Bob Ross paintings easily surpass estimated sale prices at auction, marking milestone for the late artist
A pair of Bob Ross paintings sold for double and triple their estimated selling prices at a recent auction — shattering sales records for the mild-mannered late artist.
Two oil-on-canvas works from the 'Joy of Painting' star, both depicting serene mountain and lake scenes, raked in some serious green at Bonhams' American Art Online sale, which ended on Aug. 7.
'Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks and Cloudy Sky' fetched $114,800 — double what it was estimated to sell for — and 'Lake Below Snow-Covered Mountains and Clear Sky' took in $95,750, triple its anticipated price tag.
'I can tell you that Bob would have been quite shy to learn that his paintings are now selling at six figures. He was never really that interested in his finished works, Bob was more fascinated with the process of painting and sharing that with other people,' Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., told The Post.
3 Bob Ross' painting 'Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks and Cloudy Sky' fetched $114,800 at Bonhams' American Art Online auction.
Bonhams
'Truthfully, I can still hear him saying something like, 'You don't want my paintings, you want to create your own and hang them proudly on your wall.''
The record-breaking paintings, which both date to 1990-1991, caught the eye of five or six bidders during the Madison Avenue auction house's sale, which started on July 28.
The pricey pieces managed to dethrone Ross' previous auction high-water mark, set at $55,000 on July 25 for the sale of another landscape, 'Snow-capped barn and trees behind a post and wire fence,' at Eldred's Auction Gallery in Dennis, Massachusetts.
Ross, who died in 1995 at the age of 52, became a household name with a cult-like following for hosting the PBS series 'The Joy of Painting.'
3 'Lake Below Snow-Covered Mountains and Clear Sky' took in $95,750, triple its anticipated price tag.
Bonhams
On the instructional series, which aired over 400 episodes from 1983 to 1994, the Florida native, who had a net worth of $1 million, taught viewers the art of landscape painting.
The paintings he created for the show are owned by Bob Ross Inc., and rarely hit the auction block, as per Barnebys.
3 Ross, who died in 1995 at the age of 52, became a household name for hosting the PBS series 'The Joy of Painting.'
Over the last year, only seven have been purchased at auction for between $30,000 and $55,000, according to Artnet.
The most recent ones — which were owned by private collectors in Florida and then passed down to other sellers — mark a milestone for Ross as the first that have gotten close to or exceeded $100,000.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
31 minutes ago
- New York Times
Joel DeMott, Whose Documentary Was Rejected by PBS, Dies at 78
By 1982, Joel DeMott and her life and cinematic partner, Jeff Kreines, had spent more than two years making 'Seventeen,' a cinéma vérité documentary exploring the messy lives of high school seniors from working-class families in Muncie, Ind. Their unnervingly intimate film about the 1980-81 year at Southside High School shows students drinking, smoking pot, fighting and cursing their teachers. A cross is burned on the lawn outside the home of the film's central personality, Lynn Massie, a brash white teenager who has been dating a Black classmate. 'Seventeen' was to be the final episode of 'Middletown,' a six-part PBS series about American life as seen in Muncie. But it was too raw for PBS and the series' sponsor, Xerox, which Mr. Kreines said withdrew its support after seeing a three-minute trailer and pushed for the removal of 'Seventeen' from the series — although it continued to sponsor the other episodes. Mr. Kreines said that he and Ms. DeMott had refused to cut the segments about interracial romance and to bleep out 238 obscene words. Under pressure from Xerox, as well as the parents of some of the teenagers and the public TV station in Muncie, Peter Davis, the producer of 'Middletown,' withdrew 'Seventeen' from the series. Enraged, Ms. DeMott wrote a 25-page, single-spaced typewritten statement excoriating PBS and Xerox. She and Mr. Kreines sent it to critics in cities where the film was shown in theaters. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Geek Tyrant
3 hours ago
- Geek Tyrant
From Scholar to Slayer: Video Explores How Van Helsing Evolved Into Cinema's Ultimate Action Hero — GeekTyrant
Dr. Emily Zarka, host of PBS's Monstrum, recently explored the fascinating transformation of Abraham Van Helsing, a character who was introduced in Bram Stoker's Dracula as a measured, intellectual academic and ended up in movies as a crossbow-wielding, vampire-slaying action hero. In Stoker's 1897 novel, Van Helsing is a doctor and scientist, a man of reason who uses logic, knowledge, and medical expertise to confront the supernatural. There is nothing flashy about him. He's stoic, methodical, and deeply rooted in the traditions of Victorian scholarship. But as Dr. Zarka points out, Hollywood had other plans. 'How did Van Helsing go from academic in Dracula to action hero icon? This episode explores his evolution from Victorian scholar to monster-hunting legend, unpacking his role in the novel, pop culture legacy, and why he remains the ultimate supernatural slayer.' As films began adapting Dracula and other horror stories, the character was reimagined to suit new tastes. By the mid-20th century, audiences wanted spectacle and physical confrontation, not just scholarly debates about folklore and disease. The monster hunter archetype itself shifted in pop culture, fueled by pulp magazines, adventure serials, and the rise of blockbuster filmmaking. Zarka also examines the real-world history of monster hunters and how that profession's role in society changed. 