40 Best Bob Ross Quotes To Inspire Art And Creativity

Check out the best Bob Ross quotes that inspire creativity, positivity, and the joy of embracing life’s happy little accidents.

Bob Ross was an American painter, art instructor, and television host best known for his iconic show The Joy of Painting.

With his soothing voice, calming demeanor, and signature phrases like “happy little trees,” he became a symbol of peace, patience, and creativity for millions worldwide.

Born in 1942, Bob Ross served in the U.S. Air Force before dedicating his life to teaching people how to paint and believe in themselves.

His wet-on-wet painting technique allowed viewers to create landscapes quickly, and his approachable style made art feel accessible to everyone.

Bob Ross wasn’t just a master painter, he inspired people to embrace mistakes, find beauty in the process, and approach life with patience and love.

Even decades after his passing, Ross remains a cultural icon, with his legacy living on through reruns, merchandise, and a dedicated fan base.

Here are some of the most famous Bob Ross quotes that will brighten your day and bring out your inner artist.

Top 10 Bob Ross Quotes

1. “Go out on limb. That’s where the fruit is.” — Bob Ross

   

2. “As long as you’re learning, you’re not failing.” — Bob Ross

   

3. “You can do anything you want. This is your world.” — Bob Ross

   

4. “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” — Bob Ross

   

5. “The secret to doing anything is believing that you can do it.” — Bob Ross

   

6. “There’s nothing in the world that breeds success like success.” — Bob Ross

   

7. “We don’t laugh because we feel good, we feel good because we laugh.” — Bob Ross

   

8. “It’s hard to see things when you are too close. Take a step back and look.” — Bob Ross

   

9. “Talent is a pursued interest. Anything you’re willing to practice, you can do.” — Bob Ross

   

10. “If what you’re doing doesn’t make you happy, you’re doing the wrong thing.” — Bob Ross

    

Famous Bob Ross Quotes

1. “Anytime you learn, you gain.” — Bob Ross
2. “Believe that you can do it cause you can do it.” — Bob Ross
3. “There’s nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend.” — Bob Ross

   

4. “If you do too much, it’s going to lose its effectiveness.” — Bob Ross
5. “This is your world, you’re the creator. Find freedom on this canvas.” — Bob Ross
6. “It’s so important to do something every day that will make you happy.” — Bob Ross
7. “We have no limits to our world. We’re only limited by our imagination.” — Bob Ross
8. “Ever make mistakes in life? Let’s make them birds. Yeah, they’re birds now.” — Bob Ross
9. “You can do anything here—the only prerequisite is that it makes you happy.” — Bob Ross
10. “All you need to paint is a few tools, a little instruction, and a vision in your mind.” — Bob Ross
11. “Don’t forget to tell these special people in your life just how special they are to you.” — Bob Ross
12. “Look around. Look at what we have. Beauty is everywhere—you only have to look to see it.” — Bob Ross
13. “It’s the imperfections that make something beautiful that’s what makes it different and unique from everything else.” — Bob Ross
14. “Put light against light – you have nothing. Put dark against dark – you have nothing. It’s the contrast of light and dark that each give the other one meaning.” — Bob Ross
15. “The secret to doing anything is believing that you can do it. Anything that you believe you can do strong enough, you can do. Anything. As long as you believe.” — Bob Ross

Bob Ross Funny Quotes

1. “Just let go – and fall like a little waterfall.” — Bob Ross
2. “Any way you want it to be, that’s just right.” — Bob Ross
3. “Wash the brush, just beats the devil out of it.” — Bob Ross
4. “Whatever makes you happy, you put in your world.” — Bob Ross
5. “That’s a crooked tree. We’ll send him to Washington.” — Bob Ross
6. “This is happy place; little squirrels live here and play.” — Bob Ross
7. “You have to allow the paint to break to make it beautiful.” — Bob Ross
8. “You have to have dark in order to show light, just like in life.” — Bob Ross
9. “Let’s build us a happy, little cloud that floats around the sky.” — Bob Ross
10. “We want happy paintings. Happy paintings. If you want sad things, watch the news.” — Bob Ross
11. “All it takes is just a little change of perspective and you begin to see a whole new world.” — Bob Ross
12. “People might look at you a bit funny, but it’s okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different.” — Bob Ross
13. “I really believe that if you practice enough, you could paint The Mona Lisa with a two-inch brush.” — Bob Ross
14. “I guess I’m a little weird. I like to talk to trees and animals. That’s okay though; I have more fun than most people.” — Bob Ross
15. “I can’t think of anything more rewarding than being able to express yourself to others through painting. Exercising the imagination, experimenting with talents, being creative; these things, to me, are truly the windows to your soul.” — Bob Ross

Conclusion

What are your favorite Bob Ross quotes and phrases (with images) listed above? If there is a quote that we’ve missed then let us know in the comments section below.

Feel free to share with friends and family on Facebook, Tumblr, X, Instagram, Pinterest, WhatsApp, and more to spread positive vibes.