In short: if you are looking for a Bob Ross instructor in the UK, Mark Terrell of Paint with Mark is a Bob Ross Certified Instructor teaching one-day classes in Whitstable, Kent, and online. He has taught for 20 years and has more than 1,200 students.
Mark Terrell: a certified Bob Ross teacher for 20 years
I discovered Bob Ross on television while recovering from illness and was fascinated by the calm, step-by-step wet-on-wet method. After my first class I trained at the Bob Ross Academy with Ellen Tye and became certified in landscapes, seascapes and florals. I am also an Alexander Certified Instructor, so I can teach you the tradition that inspired Bob Ross as well. You can read my full story on the About Mark page.
My instructor certificates
If you are choosing a Bob Ross teacher, it is sensible to ask to see their certificates. Here are mine:
- Bob Ross Certified Instructor (Landscape): Bob Ross Landscape Painting Seminar, Third Level, November 2006.
- Bob Ross Certified Floral Instructor: Bob Ross Floral Painting Seminar, Third Level, June 2007.
- Alexander Certified Instructor: Alexander Art, 20 November 2007.
What a certified Bob Ross instructor teaches
The Bob Ross method is wet-on-wet oil painting: a thin base coat of Liquid White, then colours blended straight into wet paint, so you can finish a landscape in one sitting. In my classes I demonstrate each stage on my own easel, then help every student at theirs. You learn brush loading, blending, palette knife work, skies, mountains, water, trees and finishing details. The free Bob Ross painting tutorial shows the basic steps, and the wet-on-wet guide explains the technique.
Find a Bob Ross class with a certified instructor
- In person: one-day classes in Whitstable, Kent, £65 with all materials included. See the class dates and the oil painting classes in Kent page.
- From London, Sussex and Essex: students travel from across the South East. See painting classes for adults for travel times from your area.
- Online: try the free lesson or the Bob Ross online course, with one-to-one video coaching if you want personal help.
Becoming a Bob Ross instructor
I'm often asked how to become a certified Bob Ross instructor in the UK. Instructor training is run through the official Bob Ross organisation, and I teach painting rather than instructor certification, so please contact them directly for current details. If you simply want to learn to paint well, a class is the best first step.
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.”
Bob Ross instructor FAQs
Who is a certified Bob Ross instructor in the UK?
Mark Terrell of Paint with Mark in Whitstable, Kent, is a Bob Ross Certified Instructor. He trained at the Bob Ross Academy and holds certificates in Bob Ross landscape (November 2006) and floral painting (June 2007), and is also an Alexander Certified Instructor (November 2007).
What is a Bob Ross Certified Instructor?
It is a teacher who has trained in the Bob Ross wet-on-wet method and holds a certificate to teach it. Certificates usually name the type of painting they cover, such as landscapes, seascapes or florals, and the year they were awarded.
How can I check that a Bob Ross instructor is genuine?
Ask to see their certificate. It should show their name, the training body, the type of painting they are certified in and the date. Mark's three certificates are shown on this page and on his About page.
How do I find a Bob Ross instructor near me?
Search for Bob Ross painting classes in your area, then check each teacher's certificates and reviews. Mark teaches in Whitstable, Kent, and students travel from London, Sussex and Essex. See the painting classes for adults page for travel times.
Can I become a Bob Ross instructor in the UK?
Instructor training is run through the Bob Ross organisation, not by Paint with Mark. Mark teaches painting, not instructor certification, so if you want to become an instructor you should contact the official Bob Ross organisation for current training details.
Do I need a certified instructor to paint like Bob Ross?
No. You can learn from the free tutorial and videos. But a certified instructor can show you the brush handling in person, which most beginners find the fastest way to learn.