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Bob Ross Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1942 - d. 1995

Bob Ross was an American painter who became all but a household name through his television show, The Joy of Painting, in which he taught painting techniques to millions of viewers. His landscape paintings captured the serenity of the natural world through his use of the wet-on-wet, or “alla prima,” technique. Although he had a distinctive vision for his pieces, he encouraged his viewers to take creative risks and make each work of art their own.

About Bob Ross



  • Name: Bob Ross

  • Alias: Bob Ross

  • Profession: Painter

  • Nationality: American


Biography


“You can do anything you want. This is your world.”

Bob Ross



Bob Ross was an American painter whose television show, The Joy of Painting, brought him into many households. On The Joy of Painting, which aired for over a decade on PBS, Ross painted in real-time and shared his techniques with viewers. On air, Ross was most famous for his landscape paintings, such as this untitled composition depicting snow-capped mountains, pine trees, and a clear river.

Ross was as skilled in the art of replication as he was at the art of creation. His perfectionism led to three identical versions of many Bob Ross paintings: one original for reference, one painted live on TV, and a further version for instruction books. Finding his paintings on sale is rare since he donated many of his landscape and seascape paintings to public television stations.

Related Styles and Movements



Highlights and Achievements



  • Bob Ross has said that he painted 30,000 works, and it seems likely that he created 1,143 paintings for The Joy of Painting alone (381 paintings across 403 episodes, each reproduced three times as per his technique).

  • His oil-on-canvas painting Winter Glory, which he completed in the 1980s, sold for $41,000 in January 2023 via Kraft Auction Service.

  • Inspired by former television artist Bill Alexander, Ross was known for perfecting the wet-on-wet painting technique.

  • His nostalgic style and serene depictions of natural scenery have made him one of recent times’ best-known landscape artists.

  • While he was firm in his style, he was also known for giving freedom to his students and viewers.



Read Full Artist Biography

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          • BOB ROSS PAINTING ALASKAN NORTHERN LIGHTS
            Sep. 15, 2024

            BOB ROSS PAINTING ALASKAN NORTHERN LIGHTS

            Est: $8,000 - $12,000

            ROSS, Bob, (American, 1942-1995): Northern Lights in Alaska, with Snow Capped Mountains, and Icy Lake, and a Snow Covered Cabin in the Foreground, Oil/Canvas, 12" x 24", signed lower left and dated '79, framed, 19.5" x 31.25", stamped twice verso on the stretcher "Bob Ross, Alaskan Oil Painting", with his address in Fairbanks. This was given to the consignor by Ross; they served in the military together and were friends. Ross developed his wet-on-wet painting style during his time in the military, further learned from German painter Bill Alexander afterwards, and went on to become a pop culture icon as the pleasant host of the instructional television program "The Joy of Painting" on PBS from 1983 to 1994.

            Burchard Galleries Inc
          • BOB ROSS PAINTING NORTHERN LIGHTS
            Sep. 15, 2024

            BOB ROSS PAINTING NORTHERN LIGHTS

            Est: $8,000 - $12,000

            ROSS, Bob, (American, 1942-1995): Northern Lights in Alaska, with Snow Capped Mountains, and Icy Lake, and a Snow Covered Cabin in the Foreground, Oil/Canvas, 24" x 12", signed lower left and dated '80, framed, 30.5" x 18.5", stamped twice verso on the stretcher "Bob Ross, Alaskan Oil Painting", with his address in Fairbanks. This was given to the consignor by Ross; they served in the military together and were friends. Ross developed his wet-on-wet painting style during his time in the military, further learned from German painter Bill Alexander afterwards, and went on to become a pop culture icon as the pleasant host of the instructional television program "The Joy of Painting" on PBS from 1983 to 1994.

