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The Joy of Painting: The Legacy and Market Value of Bob Ross’s Art

by miroslavar
written by miroslavar

Bob Ross, the television painter known for his calming voice and positive attitude, has left an indelible mark on pop culture. His show, “The Joy of Painting,” which aired from 1983 to 1994, has become a classic, inspiring millions to pick up a brush and create their own “happy little trees.” But what happens when one of Ross’s original paintings hits the market? The art world is abuzz with the news that “A Walk in the Woods,” the first painting Ross completed on-air, is up for sale for a staggering $9.85 million.

The Painting: “A Walk in the Woods”

“A Walk in the Woods” was painted live on-air during the very first episode of “The Joy of Painting” in January 1983. The painting depicts a serene woodland scene in shades of gold and blue, capturing the essence of Ross’s art-positive mission. The painting is authenticated by Bob Ross Inc. and was acquired by Modern Artifact, a Minneapolis-based art gallery. The painting has been kept safe for decades by a volunteer at the PBS station where the show first aired.

The Market Value: A Price Tag of $9.85 Million

The painting’s price tag is a testament to Ross’s enduring legacy. Modern Artifact owner Ryan Nelson stated that the demand for Bob Ross paintings has surged, driven by nostalgia, social media, and public interest in the artist’s personality. The gallery is offering the painting at a price point of $9.85 million but is in no rush to sell. They would prefer to share it with a museum or traveling exhibit to allow as many people as possible to view this unique work of art.

The Rarity of Bob Ross Paintings

Despite his prolific output—Ross produced an estimated 30,000 canvases in his lifetime—his original paintings are nearly impossible to find. Most of the more than 1,000 paintings created during “The Joy of Painting” are owned by Bob Ross Inc. and are not offered for sale. This scarcity adds to the painting’s high market value and makes it a one-of-a-kind piece.

Bob Ross: Beyond the Canvas

Ross’s influence extends far beyond the traditional art market and into the realm of pop culture. His show attracted 80 million global viewers during its 11-year run and continues to garner views on platforms like YouTube. Ross’s love for small creatures often found its way onto his show, featuring baby animals ranging from deer to raccoons. His signature afro was actually a perm, a look he didn’t particularly like but couldn’t change due to its association with his brand.

The Bob Ross Phenomenon

What sets Bob Ross apart is not just his artistic skill but his ability to connect with people. His show wasn’t just about painting; it was about imparting a sense of peace and encouraging everyone to discover the artist within. Ross’s approach to art was therapeutic, a form of mindfulness before the term became a buzzword. His influence is a testament to the power of authenticity in a world often driven by hype and commercialism.

Lesser-Known Facts

Ross was a Florida native and high school dropout who moved to Alaska after joining the Air Force.

He began selling local landscape scenes on gold mining pans to tourist shops in Alaska.

Ross trained under Bill Alexander, another television painter, who helped him land his own show.

Why are Bob Ross paintings so hard to find?

Bob Ross paintings are hard to find primarily because the majority of them are owned by Bob Ross Inc., the company that manages his estate. During the run of “The Joy of Painting,” Ross created more than 1,000 paintings, usually producing three versions of each painting per episode. However, only one of these was painted on camera. These paintings are not generally offered for sale to the public. Instead, they are stored in a Virginia office building owned by Bob Ross Inc.

In addition to the paintings created for the show, Bob Ross was a prolific artist who produced an estimated 30,000 paintings in his lifetime. Despite this large output, the scarcity of available works on the market adds to their allure and value. Even art galleries that specialize in Bob Ross paintings, like Modern Artifact, have to go to great lengths to acquire them, sometimes placing wanted ads in local newspapers in areas where Ross lived or worked.

The scarcity is also partly due to the fact that many of Ross’s paintings were sold or donated for charitable causes, often during fundraising auctions for PBS stations. Some have also been donated to museums or are part of private collections, further limiting their availability on the open market.

So, the difficulty in finding Bob Ross paintings can be attributed to a combination of factors: ownership by Bob Ross Inc., donations to charitable causes, and inclusion in private collections.

Interesting statistics from the show The Joy of Painting

1. Episodes and Seasons: The show ran for 31 seasons from January 11, 1983, to May 17, 1994. It consists of a total of 403 episodes.

2. Global Reach: At its peak, the show was watched by 80 million viewers worldwide and was broadcast in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan.

3. Happy Little Trees: According to a statistical analysis by the website FiveThirtyEight, trees appear in 91% of Bob Ross’s paintings. Clouds are the second most common element, appearing in 44% of the episodes.

4. Mountainous Love: Mountains appear in about 39% of Ross’s paintings, according to the same analysis.

5. Limited Palette: Ross typically used a palette of only 13 colors, emphasizing the idea that viewers didn’t need a lot of expensive materials to create art.

