Bob Ross’ paintings auctioned to counter Donald Trump’s public TV cuts

When former President Donald Trump signed off on $1.1 billion in cuts to public broadcasting, it sent shockwaves through PBS and NPR stations across the country. Suddenly, beloved shows that had been part of American life for decades, everything from ‘This Old House’ to ‘Julia Child’s French Chef Classics’, faced an uncertain future. But there’s a twist of color and calm in this story, thanks to the soothing brushstrokes of the late Bob Ross.

The iconic painter, famous for his gentle voice, bushy hair, and “happy little trees,” is about to make waves once again. Thirty of Ross’ original paintings are set to go under the hammer, with all proceeds earmarked to help struggling public television stations cover licensing fees.

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Bonhams in Los Angeles will kick off the auction on November 11 with three of Ross’ works, and auctions will follow in New York, Boston, London, and online. The estimated value of the entire collection? Between $850,000 and $1.4 million.

“Bob Ross 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.”

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Bob Ross, who passed away in 1995 from cancer, left behind more than just paintings. His calming how-to show, ‘The Joy of Painting’, ran for 11 years, giving viewers the tools and confidence to try art at home. Each episode featured Ross completing a landscape: mountains, lakes, forests in under 30 minutes, all while reminding audiences that there are no mistakes, only “happy accidents”.

Over the years, Ross became more than just a TV personality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his gentle voice and soothing techniques experienced a resurgence, offering comfort to millions stuck at home. And now, his art is stepping into another role: helping public television stations survive the very funding crisis caused, in part, by Trump’s budget decisions.

Small and rural stations have particularly faced more heat. With federal funding slashed, many were forced to launch emergency drives or even lay off staff. The Bob Ross auction aims to help fill the gap all by covering licensing fees for popular programs distributed by American Public Television. These fees allow stations to air fan favorites like ‘The Best of Joy of Painting’, ‘America’s Test Kitchen’ and more.

Two early 1990s Ross paintings, auctioned in August, sold for $114,800 and $95,750, showing that his work continues to hold tremendous value.

Bonhams is confident this round of 30 paintings will generate significant funds to benefit public broadcasting. And while Trump’s budget cut may have painted a gloomy picture for public TV, Bob Ross’ art might just add the bright colors and gentle reassurance that stations, and viewers, desperately need.