When creating a painting, the artist gains control of forming a whole new environment. Even if the scene is based on reality, it still comes from the artist’s imagination.
During the “Paint Like Bob Ross In One Day” class at The Enrichment Academy, skilled artists and first-timers are able to come together to paint their own reality, led by instructor Dan Willcox.
As a certified Ross instructor, Willcox can paint using the “wet-on-wet” oil painting technique — also called “alla prima” or “direct painting” — mastered by renowned artist Bob Ross.
The class allows Villagers and other participants to learn and practice the technique.
Like some of his students, Willcox didn’t pick up a paint brush until a little later in his life. He was drawn in by the simple technique used with the wet-on-wet painting style.
While celebrating his 22nd wedding anniversary with his wife, Laurie, Willcox took an art class in Ormond Beach with a certified Ross instructor — and he fell in love with it.
After taking the class and making it back home from the trip, Willcox ordered the paint and tools that Bob Ross referenced in his show and began painting with Ross’ show, The Joy of Painting, playing in the background.
“I just absolutely loved it. I was constantly improving because I was painting all the time. My instructor encouraged me to keep going,” Willcox said, explaining what motivated him to become an instructor himself.
Nearly two years after taking the initial art class, Willcox completed weeks of training at the Bob Ross Workshop in New Smyrna Beach — near Ross’ original hometown of Daytona Beach — to become a certified instructor.
Since then, he began passing on his love for Ross’ techniques by guiding his students.
“It is exactly the way Bob said, ‘Anyone can do this if you use the right tools and take your time’.” Willcox said. “The more you do it the more comfortable and fun it is.” Since becoming an instructor and teaching classes with the TEA program and other programs around Florida, Willcox has seen the popularity of and interest in Ross’ work grow.
TEA Classes hosted by Willcox for the Fall-Winter season, have become so popular that even the waiting lists are overbooked.
“Classes have gotten so popular. I’d say I’ve taught anywhere between 500 to 600 students since I started,” Willcox recalled. “Many of them are repeat students and that is quite humbling and makes for a lot of fun during the class sessions.”
Willcox’s teaching style starts with him explaining the wet-on-wet technique then showing the students how to do it step by step, before giving the students time to do each step themselves.
“I try to show more and say less so students have time to really go for it. The classes are really like a demonstration,” Willcox said.
Over the past two years, Willcox said he has learned to be a lot more patient to accommodate the different paces of his students — especially since the wet-on-wet technique is so delicate.
“I didn’t use to be patient but now I just move at a different pace. In the class, everyone is coming from a different place and come to the class for different reasons,” Willcox said, adding that it is important to make space for all the students regardless of their reason for being in the class.
By making space for his students to be comfortable to create, Willcox builds a relationship of trust as an instructor.
“I want my students to be able to trust what I’m suggesting. I want them to know it’s not the only way, but it is the best way to develop the Ross technique,” Willcox said. “I want to show them what worked best for me but also let them feel free to adjust that.”
In the upcoming classes, guests will be able to paint various scenery, from an icy pond to a wilderness landscape. The scenes are based on the class title including “Frozen Beauty,” “Splendor of Autumn,” “Storm on the Horizon,” “Tranquility Cove,” and “Wilderness Day.”
Willcox said even though his students use the same reference picture in a class when painting, no two pieces ever come out looking the same.
“Once you’ve tried to create your own version of the landscape, you tend to pay more attention to the world around you,” Willcox said. “Students have later told me after the class, they’ve spent hours looking at the clouds or at the trees and they notice they are all different. That’s what’s important to understand, there isn’t a way to do it wrong. You can just improve with time and practice.”
Materials, including a canvas, easel, paint colors, brushes, disposable aprons, will be provided to class participants.
The supply fee to participate in the program is $30.
During the upcoming classes on Nov. 30 where from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Willcox will teach the “Splendor of Autumn” class before teaching “Tranquility Cove” class from 2:30 to 6 p.m. at Lake Okahumpka Recreation, 4505 Okahumpka Run, Wildwood.
Though Willcox’s TEA classes are full, those interested in learning from Willcox can still register for one of his three upcoming class at the Bob Ross Studio in New Smyrna Beach happening on Nov. 13 through Nov. 15. For more information about the workshop, visit bobrossartworkshop.com.
For more information about the class or to register, visit theenrichmentacademy.org.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
