Buzz
Bob Ross claimed to have created over 30,000 paintings during his lifetime. But if he didn’t sell them, where did all of his joyful clouds end up? Let's hear from Bob himself:
“One of the most common questions I get is, ‘What happens to all the paintings we create on TV?’ Most of these paintings are donated to PBS stations across the country. They auction them off, raising money for their causes. So if you want one, reach out to your local PBS station because we give them to stations all around the nation to support their fundraising efforts.”
If that’s accurate, Ross likely gave away around 1,200 paintings. He filmed 403 episodes of Joy of Painting and produced three versions of each painting in every episode.
The first copy was always kept off-screen, with Ross referencing it while filming (none of his paintings on-air were spontaneous). After the filming wrapped, Ross would paint a third version. An assistant stood behind him, capturing every brushstroke with photos. These images were included in Ross’ “How to” books.
What about the 28,800 paintings Ross created outside of his TV career?
We only have a rough idea. Some of the works were sold by Ross. Before he became a television personality, Ross served as an Air Force Master-Sergeant in Alaska, where he painted and sold gold pans. Later, he taught year-round lessons, often gifting paintings to his students. At times, Ross kept his artworks, eventually donating them to charity. A few pieces even ended up on the black market: during the second season of Joy of Painting, a burglar swiped 13 reference paintings from Ross’ van.
Do you have an original Ross painting? How did you come by it?
[Note: Reader Kelli pointed us to the Bob Ross Art Workshop and Gallery in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where a collection of his works is on display. Thanks, Kelli!]
