Artist: Bob Ross
Title: Untitled, Similar to "Mountain View" from season 13, episode 5 of "The Joy of Painting"
Dimensions: 18" x 24"
Medium: Original Oil on Canvas Painting
Year: 1989
Inscription: Signed "Ross" on front lower left; with personalized inscription including "Happy Painting", signed and dated on back of canvas
Documentation: Includes a Certificate of Authenticity from Bob Ross Inc.
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This untitled authentic, original oil painting by Bob Ross captures the serene majesty of nature in the artist's signature neo-realist style. Painted using his famed wet-on-wet technique, the work showcases Ross's masterful ability to create an inviting, peaceful landscape with swift, confident brushstrokes. Though untitled, the composition closely resembles "Mountain View" from Season 13, Episode 5 of The Joy of Painting.
Set against a backdrop of a brilliant pink and blue sky, the snowcapped mountains rise with quiet strength over a glassy lake. Lush evergreen trees, sunlit bushes, and a rocky shoreline fill the foreground, celebrating Ross's profound respect for the natural world. The crisp reflection of the trees in the still water adds depth and tranquility to the scene, a hallmark of Ross's work that evokes a feeling of timeless calm. The composition represents a quintessential Bob Ross landscape—an inviting window into the gentle beauty he sought to share with viewers around the world.
This 18" x 24" original painting on canvas is signed "Ross" in the lower left corner and has a personalized inscription on the back to the staff of Good Company. The note on back concludes with "Hapoy Painting" and is signed and dated "Bob Ross 1989". Purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity from Bob Ross Inc.
Extremely rare among collectors, authenticated, signed original Bob Ross paintings like this one offer an opportunity to own a piece of an American cultural icon's enduring legacy.
About Bob Ross
Bob Ross, the soft-spoken artist with the signature afro and soothing voice, became an unlikely cultural icon through his long-running television show The Joy of Painting. Born Robert Norman Ross on October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida, he grew up in Orlando and later joined the United States Air Force at the age of 18. It was during his 20-year military career—mostly spent in Alaska—that Ross first encountered the snow-covered landscapes and majestic mountain vistas that would later become staples of his artwork.
While stationed in Alaska, Ross took an interest in painting as a way to relax and unwind. Inspired by television painter Bill Alexander, Ross adopted and eventually refined the "wet-on-wet" technique—where oil paints are applied over a still-wet base—allowing him to complete a painting in real-time, often in under 30 minutes. This technique became the foundation of The Joy of Painting, which debuted in 1983 and ran for 11 years, producing over 400 episodes.
In each episode, Ross guided viewers step-by-step through the creation of landscapes that featured "happy little trees," "almighty mountains," and "fluffy clouds," often reminding his audience that "there are no mistakes, just happy accidents." His calm demeanor, encouraging tone, and accessible style drew in seasoned artists and novices alike. What set Ross apart was not just his technical ability, but his philosophy: art should be joyful, inclusive, and therapeutic.
Off camera, Ross was a disciplined and driven artist and businessman. He co-founded Bob Ross Inc., which managed his brand and products including art supplies, instructional books, and video tutorials. Despite his growing popularity, Ross remained humble and rarely sought the spotlight, preferring to focus on teaching and inspiring others.
Tragically, Ross was diagnosed with lymphoma in the early 1990s and passed away on July 4, 1995, at the age of 52. He had largely kept his illness private, and his death came as a shock to many fans. However, his influence has only grown since his passing. The internet era has brought renewed interest in his work, with reruns of The Joy of Painting gaining massive followings on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Netflix. His gentle voice and positive messages have been embraced by new generations seeking calm and creativity in a fast-paced world.
Bob Ross's legacy extends beyond painting. He championed the idea that art is for everyone—that creativity lives within us all. Today, his likeness appears on everything from socks to lunchboxes, but more meaningfully, his influence can be felt in classrooms, art therapy programs, and living rooms around the world.
In a world often obsessed with perfection, Bob Ross reminded us to enjoy the process, to embrace mistakes, and to find beauty in simplicity. His contributions to art education and popular culture continue to inspire, offering a lasting reminder that with a little encouragement and the right brush, anyone can paint a happy little tree.
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