6. Three Versions: For each episode, Ross actually painted three versions of the same painting. One was prepared beforehand and used as a reference during filming, the second was the one he painted on camera, and the third was a more detailed version created afterward for his instructional books.

7. Speed Painting: Each painting was completed in just under 30 minutes, the length of each episode, showcasing Ross’s “wet-on-wet” technique that allowed for quick blending of oil paints.

8. Animal Appearances: Ross often featured live animals on his show, including a baby deer, squirrels, and birds. These appearances were intended to promote wildlife care.

9. YouTube Popularity: As of 2021, the official Bob Ross YouTube channel has over 4 million subscribers and some episodes have garnered over 10 million views.

10. Cultural Impact: Bob Ross has been referenced in various forms of media, including video games, comic strips, and even as a character in the 2016 film “Deadpool.”

These statistics not only highlight the show’s popularity but also its enduring impact on pop culture and art education.

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Art News

The Thrift Shop Treasure: N.C. Wyeth Painting Estimated to Fetch $250,000 at Bonhams Auction

by miroslavar
written by miroslavar

Imagine walking into a thrift store and walking out with a piece of art history. That’s exactly what happened to a bargain hunter in Manchester, New Hampshire, back in 2017. What seemed like a simple $4 painting purchase at a Savers location turned out to be an oil panel illustration by Newell Convers Wyeth, the father of the renowned artist Andrew Wyeth. 

The Artwork’s Provenance

The painting in question was one of four cover illustrations created by N.C. Wyeth for a 1939 edition of Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel “Ramona.” The novel itself was first published in 1884 and tells the story of Ramona, a half-Scottish, half–Native American orphan living in Southern California after the Mexican-American War. The painting captures a dramatic scene featuring Ramona and her stern foster mother, Señora Moreno. Signed by Wyeth in the upper left corner and on a label affixed to the back, the painting had somehow found its way into a thrift store.

The Journey to Authentication

Initially unaware of the painting’s significance, the thrift store shopper hung it in their bedroom for several years before eventually storing it in a closet. It wasn’t until May of this year that the consigner posted images of the painting in a Facebook group called “Things Found on Walls.” Members of the group quickly directed the owner to the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Pennsylvania, known for showcasing works by the Wyeth family.

Lauren Lewis, a conservator from the museum, drove three hours to personally inspect the painting. Her excitement was the first indication to the consigner that they had something truly valuable. 

N.C. Wyeth: A Prolific American Artist

N.C. Wyeth was a prolific American artist, having created more than 3,000 paintings and illustrated 112 books during his lifetime. He worked for esteemed companies like Scribner’s and contributed to publications such as the Saturday Evening Post, Harper’s Monthly, and Ladies’ Home Journal. The painting is believed to have been a gift from the publishers Little, Brown and Company, either to an editor or to the estate of the author.

The Auction House’s Estimate

Bonhams auction house has estimated the painting’s value to be between $150,000 and $250,000. The artwork is scheduled to be auctioned on September 19 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, turning what was once a $4 thrift store find into a potential windfall for the lucky owner.

This incredible story serves as a testament to the hidden treasures that can still be found in the most unexpected places. It also highlights the importance of art authentication and the enduring value of works by master artists like N.C. Wyeth.

When you have art gold in your home and you have no idea

The Declaration of Independence Copy

In 1989, a man bought a painting for $4 at a flea market in Pennsylvania solely because he liked the frame. Upon dismantling the frame, he discovered a hidden copy of the Declaration of Independence. It was later auctioned for $2.42 million.

Van Gogh’s “Still Life with Flowers”

In 1991, a woman purchased a painting from a thrift store in Milwaukee for $12, thinking it was a mere decorative piece. It turned out to be “Still Life with Flowers,” a work by Vincent van Gogh. The painting was eventually valued at $1.4 million.

Jackson Pollock’s “No. 5, 1948”

In 1992, Teri Horton, a retired truck driver, bought what she thought was an “ugly” painting from a thrift store for $5. She later found out it was a Jackson Pollock painting potentially worth millions. The story even inspired a documentary called “Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock?”

Andy Warhol Sketch

In 2010, a man bought a sketch at a garage sale in Las Vegas for $5. The sketch was later authenticated as an early work by Andy Warhol, with an estimated value of at least $2 million.

Cimabue’s “Christ Mocked”

In 2019, an elderly woman in France had a small painting hanging in her kitchen, which she assumed was just an old religious icon. It turned out to be “Christ Mocked” by the 13th-century Florentine artist Cimabue. The painting was sold at auction for $26.8 million.

