Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to support public TV stations after federal funding cuts

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

Updated 9:00 AM CDT, October 7, 2025
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Thirty paintings created by the bushy-haired, soft-spoken Bob Ross will soon be up for auction to defray the costs of programming for small and rural public television stations suffering under cuts in federal funding.

Ross, a public television stalwart in the 1980s and ‘90s, “dedicated his life to making art accessible to everyone,” said Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc. “This auction ensures his legacy continues to support the very medium that brought his joy and creativity into American homes for decades.”

Bonhams in Los Angeles will auction three of Ross’ paintings on Nov. 11. Other auctions will follow in London, New York, Boston and online. All profits are pledged to stations that use content from distributor American Public Television.

The idea is to help stations in need with licensing fees that allow them to show popular programs that include “The Best of Joy of Painting,” based on Ross’ show, “America’s Test Kitchen,” “Julia Child’s French Chef Classics” and “This Old House.”



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/bob-ross-auction-public-television-1029c1e91ac55d8030e6847310cebc59

[hlthe2b]

1. This is wonderful. I hope they make a ton of money to help these stations nationwide.

[Hekate]

2. That is very touching

[berniesandersmittens]

3. K & R

[QueerDuck]

4. I love Bob Ross ❤️🥰 ...

I thought (hoped) that his son would be interested enough to continue the show.

Even though I'm not a painter (except for walls and ceilings) I always found his voice and manner to be soothing and calming. It was interesting to watch his technique and see the painting come to life.

And... of course... the happy little clouds.

[Brother Buzz]

5. The entire collection will remain intact

I understand Bob Ross produced three copies of each creation for production purposes.

Quick AI response:

Bob Ross painted three versions of almost every painting for The Joy of Painting: one for reference before the show, one during the taping for the television audience, and a third, more detailed version after the show for his instructional books and videos. This process ensured he had a completed reference, a version for the camera, and a refined piece for his published materials.

[FemDemERA]

6. How wonderful!

[electric_blue68]

7. Great idea!

My favorite things were the mountains. Tbey had a pretty naturalistic cragginess to them.

[pansypoo53219]

8. i can't stand his show/work. our pbs had the old german william alexander. but i support PBS.

and this will be good. i refuse to ever do a cabin.
i only support his use of prussian blue.