Day 80: Season 7, Episode 5 Portrait of Sally

Bob Ross brought on a guest teacher, Ben Stahl, for this portrait. I was hesitant at first because I am not used to painting portraits, but I really loved the freedom I felt with this one. I’m not sure if it is because I got to break away from the Bob Ross technique and leaned into my own personal style (which is much more expressive and messy), or if it was because this teacher was also encouraging to ‘get messy,’ but I really had fun with this. At first, I had some trouble with her eyes but then once I was done, her expression made me laugh. It’s kind of like she’s silently judging me and giving me a side-eye for whatever reason. I really let loose on the background and mixed my colors right on the canvas. I think this one was a good reminder to myself that I should probably start to inject more of my impressionistic style into my Bob Ross paintings instead of trying to hold myself back. I’ve been so focused on trying to restrain that side of myself that I did feel like my paintings were starting to lose a little something special. Now that I’m 7 seasons deep, I think now is a good time to start breaking some boundaries and rules for myself. Excited to try that out on the next one!