These stories serve as a reminder that valuable art can be found in the most unexpected places, and they continue to captivate the imagination of both art enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

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salvator mundi
ArtistAnalysis

Unveiling the Mysterious Secrets of Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci: You Won’t Believe the Price Tag! 

by miroslavar
written by miroslavar

Salvator Mundi, the renowned painting by Leonardo da Vinci, has captivated the art world with its intriguing history and record-breaking sale of $450 million. In this article, we delve into the fascinating story of this masterpiece, exploring its creation, disappearance, rediscovery, and restoration. From its disputed origins to its meticulous conservation, we shed light on the enigmatic journey of Salvator Mundi. While the painting’s value has skyrocketed, it is essential to appreciate its true significance beyond monetary considerations.

History and Context

Salvator Mundi’s creation date has been a subject of debate among experts, with some attributing it to the late 1490s and others suggesting it was completed after 1500. The painting is believed to have potentially been commissioned for King Louis XII of France and Anne of Brittany, following the conquests of Milan and Genoa. However, not all historians accept this theory, highlighting the need for cautious interpretation.

Disappearance and Rediscovery

The painting’s journey took a dramatic turn in the 17th century when it vanished from sight. It resurfaced in 1900 when Sir Charles Robinson acquired it, mistakenly attributing it to Bernardino Luini, a follower of Leonardo. Later owned by Herbert Cook, it was unknowingly described as a “Free copy after Boltraffio.” In 1958, the painting was sold at an auction for a meager sum and found its way into the hands of Warren and Minnie Kuntz. Only after Mr. Robert Simon acquired it did its true significance start to emerge.

Restoration and Authentication

Under the care of Mrs. Dianne Modestini, a highly skilled restorer, Salvator Mundi underwent a meticulous restoration process. The painting suffered from severe interventions, overpainting, and aggressive cleaning throughout its history, obscuring its original layers and damaging Leonardo’s authentic drawing. Scientific analysis, examinations, and collaboration with institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art contributed to the authentication process. While some doubts remain due to the facial area’s deterioration, the majority of experts have reached a consensus on its authenticity.

Ongoing Debate and Artistic Value

The extensive restoration efforts have shed light on the historical and artistic value of Salvator Mundi. However, the aggressive cleaning and loss of original details have created room for debate and skepticism among historians and art experts. Similar challenges have been encountered in the restoration of other artworks, emphasizing the importance of considering the painting’s overall context and the artist’s intent.

History and Restoration

When the restoration of Salvator Mundi began in 2005 under the guidance of Mrs. Modestini, the painting was in a deplorable condition, with extensive overpainting and damage. As Mrs. Modestini cleaned the artwork, she discovered layers of varnish and repaints that had concealed its original beauty. Although some overpaints were left intact, Mrs. Modestini successfully restored the painting to reveal its true essence.

Controversies and Symbolism

Amidst the restoration, questions arose regarding the depiction of Salvator Mundi. Mrs. Modestini’s report highlighted the absence of remnants of a mustache or beard on the upper lip and lower jaw, which are badly damaged. However, historical descriptions and visual representations of Jesus often portray him with a beard and small mustache. The addition of a beard and halo to Leonardo’s androgynous image might have aimed to make it more conventionally pious and masculine. These details shed light on the complexities of interpreting symbolism in paintings.

Mundi vs Market

After the restoration, Salvator Mundi re-entered the art market and experienced a whirlwind of transactions. Yves Bouvier purchased the painting in 2013 and sold it to Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev for $127.5 million in 2016. In 2017, it fetched a record-breaking $450 million through Christie’s. Despite the confirmation of its authenticity by experts, including those from the Louvre Museum, debates persist, showcasing the clash between art valuation and historical significance.

The Louvre’s Confirmation and Ongoing Controversies:

In December 2019, the Louvre prepared a booklet supporting the attribution of Salvator Mundi to Leonardo da Vinci. While the booklet was not widely distributed, it provided detailed scientific examinations affirming the painting’s authenticity. However, skepticism surrounding its attribution remains. The art market’s tendency to manipulate prices and the involvement of various individuals have added to the controversy, with some refusing to accept its authenticity.

A Deeper Understanding

Amidst the commotion, it is important to pause and reflect on the true essence of Salvator Mundi. Beyond its price tag, this masterpiece holds a profound depiction of its subject matter. Exploring its symbolism and historical context allows us to appreciate the artistry and message intended by Leonardo da Vinci. By focusing solely on monetary value, we risk overlooking the profound significance of this renowned painting.

The story of Salvator Mundi encompasses centuries of history, restoration, controversy, and the influence of the art market. As debates persist, it is crucial to balance valuation with a deep understanding of the artwork’s artistic and historical worth. Salvator Mundi remains an enduring treasure, reminding us of the complexities and debates inherent in the world of art.

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