'By the 20th century, traditional monster hunters largely faded into obscurity, replaced by explorers, scholars, scientists, hobbyists, and journalists chasing down stories of cryptids and unidentified aerial phenomena which newspapers printed stories of regularly.' By the time Van Helsing appeared in big-budget films like 2004's Van Helsing starring Hugh Jackman, he was less a reserved intellectual and more a supernatural action star, a character capable of leaping across rooftops, battling werewolves, and taking on an army of vampires. It's a far cry from the professor in Stoker's novel, but it's a transformation that speaks to the character's adaptability and enduring appeal. Whether he's a calm, pipe-smoking academic or a fearless, gadget-equipped hero, Van Helsing remains one of fiction's most enduring vampire hunters, a figure who bridges the gap between folklore's old-world wisdom and cinema's appetite for thrilling monster battles.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Your Definitive Guide to Bob Haircuts
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by Allure editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Getty Images Last summer, I blacked out and cut a foot of my hair off. When I came to, I immediately realized that I'd been denying my true identity: I am a bob person. I also learned that I didn't just have a bob—no one just has a bob. Mine was French. And as I've been letting it grow, I've had the opportunity to experiment with other types of bobs. It's that versatility that has made the bob such a timeless cut. But there have been eras in which the look seems particularly ubiquitous, and we are definitely in one now. It feels like every third celebrity has a bob, whether they've been wearing one for years or recently joined the club. If you're interested in becoming a member, there's a lot more to consider than 'Am I ready to cut my hair?' The right bob for you comes down to the look you like best, but also how much effort you're willing to put into styling it, your face shape, and your natural curl pattern (or lack thereof). Meet the experts Amy Abramite is a hairstylist and the creative director at Maxine Salon in Chicago. Nick Arrojo is a hairstylist and the founder of Arrojo salon in New York City. Rogerio Cavalcante is a hairstylist and the owner of the Second Floor Salon in New York City. Julien Farel is a hairstylist and salon owner in New York and Palm Beach, Florida. Dimitris Giannetos is a hairstylist based in New York, Los Angeles, and Paris. Raven Hurtado is a stylist at Maxine Salon Olya Iudina is a hairstylist at IGK in New York City. Mia Santiago is a hairstylist and the owner of Headspace in Columbus, Ohio. Italian Bob 'The Italian bob is full of soft waves and loose, bouncy texture,' says stylist Nick Arrojo, founder of Arrojo salon in New York City. 'Think Sophia Loren glamour, modernized.' This curvaceous cut is all about volume, which is what makes it the perfect bob for those with medium to thick hair who want to lean into the fullness. Rogerio Cavalcante, stylist and owner of the Second Floor Salon in New York City, recommends asking your stylist for a bob that hits at the chin or neck, with a blunt or softly layered baseline. 'This bob adds body and bounce while maintaining a sleek, put-together finish,' he says. But you're not locked into an always-polished look. 'The minimal layering in this haircut also gives some versatility when it comes to styling, so you can wear it tousled and undone,' says Mia Santiago, stylist and owner of Headspace in Columbus, Ohio. French Bob (a.k.a. the Cheekbone Bob) This is what most people picture as a 'classic' bob. The French bob typically hits right at the cheekbone, allowing it to sculpt the face like natural highlighting and contouring. Says stylist Dimitris Giannetos, 'It's sexy, smart, and always gives main-character energy, even with minimal effort.' That effort is especially minimal if you're starting with straight or slightly wavy hair, and if you ask your stylist for a soft, round shape with subtle internal texturizing (in other words, no visible layers). 'A perfect French bob can carry a slightly messy look, but also look polished when it's styled slick and straight,' says Olya Iudina, a stylist at IGK in New York City. 'Consider adding bangs for an even more striking, editorial feel,' says Cavalcante. 'The result is sleek, bold, and undeniably chic.' '90s Bob Anyone who lived through the '90s as a teen or 20-something will remember this bob, probably from firsthand experience. (Hello, that would be me!) It's defined by a center part and curved-under shape with a marriage of smoothness and fullness. Says Giannetos, 'This is the ultimate cool-girl bob with its sleek middle part and those perfectly scooped ends that hug the jawline.' It's ideal for those who want a polished style with a hint of edge, says Cavalcante, who recommends the look for those with straight or slightly wavy hair. 'Ask your stylist for a blunt bob with a subtle stack in the back to create lift and shape, keeping the front slightly longer for balance.' Stylist Julien Farel, who owns eponymous salons in New York and Palm Beach, Florida, is an especially big fan of Lily Collins's 2025 take on the '90s bob. 