The First Bob Ross Painting Is Now on Sale for Almost $10 Million

“There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”

An entire generation was raised with those words. And it was all thanks to one man that we now know “The Joy of Painting.” Bob Ross, who was the mastermind behind iconic paintings, and who was known for teaching anyone and everyone how to paint, has left a legacy behind him. And now, the first Bob Ross painting is going for sale for almost $10 Million.

Who Is Bob Ross?

Bob Ross (1942-1995) was an American painter, art instructor, and television host best known for his iconic show, “The Joy of Painting”. Born in Florida, Ross developed a distinctive and easygoing painting style characterized by wet-on-wet oil painting techniques. He often painted landscapes, mountains, and “happy little trees.”

“The Joy of Painting” premiered on PBS in 1983. It quickly became a beloved program, gaining a large and dedicated fan base. In each episode, Ross would create a complete painting in a short amount of time. He would offer step-by-step instructions and encourage viewers to embrace their creativity. His soothing voice, calm demeanor, and the popular catchphrase “happy little trees” contributed to the show’s popularity.

The First Bob Ross Painting Is for Sale

The painting “A Walk in the Woods,” created by Bob Ross during the first episode of “The Joy of Painting” in 1983, is now for sale at $9.85 million by the Minneapolis-based gallery Modern Artifact. Despite the seemingly high price, the gallery is open to offer. They expressed a preference for sharing the artwork with a museum or traveling exhibit to make it accessible to a broader audience. The painting holds significance as it captures memories of the iconic TV show. That is why the gallery aims to make it available for public viewing.

Modern Artifact intends to take the painting “A Walk in the Woods” on tour. This was mentioned by gallery owner Ryan Nelson. He highlighted Bob Ross’s unique position in art and cultural history. Additionally noting that Ross has become the most searched-for artist on the internet. He had surpassed figures like Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso according to Google Analytics. Furthermore, Nelson emphasized the impressive nature of this achievement. He considers the lack of official marketing for Ross and the rarity of finding his original paintings.

Other Bob Ross Paintings

“A Walk in the Woods” is just one of nearly 30,000 paintings created by Bob Ross during his lifetime, with over 1,000 specifically for his TV show, “The Joy of Painting“. These paintings seldom appear at auction, as Ross often made three versions for each episode: one as a reference, one created on air, and a more detailed version for instructional books. Many of his works were donated to institutions like the Smithsonian Museum or PBS member stations, while some were retained by Bob Ross, Inc.

This specific painting was previously owned by a woman who volunteered at the station where Ross recorded his show. She acquired it through an auction supporting the station. Despite Ross’s prolific output, his paintings are rare in the market. The appeal of Bob Ross extends beyond the traditional art market into pop culture, offering a unique and authentic presence in an art market often perceived as tightly controlled. Bob Ross passed away in 1995 due to complications from lymphoma.

What are your thoughts on the amount the gallery is asking for the first Bob Ross painting?

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