At the tender age of twelve, Vivian Ridge found her calling as an artist. In time, her name would be linked to a much-loved art educator in the United States. She emerged as a talented artist at a young age after being born in North Carolina in the middle of the 1940s. She attended Wake Forest University to earn a degree in art history because it was her life’s work.
When she met Bob Ross while she was a college student, her life took a fascinating turn. Bob would go on to become famous for his “happy little trees” and instructional videos on how to paint serene scenes. Vivian became Bob Ross’s wife in 1965 after their relationship swiftly grew. By 1966[-4], the Rosses had a son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross. After 12 years of marriage, they filed for a divorce in 1977[-4]. Until her death in May of 2018 at the age of roughly 71, Vivian avoided the limelight for a long time. An unknown tale that influenced the formative years of a painting icon was left behind by her.
Origins & Formative Years
North Carolina childhood
North Carolina was the site of Vivian Ridge’s birth in the middle of the 1940s. Both July 2 and July 24, 1946, appear as her birth dates in official records. Although Wake Forest is mentioned in a few sources, the majority of them place her birth in Winston-Salem. Little information about her family is available in public sources, but she seems to have had a nurturing environment at home where she was encouraged to pursue her artistic passions.
During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Vivian’s formative years were influenced by the North Carolina post-war climate. Even though her early education is a well guarded secret, she honed her creative senses in this southern environment. The vibrant folk art and craft traditions of North Carolina in the middle of the twentieth century had an impact on her creative perspective.
Attending Wake Forest University to Major in Art History
Enrolling at Wake Forest University was a decision that would influence Vivian’s artistic trajectory. She wanted to learn about the process of making art as well as its significance in the past, so she majored in art history instead of studio art.
While at Wake Forest, she had the opportunity to study the historical context of various artistic movements, methods, and the cultural effects of these things. This body of information served her well in more ways than one; it aided her creative process and her capacity to mentor others.
University exposed Vivian to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches, and provided opportunities for her creativity. Joining her innate talent and passion for art with the official education of an art history degree, she became a master artist. This formal training distinguished her from other self-taught artists of her day and demonstrated her dedication to her work.
Passion for art from a young age
Well before she enrolled in college, Vivian had a passion for art. At the age of twelve, she began to explore her artistic abilities by picking up her first paintbrush. Her life was consumed by what started as a pastime. The foundation for her lifelong engagement with art was laid by her early works, which are not well-documented.
A few things made Vivian stand out:
- Having a gift for drawing that shown itself early in life
- A steadfast routine that began when she was a young woman
- A combination of innate talent and deliberate practice
By the time she was a teenager, her commitment to painting had only grown. After a passing fascination, she devoted herself fully to the craft. Her extensive understanding of art history, along with her lifelong dedication to the arts, formed a holistic perspective on creation.
After completing her degree, Vivian had honed her practical abilities while also expanding her academic knowledge. She was able to connect with Bob Ross and carve out a special niche for herself in the art world because to this combination. In spite of her subsequent collaboration with the illustrious painter, her identity was firmly rooted in her artistic love and education.
Wedlock with Bob Ross
The story of how Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge met
According to several accounts in the past, the exact moment that Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge first met is still a mystery. Their alleged first encounter occurred in 1961 at Pittsburgh’s WQED-TV, according to some reports. While Bob was on the creative team, Vivian oversaw production. Some accounts state that they were sweethearts who met while Vivian was a student at Wake Forest University.
Their 1965 nuptials
No matter how they first crossed paths, in 1965 the happy couple married the knot. On August 1, 1966, they brought their son Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross into the world, marking the beginning of their lives together. Following in his father’s creative footsteps was Steve’s ultimate goal. An accomplished painter, he made an appearance on his father’s hit show The Joy of Painting and went on to become an accredited painting teacher.
The Military Spouse Experience
As Bob served his country, Vivian never left his side. In 1961, at the age of eighteen, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force. At first, he worked as a technician for medical records. Through consistent promotion, he reached the rank of master sergeant at Alaska’s Eielson Air Force Base. Bob took an art class during his 20-year military stint and discovered his affinity for painting.
Assisting Bob during his formative years as an artist, Vivian
The foundation that Vivian laid in art history was crucial to Bob’s budding career in the arts. She encouraged her husband’s artistic pursuits and occasionally contributed her own artwork to his programs. When they appeared on TV together, many thought they were the cutest couple.
They were married for twelve years before divorcing in 1977. The main reason for their breakup, according to several reports, was Bob’s supposed infidelity. Vivian and Bob’s son lived apart after Bob wed Jane Lee Zanardelli.
Raising a Family and Being a Mother
Welcome, Steve Ross!
A mere year following Vivian Ridge’s nuptials, on August 1, 1966, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross became a part of the Ross family. Vivian became a mother and their family expanded with the addition of another member in this new chapter. Since Bob had a son from his adolescence, Steve would be his second son.
