"You can do it! It's very simple!"
— Bill Alexander
Bill Alexander's Early Life
Born in East Prussia (now part of modern-day Russia and Poland), Bill Alexander grew up during a turbulent period in European history. He developed his passion for painting at a young age and studied art in Germany before eventually emigrating to the United States.
After settling in America, Alexander continued to develop his painting technique and began teaching others. His natural charisma, combined with his ability to simplify complex painting techniques, made him an exceptionally effective teacher.
The Magic of Oil Painting
The Magic of Oil Painting began airing on PBS in 1974, nearly a decade before Bob Ross's The Joy of Painting. The show featured Alexander completing oil paintings using his wet-on-wet technique while enthusiastically encouraging viewers with his catchphrase, "You can do it!"
Alexander's teaching style was more energetic and animated than Ross's famously calm approach. He would slash and scrub paint onto the canvas with great enthusiasm, creating dramatic effects in remarkably short periods of time. His German accent and passionate delivery made him a memorable and entertaining instructor.
The show was immensely popular and proved that there was a large audience for televised art instruction — paving the way for The Joy of Painting and the entire genre of instructional painting television.
Bill Alexander and Bob Ross
The relationship between Bill Alexander and Bob Ross is one of the most significant in the history of art instruction. Bob Ross studied under Bill Alexander and learned the wet-on-wet technique directly from him. Ross worked for Alexander's company, Alexander Art, as a travelling painting instructor before eventually developing his own teaching method and brand.
While both painters used the same fundamental wet-on-wet technique, they developed distinct styles and approaches:
- Bill Alexander: More energetic and dramatic style, bold brushwork, European landscape influences
- Bob Ross: Calmer, more meditative approach, softer technique, Alaskan landscape influences
Despite their different teaching personalities, both men shared the same core belief: that anyone can learn to paint, regardless of prior experience or perceived artistic talent.
Bill Alexander's Painting Technique
Bill Alexander's wet-on-wet technique forms the foundation of what millions of people now know as the Bob Ross method. The key principles include:
- Magic White base coat: Alexander developed "Magic White," a fluid base coat applied to the canvas before painting (Bob Ross later created his own version called "Liquid White")
- Large brushes for speed: Using 2-inch and 1-inch brushes to quickly cover large areas and create natural effects
- Palette knife work: Essential for mountains, buildings, and sharp details
- Complete paintings in one session: The alla prima approach means the entire painting is completed while the paint is still wet
- Simple colour palette: A limited selection of colours that can be mixed to create any scene
Bill Alexander's Legacy
Bill Alexander passed away in 1997, but his legacy lives on through the countless painters he inspired, both directly and indirectly through Bob Ross. His contribution to art instruction cannot be overstated — he essentially created the format that would make oil painting accessible to millions of people worldwide.
Today, certified Bill Alexander instructors continue to teach his techniques, ensuring that his approach to painting remains alive and accessible to new generations of artists.
Learn the Bill Alexander Technique in Kent
Mark Terrell is proud to be a certified Bill Alexander Painting Instructor as well as a certified Bob Ross instructor. In Mark's oil painting classes, you'll learn techniques rooted in both the Alexander and Ross traditions.
Bill Alexander was the man who taught Bob Ross — and through Mark's classes, you can experience the very same techniques that started it all. Whether you prefer Alexander's bold, energetic style or Ross's calmer approach, Mark can guide you through both methods.
