Approximately 140 university students gathered in the Bluebonnet Ballroom on Monday evening to participate in a unique Bob Ross-themed painting night, where brushes moved slowly across canvases to create landscapes of pink and blue sunsets, majestic mountains, and peaceful pastoral scenes. The event was hosted by the Fellowship of Christian University Students (FOCUS), with pastor Graham Spencer taking on the iconic role of the beloved television artist.
Spencer, who works full-time with FOCUS, came dressed as Bob Ross and projected his own painting onto screens so attendees could follow along with his artistic guidance. To prepare for his role, Spencer studied one of Ross's original videos, carefully observing the artist's distinctive mannerisms and speech patterns. "I'm not great at his accent or voice, but it feels very natural to say the things that he says," Spencer explained, noting that his favorite aspect of portraying the character was Ross's inherently positive nature.
The creative atmosphere took an unexpected turn when the lights went out halfway through the event, but students quickly adapted by using their phone flashlights to continue painting. This impromptu lighting change didn't dampen spirits, as laughter and conversation continued to fill the air while attendees shared their artistic creations with one another. FOCUS provided all the necessary materials, including canvases and paints, ensuring that every student could participate regardless of their artistic background.
While most participants worked on the provided canvases, some chose to express their creativity on alternative materials. Automotive engineering sophomore Ahmed Alzayabi decided to paint his landscape, which he titled "Monday Morning," on a paper towel instead. His miniature artwork featured green grass, trees, a simple stick figure, and a golden sun, representing what he described as a typical Monday morning scene. Alzayabi said he was inspired to create something different after observing what everyone else was doing.
Students approached the painting activity with varying levels of experience and different artistic philosophies. Emily Long, a resource and energy engineering junior, brought her own technique to the session, aiming for a more impressionistic style. "I'm going to make blobs more than more detailed realism painting," Long explained, demonstrating how participants felt free to interpret the Bob Ross method in their own way.
The event served as more than just an art class, creating opportunities for students to connect with one another in a relaxed, creative environment. Long emphasized that events like the painting night provide individuals with a shared activity that helps "take the edge off" social interactions. Throughout the evening, Spencer incorporated many of Ross's famous sayings, including the characteristic "Tap, tap, tap" technique.
One of Bob Ross's most beloved philosophies resonated particularly strongly with participants. Long expressed her appreciation for Ross's famous quote: "We don't make mistakes; we just have happy little accidents." She reflected on the broader life application of this mindset, saying, "When you embrace failure with that kind of attitude, you are much more free to make mistakes, and you're also free to be innovative." This philosophy seemed to capture the spirit of the entire evening, where students felt encouraged to experiment and create without fear of judgment.
The collaborative atmosphere was evident throughout the event, with students helping one another and sharing supplies. Exercise science freshman Emmett Spare was photographed holding a phone flashlight over human resources and management freshman Andreea Rotar's canvas during the power outage, exemplifying the supportive community spirit that emerged during the evening. FOCUS member Sophie Willis, who helped prepare paint on plates for participants, expressed her hope that students would be able to connect meaningfully during the event, a goal that appeared to be successfully achieved based on the positive interactions observed throughout the evening.