            Burchard Galleries Inc
          • BOB ROSS (American, 1942-1995) A Misty Mountain Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks (18 x 24 in (45.7 x 70.0 cm)framed 18 1/2 x 32 x 1 1/2 in (47.0 x 81.3 x 3.8 cm))
            Sep. 10, 2024

            BOB ROSS (American, 1942-1995) A Misty Mountain Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks (18 x 24 in (45.7 x 70.0 cm)framed 18 1/2 x 32 x 1 1/2 in (47.0 x 81.3 x 3.8 cm))

            Est: $10,000 - $15,000

            BOB ROSS (American, 1942-1995) A Misty Mountain Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks signed and dated 'Ross / 78' (lower right); inscribed 'Ross' (in pencil on the reverse); with the artist's stamp 'BOB ROSS / 5050-A POLARIS / EILSON AFB, AK 99702 / 377-1175 HOME 372-2111 OFFICE' (applied to the stretcher) oil on canvas in the artist's custom frame 18 x 24 in (45.7 x 70.0 cm) framed 18 1/2 x 32 x 1 1/2 in (47.0 x 81.3 x 3.8 cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

            Bonhams
          • BOB ROSS (American, 1942-1995) Alaskan Landscape (16 x 20 in (40.6 x 50.8 cm)framed 23 x 27 1/4 x 1 1/4 in (58.4 x 69.2 x 3.2 cm))
            Sep. 10, 2024

            BOB ROSS (American, 1942-1995) Alaskan Landscape (16 x 20 in (40.6 x 50.8 cm)framed 23 x 27 1/4 x 1 1/4 in (58.4 x 69.2 x 3.2 cm))

            Est: $7,000 - $9,000

            BOB ROSS (American, 1942-1995) Alaskan Landscape signed and dated 'Ross/78' (lower right); with the artist's stamp 'BOB ROSS/Alaskan Oil Paintings...' (applied to the stretcher in three places) oil on canvas 16 x 20 in (40.6 x 50.8 cm) framed 23 x 27 1/4 x 1 1/4 in (58.4 x 69.2 x 3.2 cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

            Bonhams
          • BOB ROSS WINTER SCENE PAINTING IN THE MANNER OF
            Jul. 13, 2024

            BOB ROSS WINTER SCENE PAINTING IN THE MANNER OF

            Est: $1,500 - $10,000

            185225 BOB ROSS WINTER SCENE PAINTING IN THE MANNER OF Bob Ross (1942-1995, America) large winter scene oil painting done by an unknown artist in the manner of Bob Ross. Heavy impasto and some craquelure visible Size: 31 X 44"framed Condition: See images

            Florida Estate Sales Inc.
          • BOB ROSS LANDSCAPE OIL ON CANVAS IN THE MANNER OF
            Jul. 13, 2024

            BOB ROSS LANDSCAPE OIL ON CANVAS IN THE MANNER OF

            Est: $200 - $10,000

            185224 BOB ROSS LANDSCAPE OIL ON CANVAS IN THE MANNER OF Bob Ross (1942-1995, American) Landscape in the manner of Bob Ross by an unknown artist. Robert Norman Ross was an American painter and art instructor who created and hosted The Joy of Painting, an instructionaltelevision program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, CBC in Canada, and similar channels in Latin America, Europe and elsewhere. Size: 17.50" X 13.50" X 1.25" Condition:Very fine.

            Florida Estate Sales Inc.
          • BOB ROSS LANDSCAPE OIL ON CANVAS IN THE MANNER OF
            Jun. 08, 2024

            BOB ROSS LANDSCAPE OIL ON CANVAS IN THE MANNER OF

            Est: $200 - $10,000

            180047 BOB ROSS LANDSCAPE OIL ON CANVAS IN THE MANNER OF Bob Ross (1942-1995, American) Landscape in the manner of Bob Ross by an unknown artist. Robert Norman Ross was an American painter and art instructor who created and hosted The Joy of Painting, an instructionaltelevision program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, CBC in Canada, and similar channels in Latin America, Europe and elsewhere. Size: 17.50" X 13.50" X 1.25" Condition:Very fine.

            Florida Estate Sales Inc.
          • BOB ROSS OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS
            May. 11, 2024

            BOB ROSS OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS

            Est: $2,000 - $3,000

            After Bob (Robert) Ross (American, 1942-1995) oil painting on canvas depicting a landscape. Signed lower left. Viewable measures 19 1/2" x 15 1/2". Frame measures 25" x 21".

