Bob Ross
Bob Ross Original Painting on Velvet Canvas Rare Signed Northern Lights
Description
Artist: Bob Ross
Title: Untitled, Northern Lights
Medium: Original Oil Painting on Velvet
Canvas Size: 12" x 9"
Frame Size: 14.75" x 11.75"
Inscription: Signed "Ross" in black on front lower right corner
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Before exploring his now iconic wet-on-wet technique featured on "The Joy of Painting" Bob Ross often painted directly on velvet. Seen most commonly in his velvet paintings placed inside gold pans, he also created some works on a more traditionally shaped velvet canvas. Velvet is an unforgiving medium, allowing no room for color mixing on the canvas or covering up "happy accidents". This style of painting showcases Ross's exceptional technical skill in a medium that demands precision and control. Although it is challenging, velvet also highlights the unique qualities of Ross' winter nighttime paintings, ehancing the intensity of colors and textures.
This untitled northern lights painting features a cabin on stilts overlooking a snow covered landscape. Snow coverd pine trees border a mountain lake set before soaring mountains and vibrant northern lights in shades of yellow, orange, and blue. The velvet’s unique texture amplifies the vibrancy of the Northern Lights, creating an effect that is both dramatic and atmospheric.
This rare work of art demonstrates an important step in Bob Ross' evolution as an artist, and offers a rare glimpse into his early body of work prior to his fame on "The Joy of Painting". Measuring 12" x 9" and framed to 14.75" x 11.75", the painting bears the artist's signature, "Ross", inscribed in black on the lower right corner. Purchase includes a gallery certificate of authenticity.
About Bob Ross
Bob Ross, an American painter, art instructor, and television host, is one of the most recognizable figures in modern art culture. Born on October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida, Ross grew up in Orlando. After dropping out of school in the ninth grade, he worked with his father as a carpenter, which exposed him to the meticulousness that would later define his art. At the age of 18, Ross enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a medical records technician. His 20-year military career brought him to Alaska, where the rugged natural landscapes profoundly influenced his artistic vision.
Ross’s journey as an artist began during his time in the Air Force. To supplement his income, he began painting and selling Alaskan landscapes on gold pans and velvet. Painting on velvet, a particularly unforgiving medium, required great precision and honed his technical skills. This formative period laid the foundation for his later work, though Ross is best remembered for his revolutionary wet-on-wet oil painting technique, known as alla prima. Inspired by television artist Bill Alexander, Ross adopted and refined this method, which allows painters to work quickly by applying layers of oil paint directly onto a still-wet canvas.
In the early 1980s, Ross retired from the Air Force to dedicate himself fully to painting. Under the guidance of Annette and Walt Kowalski, who recognized his unique talent and charisma, Ross developed a business teaching painting workshops. This partnership eventually led to the launch of The Joy of Painting in 1983, a PBS television series that aired for over a decade. Each 30-minute episode featured Ross creating a complete landscape painting in real time, blending technical instruction with soothing commentary. His calm demeanor, gentle voice, and encouraging phrases such as "happy little trees" and "there are no mistakes, only happy accidents" endeared him to millions of viewers.
The Joy of Painting was more than just an art show; it became a cultural phenomenon. Ross demystified painting for beginners, emphasizing accessibility and creativity over technical perfection. His idyllic landscapes—marked by towering mountains, serene lakes, and vibrant skies—captured the beauty of nature while offering a sense of escapism. By the time the series ended in 1994, Ross had filmed over 400 episodes and created thousands of paintings.
Beyond his television success, Ross was a prolific artist. He produced an estimated 30,000 paintings during his lifetime, many of which were created for his TV show and given to PBS stations for fundraising purposes. His art, though often dismissed by critics as formulaic, is now celebrated for its sincerity, technical skill, and enduring appeal. Ross’s works continue to resonate with audiences, exemplifying a neo-realist style that captures both the majesty and tranquility of the natural world.
Despite his fame, Ross remained a private and humble individual. He was deeply passionate about wildlife and was known for rescuing injured animals, many of which appeared on his show. His gentle persona extended beyond the canvas, making him a beloved figure whose influence transcended the art world.
Ross passed away on July 4, 1995, at the age of 52, after a battle with lymphoma. Though his life was cut short, his legacy endures. His teachings continue to inspire generations of artists, and his paintings are highly sought after by collectors. The resurgence of interest in Ross’s work in recent years, fueled by streaming platforms and social media, underscores his timeless appeal and cultural significance.
Bob Ross’s legacy is not merely one of artistic instruction but also one of positivity, creativity, and accessibility. He transformed the intimidating world of fine art into an inviting space where anyone could feel empowered to create. Through his work and words, Ross taught that art is not just a craft but a source of joy, healing, and self-expression.