Bio
These are the Articles done on Jae in 2025:
An article from the Atlanta Metro Korean Newspaper
An article on the Forsythia Festival in Monroe County/Macon reporter.
A new Article on December 19th from the Gwinnett Post
ART BEAT: Instructor Jae Montano helps people find 'The Joy of Painting'
Play is being staged this weekend and next at Lionheart Theatre
By Holley Calmes Dec 19, 2025
Jae Montano is a certified Bob Ross Painting Instructor and Certified Ross Floral Instructor who specializes in the teaching and creation of artwork inspired by this legendary painter and instructor. Special Photo
Jae Montano, a Certified Ross Painting Instructor, believes that there are no mistakes in painting, only happy accidents. Over the years as a painting instructor, she has developed a special teaching technique, showing people that they can create while experiencing “The Joy of Painting.” Montano is one of only 18 Certified Bob Ross Instructors (CRI) in Georgia, and her desire is to perfect his style. Although Ross passed away in 1995, this artist and teacher enjoyed an immensely popular following through his PBS television show, “The Joy of Painting.” Gift this article Montano now showcases her own painting talent at festivals as well as teaching Ross painting techniques around the Atlanta and Gwinnett areas. In 2026 she will appear at the Suwanee Arts Festival and both the Duluth Spring and Fall Festivals. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, and soon after meeting her husband, she came to the United States. “During my, childhood I was always interested in painting, but I never had a chance to do it,” she says. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, I became interested in painting because I had to stay home. I found Bob Ross on YouTube and began to paint. I was really interested in his technique and how he could complete a painting in 30 minutes. “Then I found that Steve Ross, Bob Ross’s son, was teaching classes like those of his father, and I attended these classes. During that time, I discovered that there is a certification to become a Bob Ross instructor, and I began to pursue this certification. I began teaching Bob Ross’s Technique in 2022.” She has also taken classes from Bram Bevins, Kevin Hill, and Nick Hankins as well as Steve Ross. Bob Ross was a painting phenomenon, an American painter and art instructor. He created and hosted “The Joy of Painting,” an instructional television program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States and CBC in Canada. Ross was working as a part-time bartender when he discovered a TV show called “The Magic of Oil Painting,” hosted by German painter Bill Alexander. Alexander used a 16thcentury painting style called alla prima (Italian for ‘first attempt’), widely known as “wet-on-wet”, that allowed him to create a painting within thirty minutes. Ross studied and mastered the technique. “I do the wet-on-wet of oil painting,” says Montano. “There is no need for drawing, only prepping the medium on the canvas, and then I create my landscaping world,” she says. “I also teach the many color combinations I use, the correct way to use the brushes, and the proper application of creating the painting, the technique of creating your own landscape worlds.” Her technique is all about making students feel at ease and confident with their brushstrokes. Find out more about Jae, her classes and festival appearances at www.paintingwithjae.com. Jae’s works for sale can be found in the gift shops at the Suwanee Art Center and John’s Creek Art Center. Her work makes excellent holiday and other occasional gift-giving.
Jae Montano, CRI®, CRFI®
Jae Montano is a Certified Ross Instructor® and Certified Ross Floral Instructor®. With a serious passion for painting, Jae specializes in landscape and floral oil paintings, utilizing Bob Ross painting techniques.
Jae believes painting has the power to make you happy, and she loves sharing that experience with others. What Jae loves the most about teaching is showing people that anyone can paint while having a fun time while having an enjoyable experience!
Her technique is all about making you feel at ease and confident with your brushstrokes. Remember, there are no mistakes, only happy accidents!
Jae is heavily inspired by the Bob Ross style of art that was immensely popular in the USA through the highly successful series "The Joy of Painting", which was hosted by Mr. Ross and ran on PBS from the 80s through the early 90s. Bob Ross was a 20-year Air Force Sergeant who became a masterful art teacher and an expert in oil painting. He is also an iconic American, known and loved by millions. He continued to teach until his early passing in 1995.
Jae Montano is passing on Bob Ross's artistic heritage while adding a personal touch and cultural flair to each brushstroke and each step of her artistic journey.
She strived to perfect his style. She found that painting makes you happy.
This wet-on-wet oil painting is for all beginners. There is no need for drawing. No patterns, you just need a canvas, then you’re ready to create your world.
Every time you paint, you will find success!
When she discovered that there was a program through Bob Ross Inc. to obtain certification as an instructor, she pursued it and received her Certification.
Jae has taken classes with Steve Ross, Bram Bevins, Kevin Hill, and Nick Hankins
Jae is one of the eighteen Certified Bob Ross instructors (CRI) in Georgia. She is the only Georgian CRI that presents her work at festivals.
She tries to inspire many others to follow in Bob Ross’s footsteps and always tries something new. So, if you’re ready to have fun, join her and others by attending a class and tap into the creative side that you never knew you had.
