Three Bob Ross Paintings Fetch Over $600,000 at Auction
LOS ANGELES — Three iconic paintings by the well-known public television figure Bob Ross were sold at auction on Tuesday for a total exceeding $600,000.
This auction marked the beginning of 30 Ross works being sold to aid public television stations impacted by federal funding cuts.
At a live auction hosted by Bonham’s in Los Angeles, a peaceful snowy scene titled “Winter Peace,” created during a 1993 episode of “The Joy of Painting,” fetched $318,000 through a telephone bid.
Another painting from the same episode, a verdant landscape called “Valley House,” was sold for $229,100. The third piece, known as “Cliffside,” brought in $114,800.
During the bidding process, auctioneer Aaron Bastian encouraged participation by reminding everyone that “if you have a good cause, you can get the painting.” He also referenced the comforting sentiments often associated with Ross after his death in 1995: “Bob will remind you that this is your world and you can do whatever you want.”
The total amounts include a buyer’s premium — a fee added by the auction house. Interestingly, all three paintings exceeded their anticipated auction estimates, with initial bids around $50,000.
Looking ahead, three additional Ross paintings are scheduled for auction on January 27th at Bonham’s in Marlborough, Massachusetts, followed by another event in New York.
Proceeds from these sales are earmarked for stations utilizing content from the distributor American Public Television.
Bob Ross, a beloved figure on public television during the 1980s and ’90s, became famous for his distinctive hairstyle and soothing demeanor.
This special auction is designed to support stations struggling with license fees necessary for airing popular shows like “America’s Test Kitchen,” “Julia Child’s French Chef Classics,” and “This Old House,” alongside Ross’ own series.
Smaller local stations, in particular, face significant challenges.
Joan Kowalski, President of Bob Ross, Inc., stated that such stations “have been a gateway for generations of viewers to discover not only Bob’s gentle teachings but also the transformative power of art.”
In a significant move, the Trump administration requested Congress to eliminate $1.1 billion allocated for public broadcasting, affecting around 330 PBS stations and 246 NPR stations.
Ross passed away at the age of 52 due to cancer complications, after dedicating 11 years to his how-to program, “The Joy of Painting.”
Once an Air Force drill sergeant, he became a pioneering figure in television, beloved for his soothing presence and uplifting messages.
Frequently mentioning “happy little clouds” and “happy little trees,” Ross famously said there were no mistakes, only “happy accidents.” His legacy has only grown since his passing, with his show experiencing a resurgence in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