'It gives her a more Gen Z look—trendy, sexy, and not overdone,' he says. Meanwhile, Santiago, who says the '90s bob is ideal for rounder faces, appreciates Cate Blanchett's interpretation: 'I love the face-framing pieces that Cate has. It adds some really great movement.' Layered Bob The layered bob takes the classic bob silhouette and zhuzhes it a bit. 'If you want volume, versatility, and a little edge, the layered bob is your best friend,' says Giannetos. 'It adds bounce and texture that's perfect for that lived-in, I-woke-up-like-this moment.' Softer and more dynamic, this look is defined by blended layers, volume, texture, and dimension, which makes it perfect for both fine and thick hair that's lacking shape. 'Ask your stylist for a bob that includes layers tailored to your hair type and face shape, whether you want a subtle lift or a more shag-inspired finish,' says Cavalcante. 'The result is effortlessly cool and easy to style.' A-line Bob When you picture the A-line bob, Victoria Beckham's Y2K haircut—the one she had as Posh Spice—may come to mind. But the pros want you to know that there are many more modern and less severe ways to wear this angular look. 'The A-line bob has a noticeable angle that is shorter in the nape and longer toward the face,' says Amy Abramite, creative director and stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. 'Layers can be added for movement and volume, or it can be one length. What matters most is the sloping angle forward.' The beauty of this style is how well it works with any length within the bob's range. Just look at the difference between Claire Danes's cut and Collins's 2024 look. 'This style adds structure and drama without sacrificing elegance, making it a favorite for those who want a modern yet timeless look,' adds Cavalcante, noting that the longer front pieces help frame and slim the face. 'Ask your stylist for a precise, graduated cut with a clean angle from back to front. Whether worn straight or with a slight wave, the A-line bob always delivers a bold, sophisticated edge.' Bell Bob The retro bell is perhaps the perkiest member of the bob family. As Giannetos puts it: 'It's giving modern-day Jackie O with a touch of pop star glam.' Cavalcante says the style is defined by its sleek shape and flipped-out ends that resemble, as you might have guessed, the curve of a bell. 'Best suited for straight to slightly wavy hair, this bob adds a fun, retro-inspired flair while maintaining a clean silhouette,' says Cavalcante. 'Ask your stylist for a blunt cut at the chin or jawline, and style it with a flatiron or round brush to flip the ends outward.' Abramite adds that rounded layers will enhance the shape but aren't necessary for the flip to take shape because 'it's all in the styling.' This is also a great way to ease into a bob without going uncomfortably short. 'Ask for a soft, structured lob with subtle undercutting or beveling at the ends,' says Arrojo. 'It gives you bob energy without going short.' Sharp Bob It may seem a bit intimidating, but the sharp bob—that is, a bob that features a straight, sharp line with minimum texturizing—is actually the perfect beginner bob. 'If I have a client who wants to cut a bob the first time, I would recommend this one, since it's simple and very easy to style,' Iudina advises fellow hairstylists. You can straighten it, add a bit of wave, or do nothing at all. It works on all textures, she notes, as long as the bottom cut is straight and full. Ripped Bob Cavalcante calls the ripped bob a lived-in take on the classic bob, thanks to its piecey texture, tousled layers, and effortlessly cool finish. 'It gives the illusion of hair that's been naturally 'ripped,' or undone, with subtle bends and a slightly irregular shape that adds movement and dimension,' he says. Those subtle bends are what make it perfect for naturally wavy hair. 'It's not about precision; it's about movement and natural shape,' says Arrojo, who recommends asking for a midlength bob with deconstructed layers, which will allow you to use your natural wave to create volume and a cascading shape that has 'tons of personality.' And, as you can see from Halle Berry, the ripped bob is curl-friendly too. 'Very little layering allows her to stay voluminous and in control but not too puffy,' says Farel. Ultimately, Abramite says, it's low-maintenance and can be air-dried or diffused to enhance natural wavy texture. Shaggy Bob Fans of the retro shag don't have to give up its free-spirited layers just because they want to go shorter. 'Featuring choppy ends, bangs, and plenty of movement, this style flatters most face shapes,' says Cavalcante, 'and works especially well with naturally wavy or textured hair.' Says Raven Hurtado, a stylist at Maxine Salon, ask for layers that give lots of texture, and curtain bangs cut shorter in the center and longer to the end of the eyebrows. And when you think you might be ready to move on from any of the above haircuts? 'This look is great for those who are growing out their bob.' Bob Haircut Styling Essentials Smoothing Air Dry Cream $15.00, Amazon Full Thickening Blow-Dry Cream $32.00, Amazon Small Round Brush $140.00, Philip B. Hot Curling Ceramic Brush $26.00, Amazon Liquid Glass High-Gloss Finishing Serum $32.00, Amazon Ellnet Satin Strong Hold Classic Hairspray $16.00, Amazon Read more about hair: The Best Bangs Trends of 2025 Will Inspire You to Finally Chop Yours 2025's Top Haircut Trends Are a Masterclass in Timeless Sophistication Is the New Dyson Airwrap Worth $700? Now, watch Brittany Broski's 10-minute routine. Originally Appeared on Allure
