Bob Ross was not renowned as a fine artist. No, he was an iconic TV personality who taught millions of people how to paint with his soothing voice and happy little trees. Ross was known for his unpretentious approach to painting and the idea that everyone can become an artist. Or at least find fulfillment and joy in the creation even if the result is far from “Art”. He hosted The Joy of Painting, a show that aired on PBS from 1983 to 1994 and became a pop culture phenomenon. Indeed, some would say that Ross is emblematic of the American ideal of positivism and democracy with its ingrained anti-elitism.
His paintings, which he often donated to charities or public television stations, are now highly sought after by collectors and fans. Recently, a rare auction of 11 of his original works fetched more than $1.2 million, setting a new record for the artist. The auction also included memorabilia such as his easel, palette, brushes, and signature blue shirt. The buyers were anonymous, but they surely appreciate the joy and beauty that Bob Ross brought to the world with his art.
Now, “A Walk in the Woods,” the first painting Bob Ross produced for his iconic show, sits on display at the home of Modern Artifact owner Ryan Nelson, in Wayzata, Minnesota.
Astoundingly, the painting that Ross completed on his first show, aired Jan. 11, 1983, is for sale for nearly $10 million. Gallery owner Ryan Nelson says, “It is season one, episode one of what you would call the rookie card for Bob Ross.” It is ironic of course, that the man who came to embody the popularization of art and debunk its elitism should command such astronomical prices.
On that first show where he painted “A Walk in the Woods,” Ross, who became instantly recognizable thanks to his large perm, full beard and unbuttoned blue shirt, stressed that painting didn’t need to be pretentious.
“We have avoided painting for so long because I think all of our lives we’ve been told that you have to go to school half your life, maybe even have to be blessed by Michelangelo at birth, to ever be able to paint a picture,” Ross said. “And here, we want to show you that that’s not true. That you can paint a picture.”
Ross, died in 1995 and hosted the show till 1994. In each episode, he would speak directly to viewers whom he encouraged to paint with him as he created idealized scenes of streams backed by mountains, waterfalls and rustic cabins and mills. It all seemed to come together effortlessly and in the half hour that the show lasted, giving millions of viewers the illusion that they too could achieve such success.
“What this piece represents is the people’s artist,” Nelson said. “This isn’t an institution that’s telling you that Bob Ross is great. It’s not some high-brow gallery telling you that Bob Ross is great. This is the masses, the population in the world that are saying that Bob Ross is great.”
Where has this painting been all these years, from 1983?
The “The Joy of Painting” was filmed in Falls Creek, Virginia, and this first painting was sold months later to raise funds for the local PBS station. A volunteer at the station bought the painting for an undisclosed price and hung it in her home for 39 years until getting in touch with Nelson, who has bought and sold more than 100 of Ross’ works.
Nelson bought the painting last year and then gave it a “not for sale” price of $9.85 million, said publicist Megan Hoffman. Hoffman said the asking price is far more than any other Ross painting has sold for, but “A Walk in the Woods” is unique and Nelson isn’t looking for a quick sale. She notes that Ross’ popularity has soared in recent years, with 5.63 million subscribers to a YouTube channel featuring his shows.
“Ryan would prefer to take it out, tour it around to museums and things like that so people can enjoy it and appreciate it,” Hoffman said. “He will take offers but he’s not in a hurry to sell i