            Antiques & Modern Auction Gallery
          • BOB ROSS OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS
            Mar. 16, 2024

            BOB ROSS OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS

            Est: $600 - $800

            Oil painting on canvas depicting a landscape after Bob (Robert Norman) Ross (American, 1942-1995). Signed lower left. Viewable measures 19 1/2" x 15 1/2". Frame measures 25" x 21".

            Antiques & Modern Auction Gallery
          • Bob Ross Alaskan Velvet Gold Pan Painting
            Feb. 24, 2024

            Bob Ross Alaskan Velvet Gold Pan Painting

            Est: $5,000 - $8,000

            Alaska, Florida 1942-1995 An absolute icon of public television forever venerated in the world of pop culture today, Bob Ross and "The Joy of Painting" was beloved by many. Offered here is an authentic Bob Ross oil on velvet Alaskan gold pan painting. This would have been painted by Ross in the 1970's while stationed in Alaska where he began painting with the wet-on-wet technique. The work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Bob Ross Incorporated, signed by Annette Kowalski, April 14, 2022. A rare opportunity for collector's today, be prepared to go an extra bid or two if you want to bring this Alaskan happy little tree home.

            Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers
          • BOB ROSS OIL PAINTING "FOREST TRAIL" - AFTER
            Feb. 17, 2024

            BOB ROSS OIL PAINTING "FOREST TRAIL" - AFTER

            Est: $250 - $10,000

            175233 BOB ROSS OIL PAINTING "FOREST TRAIL" - AFTER Original Oil painting of a colorful autumn afternoon in a vast forest in the manner of Bob Ross. Painting features superb use of warm colors and ornate frame.Size: 35.5 X 23.5". 42 X 30" Frame. Condition: Very fine. See images.

            Florida Estate Sales Inc.
          • Rare Bob Ross Mixed Media On Velvet Mining Pan
            Jan. 20, 2024

            Rare Bob Ross Mixed Media On Velvet Mining Pan

            Est: -

            Very rare mixed media on velvet painting by listed Florida artist Bob (Robert Norman) Ross (1942 - 1995) The painting is titled "Northern Lights" and was painted on velvet and then mounted to a mining pan. It is in very nice condition and comes with a presentation plaque, the pan was presented to Captain William H. McStraw at Ft. Greely Alaska in 1970. Signed in the lower right. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Annette Kowalski Founder of Bob Ross Incorporated dated May 2, 2022. Sight measures approx. 10.5" in diameter, the pan measures 16-3/4" in diameter .

            Kraft Auction Service
          • Rare Bob Ross Mountain Landscape Oil On Canvas
            Jan. 20, 2024

            Rare Bob Ross Mountain Landscape Oil On Canvas

            Est: -

            Very rare oil on canvas painting by listed Florida artist Bob (Robert Norman) Ross (1942 - 1995) The painting features a mountain landscape. It is in nice condition with a small tear in the bottom right side of the canvas under the frame. Signed in the lower left and dated 1981. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Annette Kowalski Founder of Bob Ross Incorporated dated March 14, 2023. Sight measures approx. 22.75" across 16.75" tall, framed measures 25.75" across 19.75" tall.

            Kraft Auction Service
          • Bob (Robert Norman) Ross (American 1942-1995), Quiet Stream, Oil on canvas, 24 x 18 in (61 x 45.7 cm)
            Dec. 08, 2023

            Bob (Robert Norman) Ross (American 1942-1995), Quiet Stream, Oil on canvas, 24 x 18 in (61 x 45.7 cm)

            Est: $3,000 - $5,000

            Bob (Robert Norman) Ross (American, 1942-1995) Quiet Stream Oil on canvas Signed Ross l.l.; inscribed To Rick/ Thanks for caring/ Bob Ross/ July 1983 on verso

            Weschler's
          • Bob Ross (American/Florida, 1942-1995)
            Sep. 08, 2023

            Bob Ross (American/Florida, 1942-1995)

