“Ross created more than 400 paintings on air during the show.
However, this is the only one from season 1, episode 1.
He is one of the most important artists of our time and arguably the most famous American painter.”
Bob Ross.Everett Collection
The Joy of Paintingpremiered Jan. 11, 1983.
Ross hosted the show from that episode through 1994, a year before his death at 52.
Nelsonsuggested to NPRthat the original owner likely paid less than $100 for the painting.
“Anybody can paint.”
This article has been update with comment from Nelson.
