Bob Ross Artwork Sold for $600K to Aid Public Television in Light of Federal Reductions
Last month, Bob Ross Inc., the organization overseeing the legacy of the deceased Bob Ross, committed to assist public television stations facing cuts in federal funding. To accomplish this, they revealed their plan to donate 30 Bob Ross paintings produced during his series, The Joy of Painting, a cornerstone of public TV, to generate funds. Currently, the first three have been sold at auction in Los Angeles, accumulating over $600,000.
The three artworks in question are Winter’s Peace (1993), showcasing a snow-covered cabin nestled among evergreen trees against a warm-hued dawn, which fetched $318,000; Home in the Valley (1993), illustrating a hut with a view of a lake framed by mountains and clear blue skies, sold for $229,100; and Cliffside (1990), a tempestuous, vibrant depiction of water cascading through cliff crevices, which went for $114,800.
Bonhams, the auction house responsible for the sales, now anticipates auctioning the remaining 27 pieces at various auctions throughout 2026 in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Proceeds from these auctions will benefit stations that air programs from distributor American Public Television, including The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross and America’s Test Kitchen from Cook’s Illustrated.
“Bob Ross devoted his life to making art accessible to all through public television,” remarks Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc. She conceived the donation idea after two privately held Bob Ross paintings sold for around $100,000 each. “This auction guarantees his legacy continues to bolster the very medium that introduced his joy and creativity into American households for decades.”
Most of the paintings available for purchase have only been viewed by the public during Ross’s live painting sessions—and many have remained in storage since. Airing in the 1980s and 1990s, The Joy of Painting showcased Ross creating art on his easel. His tranquil presence and soothing works transformed him into not just an instructive figure for millions, but also a strong advocate for public television, embodying what is currently at risk.
In addition to the Bonhams auctions, Bob Ross Inc. is also generating funds by selling another painting in partnership with Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The show will auction the artwork Cabin at Sunset, alongside various collectible, signed, and unique items that have featured throughout its 12 seasons. As of this writing, the painting has raised $1,041,000 and may attract even higher bids before the auction concludes on November 24.