If the first Trump term was marked by utter incompetence, Trump 2.0 is incompetence plus wanton vindictiveness. This time around he’s just out to destroy as much of American democracy as we know it before his cankles explode. One of the many institutions in his warpath was the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) — a nonprofit independent of the government — which he barred from distributing Congressionally appropriated funds to NPR and PBS. What were their crimes? Reporting facts instead of propaganda. All three organizations (CPB, NPR, PBS) have pending lawsuits against Trump. They also have friends from their own ranks stepping up to help. 30 original works by the inimitable, late great Bob Ross, who hosted The Joy of Painting on PBS, are to be auctioned off this November with the proceeds going to public stations hit by the federal funding cuts. That is joyful!
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.”
As desired by President Donald Trump, Congress has eliminated $1.1 billion allocated to public broadcasting, leaving about 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations to find alternative funding sources. Many launched emergency fund drives. Some have been forced to lay off staff and make programming cuts.
The beloved Ross died in 1995 of complications from cancer after 11 years in production with “The Joy of Painting.” His how-to program was shown on stations around the U.S. and around the world. The former Air Force drill sergeant known for his calm demeanor and encouraging words enjoyed a resurgence in popularity during the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ross spoke often as he worked on air about painting happy little clouds and trees, and making no mistakes, only “happy accidents.”
The thirty paintings to be auctioned span Ross’ career and include landscapes depicting serene mountain vistas and lake scenes, his signature aesthetic. He created most of the 30 on-air, each in under 30 minutes, which was the span of a single episode.
Bonhams sold two early 1990s mountain-and-lake scenes of Ross in August for $114,800 and $95,750. The auctions of the 30 paintings soon to be sold have an estimated total value of $850,000 to $1.4 million, Bonhams said.
Wait, Bob Ross was an Air Force drill sergeant?! How did I not know this? I cannot imagine a demeanor more antithetical to the connotation of “drill sergeant” than Mr. Happy Accidents, Bob Ross. On the other paintbrush-bearing hand, and much like his own paintings, I love the contrast it presents. Especially when compared to Trump: Ross actually served his country, in both his careers, really. And even though his corporeal form has left this plane of existence, the tender-voiced artist’s spirit is now standing tall against a tyrannical blowhard. That’s real patriotism.
The three paintings set to be auctioned by Bonhams in Los Angeles — Cliffside, Home in the Valley, and Winter’s Peace — are available to preview on their website. All are signed, 18×24 inches, and unframed, with starting estimates ranging between $25,000 to $50,000. So… I will not be acquiring a Bob Ross original at this time, which is a shame because they are beautiful! The way he captures the light is so dynamic. Can’t wait to see the other 27 pieces as they’re revealed.
What a great fundraiser for PBS.. his show is like meditation it just relaxes me, there are certain shows that I will put on that do this his show and With Love, Meghan are two of my favorite meditation shows.
I remember reading an old interview with him years ago about being sick of screaming at people for making mistakes and wanted to have a calm and soothing voice on his show and it’s okay to have “happy accidents” when you paint.
I love Bob Ross ! I saw a documentary about him and the awful couple that abused and took advantage of him, now I feel so sad when I read about him.
I love this!
Honestly I’m surprised they have been just holding onto them.
I’ve often wondered what came of those those pictures post production.
Get them out there! Do some good to counter the bad!
When I was a young girl in the mid 70s, my parents brought home the most adorable beagle puppy. We named her after mom’s favorite Barry Manilow song, Mandy. My mom also loved watching Bob Ross’s show and Mandy would sit right next to her on the couch – absolutely riveted by Bob Ross’s voice. It was so funny. She wouldn’t move until the show was over.
Bob Ross was a gift to us all.
I have a friend couple who go as Bob Ross and a happy little cloud every year for Halloween. In recent years they have changed it so she gets the Bob Ross costume and he’s the happy little cloud.
I would love one of those paintings!