Reading Order
Joy Of Paintingseries.seoTitleShort
Start with The Joy of Painting Volume 1 and continue through all 33 books in the listed reading order.
About This Series
The 'Joy Of Painting' series, written by the beloved artist Bob Ross, is a treasure trove for aspiring painters and art enthusiasts alike. This instructional series, which includes 33 volumes, reflects Ross's calming demeanor and makes art accessible to everyone. With a focus on landscape painting, each book echoes his signature style and philosophy that anyone can paint, encouraging readers to embrace their creativity without fear of mistakes.
What sets this series apart is not just its instructional value, but the uplifting themes of joy, self-expression, and relaxation that pervade every page. Bob Ross's gentle guidance demystifies the painting process, making it approachable for beginners while offering valuable techniques for seasoned artists. Ideal for those seeking a creative outlet or a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this series emphasizes the therapeutic aspects of art-making, encouraging readers to find joy in the process of creation rather than striving for perfection.
To fully appreciate the series, it's recommended to start with 'The Joy of Painting Volume 1,' as each book builds on foundational concepts introduced in earlier volumes. Although there are no prequels or spin-offs to consider, following the sequential order allows readers to progressively develop their skills and confidence in painting.
While there are currently no thought leaders recommending this series on GurusReads, it's clear that anyone seeking to discover their artistic side or enhance their painting skills will find a kindred spirit in Bob Ross. His inviting tone and straightforward techniques make the 'Joy Of Painting' a beloved choice for both hobbyists and dedicated artists, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the world of art.
Start Here

Start with The Joy of Painting Volume 1
Book 1 by Bob Ross • Published 1984
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
Complete List
Joy Of Painting reading order
Ends with Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting
- 1

Book 1:The Joy of Painting Volume 1
Bob Ross • 1984
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 3

Book 3:The Joy of Painting Volume 3
Bob Ross • 1985
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 4

Book 4:The Joy of Painting Volume 4
Bob Ross • 1985
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 5

Book 5:The Joy of Painting Volume 5
Bob Ross • 1986
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 6

Book 6:The Joy of Painting Volume 6
Bob Ross • 1986
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 7

Book 7:The Joy of Painting Volume 7
Bob Ross • 1986
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 8

Book 8:The Joy of Painting Volume 8
Bob Ross • 1986
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 9

Book 9:The Joy of Painting Volume 9
Bob Ross • 1987
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 10

Book 10:The Joy of Painting Volume 10
Bob Ross • 1987
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 11

Book 11:The Joy of Painting Volume 11
Bob Ross • 1987
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 12

Book 12:The Joy of Painting Volume 12
Bob Ross • 1988
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 13

Book 13:The Joy of Painting Volume 13
Bob Ross • 1988
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 14

Book 14:The Joy of Painting Volume 14
Bob Ross • 1989
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 15

Book 15:The Joy of Painting Volume 15
Bob Ross • 1989
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 16

Book 16:The Joy of Painting Volume 16
Bob Ross • 1989
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 17

Book 17:The Joy of Painting Volume 17
Bob Ross • 1989
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 18

Book 18:The Joy of Painting Volume 18
Bob Ross • 1990
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 19

Book 19:The Joy of Painting Volume 19
Bob Ross • 1990
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 20

Book 20:The Joy of Painting Volume 20
Bob Ross • 1990
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 21

Book 21:The Joy of Painting Volume 21
Bob Ross • 1990
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 22

Book 22:The Joy of Painting Volume 22
Bob Ross • 1991
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 23

Book 23:The Joy of Painting Volume 23
Bob Ross • 1991
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 24

Book 24:The Joy of Painting Volume 24
Bob Ross • 1991
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 26

Book 26:The Joy of Painting Volume 26
Bob Ross • 1993
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 27

Book 27:Bob Ross' New Joy of Painting: A Collection of His Favorites
Bob Ross • 1993
Bob Ross' New Joy of Painting gathers sixty of his later Joy of Painting projects into one volume, pairing each finished landscape with step by step photos and instructions so you can revisit some of his most loved sc...
- 28

Book 28:The Joy of Painting Volume 27
Bob Ross • 1993
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 29

Book 29:The Joy of Painting Volume 28
Bob Ross • 1993
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 30

Book 30:The Joy of Painting Volume 29
Bob Ross • 1994
This Joy of Painting book features thirteen step by step landscape projects taken from Bob Ross’s TV series, with full color reference paintings, supply lists, and clear photos so you can follow his wet-on-wet techniq...
- 31

Book 31:The Joy of Painting Volume 30
Bob Ross • 1994
In this Joy of Painting volume you will tackle thirteen complete scenes, from skies and mountains to trees and water, guided by Bob Ross’s simple instructions, materials lists, and close up photographs of every major...
- 32

Book 32:Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross
Bob Ross • 1995
This large collection gathers sixty favorite projects from The Joy of Painting, each with a full color reference image and black and white how to photos, guiding you through Bob Ross’s most popular mountains, cabins,...
- 33

Book 33:More Joy of Painting with Bob Ross
Bob Ross • 1995
More Joy of Painting with Bob Ross continues the series with another sixty projects drawn from the TV show, expanding on his trademark landscapes and offering extra practice with clouds, waterfalls, oval frames, and s...
- 34

Book 34:Discover The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross
Bob Ross • 1998
Discover The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross serves as a hands on workshop in book form, offering multiple landscape projects, clear instructions, and practical tips that show how to build skies, mountains, trees, and r...
- 35

Book 35:Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting
Bob Ross • 2017
Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting explains his wet-on-wet oil technique in detail, combining full color landscapes, supply lists, and step by step photo sequences so beginners can follow along and finish their own scenes...
Quick Answers
Joy Of Painting FAQ
What is the best order to read the Joy Of Painting series?
The recommended reading order is the numbered order shown on this page, starting with The Joy of Painting Volume 1.
How many books are in the Joy Of Painting series?
There are 33 books currently listed in the Joy Of Painting series on GurusReads.
Where should I start with the Joy Of Painting series?
New readers should start with The Joy of Painting Volume 1, the first book in the reading order.
Is the Joy Of Painting series complete?
Based on the publication years we have, the series appears likely complete and spans releases from 1984 to 2017.