<\/span><\/h2>\nRoss was a famous painter and art instructor.<\/p>\n
He previously served in the US Air Force and was stationed in Alaska, the setting of most of his future paintings.<\/p>\n
Ross began developing quick painting techniques during his work breaks and enrolled in an art class at the Anchorage U.S.O. club.<\/p>\n
While working as a bartender he discovered a TV show called The Magic of Oil Painting, hosted by German painter Bill Alexander.<\/p>\n
Ross mastered his technique and began painting and selling Alaskan scenery portraits.<\/p>\n
The artist eventually returned to Florida and began painting with Alexander.<\/p>\n
A student named Annette Kowalski took a class with Ross and encouraged him to branch out on his own, helping him financially.<\/p>\n
Ross, his wife, and Kowalski gathered money and created his company, Bob Ross Inc.<\/p>\n
His popularity increased and he was given his own show on PBS as a result.<\/p>\n
Ross painted an estimated 30,000 paintings during his lifetime, most of which are still owned by Bob Ross Inc.<\/p>\n
<\/span>How did Bob Ross die?<\/span><\/h2>\nRoss passed away on July 4, 1995, from lymphoma complications.<\/p>\n
The 52-year-old kept his diagnosis a secret from the general public and it was not known outside of his circle of family and friends until after his death.<\/p>\n
In the past, Ross had suffered two heart attacks and had survived his first battle with cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n