Bob Ross Paintings Fetch Record Prices at Auction, Benefiting Public Television
Two paintings by beloved television artist Bob Ross have shattered pre-sale estimates at auction, bringing in a combined $200,550 to support public broadcasting across the United States.The August sale marks a significant milestone for the estate of the artist, known for his calming demeanor and accessible painting instruction.
The paintings, Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks and cloudy Sky, which sold for $114,800, and Lake Below Snow-Covered Mountains and Clear Sky, which went for $95,750, were donated by Bob Ross Inc.to American Public Television. All net proceeds from the auction will be distributed to local public TV stations nationwide, funding programs like America’s test Kitchen, Julia Child’s French Chef classics, and This Old House.
Bob Ross’s show experienced a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as viewers found solace in his gentle, step-by-step painting lessons. The former Air Force drill sergeant famously encouraged viewers to embrace “happy accidents” – seemingly misplaced brushstrokes that could be transformed into somthing beautiful.Ross passed away in 1995 at the age of 52.
“I can tell you that Bob would have been quite shy to learn that his paintings are now selling at six figures,” Joan Kowalski, president of bob Ross Inc., told the New York Post. “He was never really that interested in his finished works, Bob was more fascinated with the process of painting and sharing that with other people.”
Kowalski added, “Truthfully, I can still hear him saying something like, ‘You don’t want my paintings, you want to create yoru own and hang them proudly on your wall.'” The auction results demonstrate the enduring legacy of Ross and the continued importance of public broadcasting.
