Introduction to Bob Ross’ Auction
Paintings by the famous art lecturer Bob Ross are being auctioned to support public television stations that have faced funding cuts under the Trump administration. Around 30 of his artworks, most of which he created on television during his 80s and 90s TV show The Joy of Painting, will be auctioned by Bonhams from November. This move ensures that Bob’s legacy continues to support the very medium that brought his joy and creativity to American homes for decades.
The Reason Behind the Auction
The auction comes after Congress passed Trump’s request to eliminate public broadcasting funding, leaving approximately 330 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR) stations looking for a new source of funding. The funding cuts have affected several shows, including America’s Test Kitchen, Julia Child’s French Chef Classics, and This Old House. The auction aims to raise funds to support these local public television stations nationwide.
Bob Ross’ Legacy
Bob Ross’ show enjoyed a boost during the Covid pandemic as audiences enjoyed his soft-spoken painting lessons. He would often say that misplaced brushstrokes were simply "happy accidents." Ross died in 1995 at the age of 52, but his legacy lives on through his artwork and the joy he brought to millions of people. Bob Ross Inc. has donated the images to American Public Television, and all net proceeds from the auction will go to local public television stations.
Previous Auction Success
In August, the auction of two works by Ross broke all records, selling for double and triple what was expected. "Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks" and "Cloudy Sky" sold for $114,800, while "Lake Below Snow-Covered Mountains" and "Cleary Sky" sold for $95,750. The success of the previous auction has raised hopes that the upcoming auction will also be successful in raising funds for public television stations.
Bob Ross’ Humble Nature
According to Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., Bob would have been pretty bashful to learn that his paintings now cost six figures. He was never really interested in his finished works; instead, he was more fascinated by the process of painting and sharing it with other people. Kowalski recalls that Bob would often say, "You don’t want my pictures, you want to create your own and hang them proudly on your wall." This humble nature of Bob Ross is a testament to his love for art and his desire to inspire others to create their own masterpieces.
