Offered by American Public Television (APT), the trio of Bob Ross paintings achieved a combined total of $662,000, with APT pledging to direct its net proceeds toward supporting public television stations nationwide.
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The first of three original paintings by beloved Joy of Painting host and American artist Bob Ross (1942–1995) achieved remarkable results during Bonhams’ California & Western Art sale, which concluded on November 11, 2025 in Los Angeles. Leading the trio was Ross’s 1993 “Winter’s Peace,” which sold for $318,000, setting a new global auction record for Bob Ross. This new record, more than doubles the previous one held by Bonhams. Together, the three works totalled $662,000.
The works attracted exceptional interest, generating hundreds of registrations – more than twice the usual number of registrations for a California & Western Art sale. All three Ross paintings saw spirited competition, with participation from a total of 356 bidders across online, phone, and in-room channels.
The remaining two works by Ross in this landmark auction also achieved exceptional results. “Home in the Valley,” painted on-air in 1993, sold for $229,100, more than four times its high estimate. Rounding out the works was “Cliffside,” painted in 1990, using Ross’s signature Wet-on-Wet Technique®, which sold for $114,800, more than double its high estimate.
The sale marked Bonhams’ first auction featuring works from a collection of thirty Bob Ross paintings offered by APT – the leading syndicator of acclaimed programming for public television stations nationwide. APT has pledged to direct 100% of its net proceeds to benefit APT and PBS member stations across the country.
“We’re thrilled with the results of this auction, which has surpassed our expectations,” said Jim Dunford, President and CEO of American Public Television. “These funds will help local stations continue to serve their communities with impactful programming. We’re deeply grateful to Bob Ross, Inc. for shining a spotlight on the need to support public media, at this critical time.”
“We are delighted with the reception of this first trio of Bob Ross works,” commented Robin Starr, General Manager, Bonhams Skinner. “As anticipated, these paintings inspired spirited bidding, achieved impressive results, and broke global auction records, continuing the momentum we’ve seen building in Ross’s market. These successes provide a solid foundation as we look ahead to 2026 and prepare to present the next group of Bob Ross works.”
The remaining 27 works will be offered across a series of auctions in 2026 across Bonhams salerooms, beginning with three works in the American Art & Americana sale on January 27, 2026 at Bonhams Skinner in Massachusetts. Additional works from the group of thirty will appear in subsequent sales throughout the spring.
Visit Bonhams.com for more information.
