By Bruce Karnick

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Bob Ross was an American painter, art instructor and television host for the show he created called “The Joy of Painting.” That show aired for 11 years on PBS and similar stations around the world. Ross’ signature round hair style from the 70s and his gentle, reassuring nature still rings true with fans 27 years after his passing, so much so that Hastings resident, Kristi Mingo Nelson traveled to Florida to become a Bob Ross Certified Instructor.

“The reason I went down was because both of my kids were grown, they were graduating from college, and I didn't know what to do with myself,” said Nelson. “I took a few art classes at the Hastings Art Center, and someone mentioned Bob Ross. I tried teaching myself by watching his videos, and it was super frustrating. Then I found out you could go to Florida and get in a course and learn to do it, so, I went.”

Ross’ painting technique is a wet-on-wet oil painting where the artist paints over a thin base layer of wet paint. This technique uses a limited selection of tools and colors that do not require a large investment. Using one- and two-inch brushes along with painting knives, the painter can quickly complete a scene. The one downside to this technique is that it can take weeks or longer for the painting to fully dry.

Nelson operates her art space on the upper level of 682 Commerce Dr. in the Industrial Park above Two Rivers Automotive. The studio actually shares the same entrance as the repair shop. Nelson has been a certified instructor since 2016 and has been teaching in both her studio and numerous community education programs around the area.

When you enter the space, the scent of paint fills the air just right and the space feels very welcoming for new and experienced students alike. Tables with 12 easels are together in a U shape in the middle of the room, a camera and large TV are on the teaching side of the room where Nelson demonstrates the technique she is teaching. Once she teaches the technique, she makes her way around the class to observe and help students before moving to the next step.

“With Bob Ross instruction, you get you learn how to build the painting from the background to the foreground. For instance, some of the things like what the eagle that we're going to do this weekend, I'll help them know that as those hills come forward, they have to be darker, because the closer they get to you, the darker it needs to be. I tell them why we put a dark color in first before we put the green in for the trees in the bushes. And most people do not like to use dark, almost black first, and then put the light colors on top of it. They don't it's just something in their brain that says, you know, the dark colors, not pretty, the pretty colors are pretty. But you can't get the pretty colors pretty without the dark underneath it,” explained Nelson.

Nelson has a number of students that continue to paint at home and often come back for a few now and then for the extra learning opportunities. Others take some convincing because they do not feel like they can paint.

“I promise, nobody is leaving here with the ugly painting, that will not happen, I absolutely promise that,” says Nelson.

Nelson’s classes typically run three hours and her $63 per class price includes all needed supplies and tax. The classes are limited to 12 people and tend to fill up fairly quickly. To learn more about the classes offered and see the upcoming classes, including what the subject is for the class, visit www.dreamscapesbykristi.com. You can also sign up for classes there. If you have trouble signing up for classes online, call 651-269-2657 or email [email protected]

Photo by Bruce Karnick

Photo by Bruce Karnick

The classroom at DreamScapes by Kristi is open yet has a cozy and intimate feel to it. The setup allows the instructor to quickly work the room and help students with questions and guidance and allows participants to easily see the instructors painting.