Three original paintings by Bob Ross were combined into a series Tuesday to help raise money for public release after Trump Administration funding.
The pieces were featured in a popular artist’s favorite show that introduced the art form to millions of people. He ran the show from 1983 to 1994, before he died a year ago.
The three pieces were painted in 1990 and 1993. “Cliffside” sold for $114,800; “House in the Valley” went for $229,100; and “Winter Peace” sold for $318,000. These prices include the buyer’s “premium”.
The value of “Cliffside” was estimated between $25,000 and $45,000. Others were valued at $30,000 to $50,000.
More shares of ROSS are expected to be auctioned in January.
Ross’ signature appears in the lower left corner of all three paintings.
Bob Ross Inc. President Joan Kowalski said in a statement in October that the auction’s “legacy continues to support the many environments that have brought joy and creativity to American homes for decades.”
The auction started at 4 pm and in Los Angeles.
President Donald Trump has announced that the White House will end public funding for PBS and National Public Radio to stop what he calls “biased and partisan news coverage,” calling the organizations “tens of millions of dollars” in dollars for what he calls “news” as “massive, woke propaganda.”
Under Trump’s order, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is directed to fund organizations to the extent permitted by law.
Hundreds of PBS and NPR stations have been forced to find alternative funding, the Associated Press reported. Some stations had to cut staff and programming, while others resorted to an emergency fund drive.
All net proceeds from the sale will go to American public television and PBS’ public television stations, Bonhams said. In total, 30 Ross paintings are expected to be sold at different auctions.
Bonhams said the 30 paintings were valued at $850,000 to $1.4 million. Other auctions will be announced at a later date.
