How Should An Original Bob Ross Painting Be Valued?

 

“Look around. Look at what we have. Beauty is all around us- you only need to look to see it”.

Before he was a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force; before he became a bigger-than-life tv celebrity, art instructor, and every artist’s best friend, Bob Ross was a painter. Like his words, in the beginning, he was a deep thinker and nature’s poet. Only he wrote with a brush and not on a paper but on a canvas.

He was famous for his quick and simple “wet-on-wet” painting technique, he connected with legions of art lovers and artists around the globe through his popular TV show- The Joy of Painting.

This educational but fun program was first aired on PBS in 1983, where it took up millions of followers and ran for over a decade. The show was a hit because of the simple wisdom of Bob. He had complete control over the people who would see him on their TV screens, with his deep voice, gentle bearing, and light humor that would not crack a full-laughter but put a smile on the lips of his audience.

For some, he was supernatural with his brushstrokes and his devotion to the canvas. What made him stand apart was his ability to complete a landscape painting with vibrant colors and multi-dimensional depth around half an hour. During the shows run, many people speculated if ever the time would come when Bob Ross’s original would be up for sale by PBS.

His program, The Joy of Painting, became a force of nature in the entertainment industry and was eventually broadcasted from more than 275 TV stations. That was the level of success and public appeal for Bob and his work. Consequently, it laid foundations for the “art empire” which included art supplies, handbooks, guides, practical tips on how to paint, and art instructors endorsed by the maestro himself.

Bon never believed in being the idea of “born artist” and inspired millions of people of all ages to join him in drawing their own magnum opus and create their own “happy little trees” or “charming little cabins”.

He was one of those people who became a part of history in their own lifetime. With the legacy of rich paintings and an easy technique on drawing, it’s no wonder that many people think about buying an original Bob Ross painting. The idea brings a rush of nostalgia to own a painting that is only seen through the other side of television, painted by a beloved artist.

His “wet-on-wet” pieces are examples of the evolution of modern painting and have become a thing of mythical stature. There is no overstatement in saying that owning an original painting by such an iconic painter is no less than owning a pop culture artifact by a pop star.

Wishful thinking and concrete steps to buy one from Bob aside, there is a serious question of how much an original Bob Ross would cost a buyer, just like yourself, and how can you get your hands on it.

How Much Does A Bob Ross Painting Cost?

Just like any other significant art piece, it’s very difficult to determine how much an original Bob Ross painting would cost. Still, there are certain factors that come into play and should be kept in mind:

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