Update on Netflix Documentary and Steve
- Gary Waits
- Aug 28, 2021
- 1 min read
Updated: Jan 14, 2022
With the Netflix documentary that was released this week, I have had several requests for info on how to contact or follow Steve Ross on social media.
Steve is a very private person who, as shown in the documentary, has struggled with his fathers death, with betrayal by those who should have been supporting him, and with greed and inappropriate action from some towards him and Bob’s family.
There are several gofundme efforts that have popped up. NONE of these are connected to or authorized by Steve at this time. Be careful. We don’t want more greedy exploitation in the name of helping him.
Steve is teaching and has classes scheduled in Winchester, Indiana in late October, but these are full at this time.
For those who want to support him and Dana Jester by taking a class or buying paintings, another Certified instructor has set up a private Facebook page where future classes are posted. “Steve Ross and Dana Jester Workshop Fans”
Finally, to those of you who are as repulsed by the Behavior of the Bob Ross Co. toward Bob’s family, remember Certified Ross Instructors aren’t the bad guys here. All of us spent money and time to get certified and are dedicated to continuing in Bob’s vision of sharing the Joy of painting with the world. Most of us already use many tools, some paints, and some compositions that are in no way connected to the Bob Ross Co. along with the ones that are associated
My wife and I were disgusted by how Steve was treated. We were going to take a class featuring a Bob Ross instructor but after we saw the documentary, we quickly killed that idea.
Unfortunately, though, that leaves us with no options on how to paint like Bob/Steve unless we drive to Ohio - not really interested in doing that as we live north of Toronto in Canada.
Are there any Steve Ross trained instructors in Canada?
All the best to Steve and Dana and their families.
I suffer from a host of mental health issues, and having the Bob Ross channel on at night on Pluto tv is the only way I can sleep nightmare and anxiety free at night. Your Father was a Gem of an artist and I am so grateful to him and to you for all that you both have contributed to the world in general. Thank you both so very much! God Bless you and your family, and I am so very happy that you have overcome your struggles to paint again!
I don’t know if Steve will ever see this, but that documentary changed my whole outlook on Bob Ross products. I will never buy a thing that supports BRI. I hope someday I am lucky enough to be able to take a class of yours and learn the true Bob Ross way. May karma act swiftly and harshly on all those who betrayed you.
Hi Gary,
I just finished watching the documentary. I have to say my heart hurts for Steve Ross and Dana Jester. I believe that there is right and wrong in this crazy world. Bob Ross and his " Joy of painting ", made my days brighter. Thank you for that.
There are so many fans worldwide, that it seems to me, after everything Bob Ross gave to the world perhaps it's time that each of us do something to right this grave injustice. I've never bought, nor will I purchase anything from BRI or Webber.
What paints would you suggest?
and, Do you know of anything we can do to take down the Kowalskis ? Boycott or anything else tha…
Hi Gary,
I contributed to a gofundme campaign meant to help raise money for Steve. The organizer of the gofundme is trying to get a hold of Steve or Dana to give them the money but haven’t heard back. The money is due to be released back to the donors soon because they haven’t been able to connect with Steve. Would you be willing to read a message from Richard Driese, the Gofundme organizer? And, if you find it reputable, pass it along to Steve or Dana?