            Est: $6,000 - $8,000

            Bob Ross (American/Florida, 1942-1995), "The Northern Lights", c. 1970, mixed media on velvet laid on mining pan, signed lower right, gold seal from Bob Ross Inc. on reverse, dia. 10 1/4 in., overall dia. 16 3/4 in., d. 2 3/4 in; accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Bob Ross Incorporated. (2 pcs.)Note: Neal Auction would like to thank Annette Kowalski, Founder, Bob Ross Incorporated for her invaluable assistance in the cataloguing of this lot. Note: “We don’t make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.” – Bob Ross Beloved television host, Robert “Bob” Norman Ross was born in Daytona, Florida in 1942. He joined the Air Force in 1960 and was first stationed in Florida before being transferred to an airbase in Alaska. In Anchorage, Ross took his first painting class, and he supplemented his income by bartending as well as selling his paintings done on gold prospecting pans, such as the work offered here. Ross’ foray into the arts developed into a lifelong passion which led to the celebrated cult favorite program, “The Joy of Painting.” With the nurturing guidance of its soft-spoken, iconic host, countless fans of the show felt inspired to pick up a paintbrush for the first time to try their hand at Ross’ wet-on-wet technique, dubbed “alla prima.” Ross’ encouraging and calm air proved addictive, and the show continues to be beloved years after his passing in 1995.

            Neal Auction Company
          • BOB ROSS: ORIGINAL "MAKE A HAPPY BUCK" FOREST PAINTING (WITH SIGNED NOTE AND BOOK)
            Mar. 29, 2023

            BOB ROSS: ORIGINAL "MAKE A HAPPY BUCK" FOREST PAINTING (WITH SIGNED NOTE AND BOOK)

            Est: $5,000 - $7,000

            A painting on canvas depicting a birch tree forest at night, hand-executed by famed painter and television personality, Bob Ross. The painting was gifted by Ross to his close friend Dana Jester so that Jester could finish it and then sell it. Ross included a handwritten note telling Jester, "Dana, you can finish this one & make a happy buck - Bob." Includes a first printing of The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross - Volume 26 (Bob Ross Inc., 1993) which depicts the process of making birch tree paintings on pages 38-41, and features a finished example on the front cover. The famed painter and host of the long-running PBS television show, “The Joy of Painting” as well as the subject of the recent documentary Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed (Netflix Studios, 2021) is believed to have created over 30,000 paintings, yet his work is rarely made available for purchase.

            Julien's Auctions
          • BOB ROSS SIGNED NORTHERN LIGHTS MINING PAN
            Jan. 13, 2023

            BOB ROSS SIGNED NORTHERN LIGHTS MINING PAN

            Est: $1,000 - $3,000

            Bob Ross (American 1942-1995), round metal mining pan with oil on velvet at center depicting a winter night scene with the northern lights and a glitter covered tree at left, signed at lower right, inscribed "Alaska '71" en verso. Provenance: Received directly from artist while stationed at Eielson AFB, Alaska. Lot includes slide with image of artwork hanging in background. Approx. sight h. 10.5", w. 10.5", overall h. 16.25", w. 16.75", 2".

            Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
          • Very Rare Bob Ross "Winter Glory" Oil On Canvas
            Jan. 07, 2023

            Very Rare Bob Ross "Winter Glory" Oil On Canvas

            Est: -

            This in a VERY RARE oil painting that Bob Ross painted at WIPB-TZ in the 1980's on the set of his legendary television program. It is one of a few Bob Ross paintings titled Winter Glory that exist. Rare paintings by Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richer,David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Johannes Vermeer, and Andrew Wyeth are valuable because so few exist. Because Bob Ross only aired 403 television shows, it is extremely rare for one of the paintings affiliated with the TV series to surface forpublic sale. The painting was given to Patti Foster the office manager for WIPB-TV in the 1980's. She is ready to part with the painting. This is a beautiful rendition with bright colors and striking whites mingles with bushes, ice, pine trees, majestic mountains rising above a pristine, quiet lake and a rising sun that mellows out the pink sky with it's silky blazing glory. The painting includes a Certificate of Authenticity from Annette Kowalski--Partner in Bob Ross Inc. and grantor of certification. The official authentication seal is affixed to the actual canvas on the back. Canvas measure 18" tall x 24" across, framed it measures 24-1/2" tall x 30" across.

