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At the young age of twelve, Vivian Ridge found her love for drawing. Later on, her name would be linked to one of the most adored art teachers in America. Born in North Carolina in the middle of the 1940s, she demonstrated artistic ability at a young age. She attended Wake Forest University to get a degree in art history because of her love.
When she met Bob Ross while attending college, her life took an intriguing turn. Later, Bob would become well-known for his serene painting lessons and “happy little trees.” Their bond grew swiftly, and in 1965, Vivian married Bob Ross. Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, the couple’s son, was born in 1966[-4]. They split in 1977 after a 12-year marriage [-4]. Before her away in May 2018 at the age of 71, Vivian avoided the spotlight for many years. She left behind an unwritten tale that influenced a painting icon’s formative years.
Childhood and Schooling
Growing up in North Carolina
In the middle of the 1940s, Vivian Ridge was born in North Carolina. According to the records, she was born on July 2nd or July 24th, 1946. Although some say Wake Forest, the majority of sources identify her birthplace as Winston-Salem. Although not much is known about her family from public sources, it appears that she was raised in a nurturing environment where her artistic passions were encouraged.
Vivian’s formative years in the late 1940s and early 1950s were influenced by the post-war climate of North Carolina. Although specifics regarding her early education are still unknown, she cultivated her artistic sensibility in this southern environment. Her artistic perspective was influenced by the rich folk art and craft traditions of mid-century North Carolina.
Attending Wake Forest University to study art history
Vivian enrolled at Wake Forest University, a decision that would influence her creative trajectory. She demonstrated her ambition to comprehend both the creation of art and its historical significance by choosing to study art history rather than studio art.
She learnt about artistic movements, techniques, and their cultural significance throughout history throughout her stay at Wake Forest. Beyond merely creating art, this body of knowledge would thereafter support her own career and her capacity to mentor others.
The institution gave Vivian new opportunities to express her creativity and exposed her to a variety of perspectives and approaches. She added official training to her innate skills and passion for art when she obtained her degree in art history. Her serious approach to her work was demonstrated by this education, which distinguished her from other self-taught painters of her era.
Early passion for painting
Vivian had a passion for art long before she attended college. At the age of twelve, she began to discover her creative abilities when she took up her first paintbrush. What started off as a pastime swiftly became a major aspect of her life. Despite their lack of documentation, her early pieces laid the groundwork for her lifelong love of art.
Vivian was unique because she possessed:
- An innate ability to express oneself visually that began in childhood
- A committed habit that began when she was young
- A combination of acquired technique and innate talent
Her teenage years strengthened her commitment to art. She took her passion seriously and started practicing. Her extensive understanding of art history and her early dedication to art later came together to form a comprehensive approach to creativity.
By the time she graduated from college, Vivian had developed both practical and theoretical knowledge. She found a special place in the art world as a result of this mix, which also brought her and Bob Ross together. Apart from her subsequent collaborations with the renowned painter, her identity was derived from her artistic education and love.
Getting married to Bob Ross
How Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge first met
With conflicting accounts in historical documents, the exact moment of Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge’s first encounter is still unknown. According to some accounts, they initially crossed paths at Pittsburgh’s WQED-TV in 1961. Bob was on the creative crew, and Vivian was in charge of production. According to other accounts, they were college sweethearts who first connected while Vivian was a student at Wake Forest University.
Their 1965 nuptials
Regardless of how they met, the pair married in 1965. On August 1, 1966, they welcomed their son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, into the world. Steve ultimately followed in his father’s creative footsteps. He became a qualified painting instructor and made an appearance on his father’s well-liked program, The Joy of Painting.
Being a spouse in the military
Vivian supported Bob during his years in the military. In 1961, Bob enlisted in the US Air Force at the age of 18. He began his career as a technician for medical records. He eventually became a master sergeant at the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska as his career developed consistently. Over the course of his 20-year military career, Bob took an art class and found his passion for painting.
Vivian’s assistance when Bob was first starting to paint
Bob’s developing artistic career was influenced by Vivian’s training in art history. She supported her husband’s artistic endeavours and occasionally contributed her own paintings or sketches while he was on the air. When they appeared in shows together, the audience thought they were the ideal couple.
They divorced in 1977 after a twelve-year marriage. Bob’s reported infidelity is cited by numerous sources as the primary cause of their breakup. Vivian and their son lived apart, and Bob later wed Jane Lee Zanardelli.
Family Life and Motherhood
Steve Ross’s birth
Only a year after Vivian Ridge’s wedding, on August 1, 1966, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross became a member of the Ross family. Vivian became a mother in this new chapter, adding a new family member to their expanding family. Steve is Bob’s second son; he already had a child from his adolescence.
