TV painting instructor/artist Bob Ross using a large paint brush to touch up one of his large seascapes in his studio at home. (Photo by Acey Harper/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - Bob Ross’s "Winter’s Peace" sold for $318,000 at Bonhams in Los Angeles, setting a new auction record and leading three of his paintings that brought in a total of $662,000.
The auction closed on November 11.
Dig deeper:
The paintings drew exceptional interest, with more than twice the usual number of registrations and 356 bidders competing across online, phone, and in-room channels.
The other two Ross paintings also performed exceptionally well: Home in the Valley (1993) sold for $229,100, more than four times its high estimate, while Cliffside (1990), painted using his signature Wet-on-Wet Technique®, brought $114,800—over twice its estimate.
The sale was Bonhams’ first to feature works from a collection of thirty Bob Ross paintings offered by American Public Television (APT), which will direct all net proceeds to benefit APT and PBS member stations nationwide.
What they're saying:
"We’re thrilled with the results of this auction, which has surpassed our expectations," Jim Dunford, President and CEO of American Public Television, said in a news release. "These funds will help local stations continue to serve their communities with impactful programming. We’re deeply grateful to Bob Ross, Inc. for shining a spotlight on the need to support public media, at this critical time."
"We are delighted with the reception of this first trio of Bob Ross works," Robin Starr, General Manager, Bonhams Skinner, added. "As anticipated, these paintings inspired spirited bidding, achieved impressive results, and broke global auction records, continuing the momentum we’ve seen building in Ross’s market. These successes provide a solid foundation as we look ahead to 2026 and prepare to present the next group of Bob Ross works."
What's next:
The remaining 27 paintings will be offered in a series of Bonhams auctions in 2026, starting with three works in the American Art & Americana sale on January 27 at Bonhams Skinner in Massachusetts, with more to follow throughout the spring.
Who is Bob Ross?
The backstory:
Bob Ross, the beloved American painter and television host who brought the joy of painting to millions, became a cultural icon through his long-running public television series "The Joy of Painting."
Born and raised in Florida, Ross left high school to work as a carpenter before joining the U.S. Air Force at 18. Inspired by the mountain landscapes he encountered during his service, he began painting during breaks and U.S.O. art classes, selling his works to supplement his income.
After learning the Wet-on-Wet Technique® from German painter William Alexander, Ross developed his own distinctive approach and launched "The Joy of Painting" in 1983.
The show continues to air today, a testament to Ross’s enduring popularity and his warm, encouraging style that made art accessible to all.
The Source: The information in this story comes from a news release issued by Bonhams following its California & Western Art sale in Los Angeles, along with statements from Bonhams executives and American Public Television (APT). This story was reported from Los Angeles.