My Watercolor Journey: From Bob Ross to Following My Dreams

Every artist has a beginning, and mine started on Saturday mornings sitting in front of the television watching Bob Ross.

Like so many aspiring artists, I was captivated by the way Bob could create an entire world in just thirty minutes. With a few brushstrokes, he would paint mighty mountains, happy little trees, peaceful streams, and sometimes even a happy squirrel or two. It seemed like magic.

I would paint right along with him, doing my best to keep up. Of course, keeping up with Bob Ross was nearly impossible. By the time I mixed my colors, he was already halfway through another masterpiece!

One year, my brother gave me one of the most thoughtful birthday gifts I've ever received. He taped every Bob Ross episode that aired that year so I could replay them and slow Bob down. Suddenly, I could pause, rewind, and study every brushstroke. It was one of the greatest gifts an aspiring artist could receive, and it helped fuel my love for painting.

My artistic journey began with acrylic painting. I spent years experimenting, learning color theory, composition, and the basics of creating landscapes. As I entered middle age, I transitioned into oil painting and fell in love with the richness and depth that oils offered.

But my biggest artistic transformation was still ahead of me.

One day, I discovered the watercolor paintings of two Australian masters whose work completely changed the way I viewed art. Their paintings were unlike anything I had ever seen. They weren't simply paintings of landscapes—they captured atmosphere, emotion, light, and mood in a way that felt alive.

Those artists were Alvaro Castagnet and Joseph Zbukvic.

In 2014, inspired by their incredible work, I decided to learn watercolor painting seriously. I purchased the best watercolor paints, paper, and brushes they recommended. I bought instructional videos, read every article and blog post I could find, and immersed myself in their techniques and philosophy.

Then reality hit.

For nearly a year, I painted one disaster after another.

I threw away painting after painting. Sometimes I wondered if I had made a terrible mistake. Watercolor seemed impossible. The paint flowed where it wanted. Colors mixed unexpectedly. My paintings lacked the beautiful atmosphere I admired in the masters.

But I kept going.

Then one morning, something clicked.

I can't fully explain it, but I woke up with a new clarity about the process. Suddenly, I understood what I had been trying to learn all along. I began seeing shapes differently. I understood the importance of values, edges, and simplifying a scene. Most importantly, I learned to let watercolor do what watercolor does best.

My early watercolor paintings were still rough around the edges. Everything looked a little blocky and stiff. But with patience, persistence, and a lot of practice, I slowly improved.

Painting after painting.

Month after month.

Year after year.

Eventually, family and friends began asking if they could purchase my artwork.

My first response was always the same:

"Why would you want to do that?"

To me, the paintings still weren't good enough. I could see every flaw and every mistake. But something surprising happened. People genuinely connected with my work.

They saw something I didn't.

They saw memories.

They saw places they loved.

They saw peace, atmosphere, and emotion.

Most importantly, they enjoyed the paintings.

That encouragement helped me continue growing as an artist.

As my confidence increased, I joined watercolor groups and societies where I met some of the most wonderful people imaginable. These organizations opened my eyes to an entire community of artists who shared their knowledge, encouragement, and friendship.

Through these groups, I discovered paint-outs, demonstrations, workshops, street fairs, competitions, and countless conversations with artists who have since become dear friends.

The watercolor community welcomed me with open arms, and I am forever grateful for the experiences and relationships it has brought into my life.

Along the way, I've been fortunate enough to receive recognition for my work. I've won awards at various fairs and competitions, including receiving Third Place Honors at the Springfield Museum of Art in Ohio in 2024. I was also honored to receive First Place with WOWS, the Western Ohio Watercolor Society.

Every award has been exciting, but the real reward has always been the journey itself.

And trust me, the journey hasn't always gone according to plan.

One of my favorite memories happened during an outdoor painting event. I was sitting beside my easel when a strong gust of wind sent everything crashing down. In an instant, I was covered in paint and water.

What could I do?

I laughed.

At that moment, I decided maybe God was telling me something. Instead of continuing the event, I packed up and headed back to my hometown, which happened to be celebrating its 200th anniversary that day.

My family was helping run my booth there, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made.

I spent the day reconnecting with people I grew up with, sharing stories, laughing, and enjoying a wonderful celebration. Looking back, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.

Today, my journey continues in an exciting new direction.

For many years, I balanced my artistic passion with a full-time career. Like many artists, I painted during evenings, weekends, and every spare moment I could find.

Recently, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life.

I left my full-time job to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time artist.

It's both exciting and a little scary, but I know it's the right path for me.

Another blessing in my life has been marrying the man of my dreams. His love, encouragement, and unwavering support have given me confidence to pursue opportunities I may have once been afraid to chase. Having someone who believes in

 your dreams makes all the difference.

As I reflect on this journey, from painting along with Bob Ross on Saturday mornings to exhibiting watercolor paintings and teaching others, I am filled with gratitude.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout the years.

Thank you to my family, friends, fellow artists, collectors, students, and supporters.

Thank you to those who purchased my paintings when I didn't believe they were good enough.

Thank you to those who encouraged me when I struggled.

And thank you to those I haven't met yet but will encounter in future workshops, exhibitions, paint-outs, and adventures.

The journey continues, and I can't wait to see where the next brushstroke leads.

— Rhonda Smith Watercolors