How it all began
Mark Terrell discovered Bob Ross and the Joy of Painting during a difficult period of illness. While recovering from colitis, he found Bob Ross on television and became fascinated by the calm, step-by-step wet-on-wet oil painting technique.
That first spark became a lasting passion. Mark booked his first Bob Ross painting class with Paul and Terri, and the experience changed how he thought about art. He saw that a complete beginner could paint a full landscape in one day with the right method, materials and encouragement.
Becoming a Bob Ross Certified Instructor
Mark went on to train at the Bob Ross Academy with Ellen Tye, becoming certified in Landscapes, Seascapes and Florals. He is also a certified Bill Alexander instructor, giving students a broad understanding of the wet-on-wet oil painting tradition that inspired Bob Ross.
Mark's instructor certificates
Click a certificate to see it full size.
Mark is an Alexander Certified Instructor (Alexander Art, November 2007), trained in the Bill Alexander method that inspired Bob Ross. Learn more at alexanderart.com.
Today Mark has taught more than 1,200 students, many of them complete beginners who never believed they could paint. His classes focus on confidence, clear instruction and taking home a finished oil painting at the end of the day.
What Mark teaches
Paint with Mark classes cover Bob Ross style landscapes, seascapes and florals, using oil paints, specialist brushes, palette knives and liquid mediums. The method is ideal for beginners because each stage builds quickly and visibly on the canvas.
You can join an in-person oil painting class in Kent, learn at home with online painting tutorials, or start with a free Bob Ross style video lesson.
What a Paint with Mark class is like
Every class follows the same simple pattern: Mark paints each stage on his own easel first, explaining exactly what he is doing and why, then everyone paints that stage on their own canvas. He then comes round to each student to help, demonstrate a stroke or rescue a “happy accident”. It means complete beginners and returning painters can work side by side, and everyone leaves with a finished oil painting.
Mark runs the classes with his wife Karen, who welcomes students, keeps the tea and coffee flowing and makes sure nervous first-timers feel at home. Students often mention the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and the friendly banter as much as the painting itself.
What students say about Mark
Paint with Mark is rated 5.0 out of 5 from 22 Google reviews.
“You have fun while you learn, it’s a win win! He breaks down all the techniques for you and comes around and helps if you’d like it. At the end of the day you come away with a beautiful piece of artwork feeling like you’ve achieved something great…”
“Mark is an amazing artist and tutor. When explaining the step by step procedure he makes everything easy to understand… I’m incredibly self critical but even I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the end result.”
“I have been to around 8 classes and have enjoyed them all… We not only come away with a finished painting at the end of the day but have learned brush and painting techniques. I definitely recommend you have a go.”
Ways to learn with Mark
- One-day oil painting classes in Whitstable, Kent: £65 with all materials included. See painting classes for adults for travel times from your area.
- Online painting tutorials: step-by-step Bob Ross style video lessons to follow at home, starting with a free video lesson and the written Bob Ross painting tutorial for beginners.
- Online membership: all of Mark's lessons in one place with a new one every month, launching soon.
- Online painting classes and the Bob Ross online course: learn from home at your own pace.
- Oil painting classes in Kent: one-day classes in Whitstable, taught by Mark for 20 years.
- Bob Ross instructor in the UK: Mark's certificates and how to choose a certified teacher.
- Private groups: painting parties, corporate team building and wellbeing painting days.
- Gift vouchers: a painting day as a present, valid for 12 months.
You can also watch Mark paint on YouTube and follow new paintings on Instagram.