            Kraft Auction Service
          • Bob Ross And Comedy Lady Coffee Mugs
            Oct. 05, 2022

            Bob Ross And Comedy Lady Coffee Mugs

            Est: -

            All items are sold as-is. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free of defects, imperfections, or wear and tear. The pickup address will be released on your invoice. Invoices are sent after the entire auction has ended. Be sure to bring boxes and packing material to pickup. If you purchase a large item, be sure to bring moving help.. Shipping is NOT AVAILABLE. Items not picked up by the pickup deadline will be forfeited and you will still be charged. Items cannot be held after the pickup date. Items not picked up will be automatically charged to the card on file.

            Aether Auctions
          • Bob Ross, (1942-1995). Painting, Oil on Canvas
            Jul. 31, 2022

            Bob Ross, (1942-1995). Painting, Oil on Canvas

            Est: $300 - $400

            Bob Ross, American (1942-1995). Painting, Oil on Canvas. Signed Lower Left. In Original Frame. Condition: Excellent. Dimensions: Sight- 24" x 20", Frame- 29" x 25". Provenance: From a Long Island, NY Home. Please note the absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with this lot. Please contact us for a detailed condition report.

            World Auction Gallery
          • Bob Ross School
            Dec. 11, 2021

            Bob Ross School

            Est: ₱2,000 - ₱2,600

            Bob Ross School a) Forest signed Costasce (lower right) oil on canvas 24" x 48" (61 cm x 122 cm) b) Waterfalls signed Ringman (lower right) oil on canvas 24" x 48" (61 cm x 122 cm) c) Landscape oil on canvas 24" x 48" (61 cm x 122 cm)

            Leon Gallery
          • Bob Ross Art Kits and Craft Items
            Mar. 06, 2021

            Bob Ross Art Kits and Craft Items

            Est: -

            Bob Ross Art Kits and Craft Items

            Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
          • Bob Ross Master Paint Set
            Jun. 02, 2018

            Bob Ross Master Paint Set

            Est: -

            Open box, never used condition. 1156

            EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
          • Bob Ross Student Lake View Trees Oil on Canvas
            Nov. 26, 2017

            Bob Ross Student Lake View Trees Oil on Canvas

            Est: -

            Artist: Bob Ross Student Title: Lake View Trees Medium: Oil on Canvas Year or Era: 20th Century Signature Type: Hand Signed Signature Location: Lower Left Approx. Measurement: 23" x 19" x 1" Approx. Ship Weight: 4lbs. Keywords: Art

            J Levine Auction & Appraisal LLC
          • Robert Norman "Bob" Ross, American, 1942-1995, Mountainous Landscape, oil on canvas, 16 x 20 in., framed
            Jun. 09, 2013

            Robert Norman "Bob" Ross, American, 1942-1995, Mountainous Landscape, oil on canvas, 16 x 20 in., framed

            Est: $100 - $200

            Robert Norman "Bob" Ross American, 1942-1995 Mountainous Landscape oil on canvas signed and dated "Ross, '75" lr 16 x 20 in., framed Other Notes: Stretcher stamped on verso

            Alex Cooper
          • †Bob Ross (1942-1995), "Happy Little Trees Along a Stream," 20th c., oil on canvas, signed l.l., unframed, H.- 17 7/8 in., W.- 24 1/4..
            Mar. 03, 2013

            †Bob Ross (1942-1995), "Happy Little Trees Along a Stream," 20th c., oil on canvas, signed l.l., unframed, H.- 17 7/8 in., W.- 24 1/4..

            Est: $200 - $400

            Bob Ross (1942-1995), "Happy Little Trees Along a Stream," 20th c., oil on canvas, signed l.l., unframed, H.- 17 7/8 in., W.- 24 1/4 in.

            Crescent City Auction Gallery
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