Vivian’s contribution to Steve’s creative growth
Even after the couple split up, Vivian’s knowledge of art history was crucial in fostering Steve’s creative abilities. Her expertise complemented Bob’s practical methods flawlessly. Steve flourished in this artistic setting and, at the age of twelve, sold his first picture.
The young artist ultimately chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and earn a certification as a wet-on-wet painting instructor. When Steve appeared on The Joy of Painting, Bob’s pride was evident as he frequently spoke about his son’s creative prowess.
Juggling parenthood and the arts
While parenting Steve, Vivian was able to maintain her passion for art. Her world was centred on her family and her artistic endeavours. Artistic expression and creativity were naturally fostered in the home.
There are still some unanswered doubts regarding Steve’s living arrangements following their divorce in 1977. While some accounts claim that Bob had complete custody of Vivian, others claim that he stayed with her until her death. In any case, both parents had a big influence on his creative path.
Life After Divorce and Separation
Causes of the divorce
In 1977, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross called it quits on their 12-year marriage. According to the official records, they broke up because of “irreconcilable differences.” Ultimately, one of the main reasons for their breakup was Bob’s stated infidelity. When Bob’s art career took off and he started spending less time at home, their relationship deteriorated.
Life after Divorce for Vivian
After they parted ways, Vivian decided to avoid the limelight. We concentrated on raising their son while she relocated to North Carolina. She never made an effort to make money from her relationship with Bob through books or interviews. She was able to maintain a peaceful existence that included family, painting, and gardening. Although there are few data available regarding her employment, reports suggest that she may work in real estate.
In 2018, she passed away.
At the age of 75, Vivian Ridge passed away on May 3, 2018. Until the end, she kept her battle with cancer a secret. Her death was seldom reported by the media, which was consistent with her post-divorce lifestyle.
Decisions about private and public lives
While Bob became a TV sensation, Vivian preferred to live a tranquil life away from the spotlight. She avoided “The Joy of Painting” and never participated in any public gatherings associated with her ex-husband’s rising stardom. Vivian’s intense need for privacy is expressed by their divergent views on public life. Even in death, she remained faithful to her reclusive personality; no public funeral or notifications were made.
In conclusion
Little is known about Vivian Ridge’s relationship to one of the most adored painters in America. She enrolled at Wake Forest University because of her love of art, which began when she was twelve years old. The home she inhabited with Bob Ross during their twelve-year marriage was undoubtedly influenced by her artistic background.
Although their relationship ended in 1977, Vivian had a significant impact on Bob’s early development as an artist. Steve, their son, was nurtured by her and eventually discovered his father’s artistic career. After their split, Vivian considered her options and remained nameless, while Bob enjoyed his stardom on television. After relocating to North Carolina, she led a peaceful life until her death in 2018.
Vivian’s private life and Bob’s public persona revealed two quite different lifestyles. Through “The Joy of Painting,” Bob’s name rose to renown, but Vivian maintained her solitude despite her ex-husband’s rise to prominence. Her narrative is still largely untold.
A significant but frequently overlooked period in the life of an American cultural icon is represented by Vivian Ridge’s story. Her training in art history, her encouragement throughout Bob’s time in the military, and her impact on their son’s creative trajectory all contributed to the creation of the Bob Ross phenomenon that millions of people adored. Her story demonstrates how many unsung heroes support well-known people and help to create their success.
FAQs
Question 1: Who was Vivian Ridge?
In addition to being an artist, Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife. She started painting when she was twelve years old and attended Wake Forest University to study art history. Vivian had a big influence on Bob Ross’s early creative growth and the upbringing of their son, Steve Ross.
Question 2. What was the duration of Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge’s marriage?
From 1965 to 1977, Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge were wed for a total of 12 years. Due to alleged irreconcilable disagreements, they divorced after meeting in the early 1960s.
Question 3. Did Vivian Ridge play a role in Bob Ross’s career on television?
Following their divorce, Vivian Ridge opted to lead a private life, in contrast to Bob Ross, who rose to fame with his television program “The Joy of Painting.” She didn’t engage in public events or appear on the show about her ex-husband’s rising fame.
Question 4. How did Vivian Ridge fare following her split from Bob Ross?
Vivian Ridge withdrew from public life and relocated to North Carolina following the divorce. She continued to follow her passions for painting and gardening while concentrating on parenting their son. Before her death in 2018, she led a tranquil life.
Question 5. Were there any children born to Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross?
Indeed, on August 1, 1966, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross welcomed a son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross. Following in his father’s footsteps, Steve earned his certification as a painting instructor and made appearances on “The Joy of Painting” on occasion.