Robert Norman Ross was an amazing American painter, art instructor, and TV show host for many years. He created beautiful landscape paintings, while also teaching those who loved and appreciated art how to succeed at painting. Through his television show and his wonderful works of art, he gave the world a few special gifts – pieces of knowledge about life that we had not yet discovered, or understood to be true.

1. He taught us that it is okay to be different.

Bob Ross understood that nature had its own special idiosyncrasies, and made an effort to capture those in his art. He knew that nothing was exactly the same and there was no specific way things had to be, and that it was okay to grow and change in a way that makes you happy.

2. He motivated people to believe in themselves.

He understood that not everyone is an artist. He knew that not everyone had natural talent when it came to art. However, he did know that if you set your mind to something, and truly believed that you could do it, then you were capable of anything. He applied this to not only painting, but life in general.

3. He reminded everyone that it's okay to mess up.

Painting was hard to master, and he knew it could never be perfect. With that knowledge, he showed us all that it’s okay to fail or mess something up sometimes. There weren't mistakes, there were only happy accidents.

4. He showed everyone a new appreciation for nature.

Bob Ross was famous for his beautiful landscape paintings. He not only wanted to showcase his talents, but he wanted us all to understand the beauty that surrounds us daily. The flowers, the animals, the mountains – he wanted us all to make an effort to love and respect the environment around us, and for us to coexist peacefully.

5. Lastly, he showed us that huge Afros are really cool.

Honestly, I wish I could pull that off. How can you hate such a cool and neat hairstyle? You can’t.

RIP Bob Ross, October 29, 1942-July 4, 1995