The part that Vivian played in Steve’s creative growth
Following their breakup, Steve’s artistic abilities were greatly supported by Vivian, because to her extensive knowledge of art history. The combination of her expertise and Bob’s practical methods worked wonderfully. At twelve years old, Steve sold his first painting, which he had created in this nurturing creative atmosphere.
The young artist eventually followed in his father’s footsteps and earned certification as a wet-on-wet painting instructor. The frequent references to Steve’s creative ability by Bob, who was very proud of him, were evident throughout the episodes of The Joy of Painting in which Steve appeared.
Striking a Balance Between Art and Parenting
Even while she raised Steve, Vivian never lost touch with her creative side. Life with her family and her creative pursuits were her centre. Creativity and artistic expression were promoted in the household.
Some uncertainties regarding Steve’s living position persist from the time following their 1977 divorce. Depending on who you ask, Bob may have had complete custody of Vivian or he may have stayed with her till she passed away. In any case, his artistic journey was greatly influenced by both of his parents.
Separation, Divorce, and What Comes Next
Why the couple decided to split up
Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge divorced in 1977 after a 12-year marriage. They broke up due to “irreconcilable differences,” according to the official records. Bob’s supposed infidelity was a major contributing element to their breakup. Their bond grew weaker as Bob’s art career flourished and he spent less time at home.
The life of Vivian after her divorce
Once they broke up, Vivian decided to retire from the limelight. She relocated to North Carolina, and our main priority became taking care of their son. Whether it was through interviews or books, she never sought to cash in on her relationship with Bob. She maintained a low-key existence occupied with art, gardening, and her loved ones. While information regarding her career is scarce, rumours have circulated that she may be involved in the real estate industry.
The year 2018 was her last
On May 3, 2018, at the age of around 75, Vivian Ridge passed away. Until the very last, she kept quiet about her battle with cancer. Similar to how she spent her life following the divorce, her death was little mentioned by news outlets.
Personal vs. public sphere decisions
As Bob rose to stardom on television, Vivian opted for a life of seclusion. She avoided any public appearances involving her ex-husband’s rising stardom and avoided “The Joy of Painting” as well. The stark contrast between their public personas reveals Vivian’s profound desire for solitude. Even in death, she maintained her reserved personality; there was no public viewing or memorial service.
In summary
Little is known about the relationship between Vivian Ridge and one of America’s most adored artists. She attended Wake Forest University after developing an intense interest in art at the tender age of twelve. Throughout her twelve-year marriage to Bob Ross, her artistic background undoubtedly influenced the décor of their shared house.
Even though they broke up in 1977, Vivian had a significant impact on Bob’s early creative development. Steve, their son, was reared by her and went on to follow in his father’s artistic footsteps. After their breakup, Bob enjoyed his newfound celebrity on television, while Vivian reflected on her decision and chose to remain incognito. Before her untimely death in 2018, she settled into a life of seclusion in North Carolina.
Bob’s public persona and Vivian’s private life revealed polar opposite lifestyles. Bob’s “The Joy of Painting” catapulted him to stardom, while Vivian maintained her anonymity despite her ex-husband’s meteoric rise to recognition. Much of her life’s narrative has been lost to history.
An important but frequently overlooked part of the life of an American cultural figure is Vivian Ridge’s narrative. The artistic prodigy that millions of people grew to adore as a result of Bob Ross was born out of her son’s artistic influences, her knowledge in art history, and her support during Bob’s military duty. Her story exemplifies how many unsung heroes work behind the scenes to make famous people what they are today.
FAQs
Who was Vivian Ridge?
An accomplished artist in her own right, Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife. Beginning her artistic career at the tender age of twelve, she attended Wake Forest University to study art history. Along with raising their son, Steve, Vivian was instrumental in Bob Ross’s formative years as an artist.
To what extent was Bob Ross’s marriage to Vivian Ridge for a long time?
The 12-year marriage between Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge began in 1965 and ended in 1977. Their supposed insurmountable differences led to their divorce after meeting in the early 1960s.
Was Vivian Ridge involved with Bob Ross’s television career in any way?
In contrast to Bob Ross, who rose to fame thanks to his painting show “The Joy of Painting,” Vivian Ridge opted to keep a low profile following their divorce. Despite her ex-husband’s rising stardom, she refrained from making an appearance on the show or taking part in any public programs involving him.
After Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross’s divorce, what became of her?
Following her divorce, Vivian Ridge relocated to North Carolina and largely avoided the limelight. She gave her undivided attention to caring for their son while also pursuing her artistic and green thumb interests. She was a recluse till her death in 2018.
The fifth question is whether or not Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge had any children.
A son named Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross was born to Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross on August 1, 1966. Steve continued his family’s tradition of fine art instruction by earning his certification and making guest appearances on “The Joy of Painting.”
