A collection of 30 original paintings by the beloved television artist Bob Ross will be sold at auction to support public broadcasting stations across the United States. The series of sales, managed by Bonhams, is expected to generate between $850,000 and $1.4 million, with all net proceeds designated for stations impacted by recent federal funding cuts.
Key Takeaways
- Bonhams will auction 30 original Bob Ross paintings on behalf of American Public Television (APT).
- The total estimated value of the collection is between $850,000 and $1.4 million.
- All net proceeds will directly support APT and PBS member stations facing significant budget shortfalls.
- The first auction on November 11 will feature three paintings, including one created entirely on-air during "The Joy of Painting."
- The sale comes after Congress cut $1.1 billion in funds previously allocated to public broadcasting.
Auction to Provide Critical Funding
American Public Television (APT), a nonprofit program distributor, has consigned the collection of 30 Bob Ross artworks to Bonhams. The decision to sell the paintings is a direct response to severe financial pressures facing public media. APT has pledged that 100% of its net proceeds from the sales will be distributed to support public television stations nationwide.
This initiative follows a significant reduction in federal support for public media. According to the Associated Press, Congress recently cut $1.1 billion in funds, a move that has left hundreds of stations in a precarious financial position.
Impact of Funding Cuts
The recent budget cuts have affected 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations across the country. Many of these stations have been forced to launch emergency fundraising campaigns, reduce staff, and cut back on local programming to remain operational.
Details of the Upcoming Sales
The auction series will begin on November 11 with a sale of California & Western Art in Los Angeles. Three paintings by Ross will be featured in this initial event. The remaining 27 artworks are scheduled to be offered throughout 2025 in a series of auctions held at Bonhams locations in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.
First Paintings on Offer
The three pieces leading the auction on November 11 showcase Ross's signature landscape style:
- Winter’s Peace (1993): This painting holds a special significance as Ross created it from start to finish during a live, unedited episode of his show, "The Joy of Painting." It has a pre-sale estimate of $30,000 to $50,000.
- Home in the Valley (1993): Another classic landscape, this piece also carries an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000.
- Cliffside (1990): This work is estimated to sell for between $25,000 and $45,000.
A press release from Bonhams noted that Ross intentionally used highly saturated colors for paintings created on television. This technique ensured the landscapes appeared exceptionally vivid and appealing to viewers watching on their home television sets.
A Legacy of Accessibility and Joy
Bob Ross (1942-1995) became a cultural icon through his public television program, "The Joy of Painting," which aired from 1983 to 1994. His calm demeanor, gentle encouragement, and philosophy of "no mistakes, only happy accidents" made art accessible to millions.
The Joy of Painting
For over a decade, Bob Ross taught his "wet-on-wet" oil painting technique to a dedicated television audience. His show, famous for its tranquil mountain vistas, serene lakes, and "happy little trees," was a staple of public broadcasting and introduced many people to painting for the first time.
Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., told the Associated Press that the auction aligns perfectly with the artist's mission. She stated that Ross "dedicated his life to making art accessible to everyone."
"This auction ensures his legacy continues to support the very medium that brought his joy and creativity into American homes for decades."
The artist's popularity experienced a significant resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, as new audiences discovered the comforting and positive nature of his program. This renewed interest has also translated into a stronger art market for his work.
Strong Market for Ross's Artwork
Bonhams currently holds the world auction record for a Bob Ross painting and anticipates strong interest in this collection. Robin Starr, Bonhams Skinner general manager, expressed enthusiasm for the sale.
"Ross remains a beloved cultural icon whose work continues to spark joy among collectors and fans in the current landscape," Starr said in a statement. "With his market steadily rising, the combination of live-on-air works on offer, and proceeds supporting public television, we’re expecting to see spirited bidding."
Recent sales support this expectation. In August, Bonhams sold two other paintings by Ross from a private collection. Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks and Cloudy Sky (circa 1990-91) sold for $114,800, and Lake Below Snow-Covered Mountains and Clear Sky (circa 1990-91) achieved a price of $95,750. Both results were more than double their high estimates, indicating a robust and growing market for the artist's original works.
The upcoming auction represents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire original pieces by Bob Ross while simultaneously contributing to the preservation of public television, the very platform that made him a household name.