other times he is seen as a joyful, yet perplexing, enigma. Which was he? A mix of both? Who was Bob Ross, really? In discussion of intriguing topics such as boredom, democracy, sentimentality, seduction, imitation, shamanism, and joy, along with the inclusion of lively and thoughtful comparisons between Bob Ross, Andy Warhol, Thomas Kinkade, Florida's Highwaymen, and a host of other artists, this book gives richness to the conversation about Bob Ross and how he is perceived. Happy Clouds, Happy Trees provides a window into the life of Bob Ross while at the same time exploring a multitude of artistic ideas, audiences, artists, and the art world, casting light on the life and practice of this unique painter, teacher, and friend to millions." --Paul E. Bolin, professor and assistant chair of art education and visual art studies, The University of Texas at Austin
