Bob Ross’s debut painting on sale for $9.8M.
If you want these happy little trees, you’ll need a lot of green.
Beloved TV artist Bob Ross’s first-ever on-air painting is up for sale and costs almost $10 million.
The Joy of Painting
The late host of PBS’s “The Joy of Painting” became massively popular for his friendly, calm demeanor and his insistence that anyone can become an artist. Now Modern Artifact Gallery in Minneapolis is selling “A Walk in the Woods,” the first of over 400 paintings Ross made on the show. Ross painted it for the premiere episode which aired on January 11, 1983.
“It is season one, episode one of what you would call the rookie card for Bob Ross,” gallery owner Ryan Nelson said of the work, per The Guardian. Nelson added that he doesn’t expect the work to sell quickly because of the cost.
“What this piece represents is the people’s artist,” the gallery owner continued. “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.”
“A Walk in the Woods” was originally sold for an undisclosed amount to a volunteer to raise funds for the local PBS station. The painting was displayed in her home for almost four decades before she contacted Nelson about purchasing it. He bought it last year, then gave it the “not for sale” price of $9.89 million, the outlet noted.
“Ryan would prefer to take [the painting] out, tour it around to museums and things like that so people can enjoy it and appreciate it,” Nelson’s publicist said. “He will take offers but he’s not in a hurry to sell it.”
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Ross, who died in 1995, had a passion for removing pretentious attitudes from the art world. As he said in the first episode, “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. And here, we want to show you that that’s not true. That you can paint a picture.”
How has Bob Ross’s legacy continued to inspire and impact the art world
Ob-ross-painting-first-episode-joy-of-painting”>The Guardian. “It is the first time he’s really out there as an individual; it’s his first public debut.”
A Cultural Icon
Bob Ross, with his iconic afro, soothing voice, and talent for creating stunning landscape paintings in under 30 minutes, has become a cultural icon. His show, “The Joy of Painting,” ran for 31 seasons from 1983 to 1994, and continues to captivate audiences through reruns and an active online community. Ross’s calm and encouraging approach to painting, along with his signature phrases such as “happy little trees” and “we don’t make mistakes, just happy accidents,” have endeared him to millions of fans around the world. His ability to break down complex techniques into simple steps inspired countless viewers to pick up a paintbrush and try their hand at creating art.
A Walk in the Woods
“A Walk in the Woods” is a beautiful example of Ross’s talent and unique style. The painting features a serene forest landscape with snow-capped mountains in the background and a winding path leading into the woods. It showcases Ross’s mastery of the wet-on-wet oil painting technique, where new layers of paint are applied before the previous layers have dried, resulting in soft blends and smooth textures. The soothing color palette of blues, greens, and oranges creates a sense of calm and tranquility, inviting viewers to escape into the peaceful world of the painting.
The Value of Art
The hefty price tag of nearly $10 million for “A Walk in the Woods” raises the question of the value of art. While some may find it difficult to understand why a painting would be worth such a substantial amount, the art market operates on the principles of supply and demand. In the case of Bob Ross’s work, the combination of his cultural significance, limited number of original paintings, and the emotional connection fans feel towards his art contribute to the high value. Additionally, the rarity of the first-ever painting created for “The Joy of Painting” adds to its appeal for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
A Piece of History
“A Walk in the Woods” represents not only an exceptional work of art but also a piece of television history. It holds tremendous cultural and nostalgic value for fans of Bob Ross’s show, who remember tuning in every week to watch him effortlessly create beautiful landscapes. Owning this painting would be like owning a tangible piece of the tranquility Ross brought into people’s homes through his calming voice and mesmerizing brushstrokes. It serves as a reminder of the impact Ross had on the art world and the joy he continues to bring to countless individuals through his timeless creations.
The Legacy Lives On
Although Bob Ross passed away in 1995, his legacy lives on through his art and the continued popularity of “The Joy of Painting.” His positive and inclusive philosophy of art has inspired aspiring artists to pursue their passion without fear or self-doubt. His teachings continue to be shared through workshops, tutorials, and online communities, keeping the spirit of creativity and joy alive. Whether or not “A Walk in the Woods” finds a buyer willing to pay the hefty price, Bob Ross’s impact on the art world and the hearts of his fans remains immeasurable.
In the words of Bob Ross himself, “There are no limits here. You start out by believing here… You can make a happy little world in your mind.” His belief in the power of art to bring happiness and create a positive experience reverberates through his paintings, and “A Walk in the Woods” is a prime example of that enduring message.
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