TV painter and icon of popular culture Bob Ross is known to transform a blank canvas into vast alpine landscapes in just under 30 minutes. Forty years later, Ketterer Kunst will auction an original painting entitled “Mountain Splendor” (1986), painted in Season 7, Episode 8 of his iconic TV series “The Joy of Painting.” After being stored for decades following its recording, the work exhibits exceptional condition and market freshness. This sale marks the premiere of an original Bob Ross painting on the German art market. It is a unique opportunity to own a painting whose entire creation can still be watched in the original episode. 100% of the net proceeds will benefit U.S. public television stations following cuts to government funding for public broadcasting.
“The Joy of Painting” (S7, E8): Mountain Splendor
Oil on canvas, 45.6 x 60.7 cm (17.9 x 23.8 in).
Estimate: € 40,000 - 60,000 / $ 46,400 - 69,600
On sale during our Day Sale on December 5, 2026.
“[There are] no mistakes, only happy accidents”Bob Ross
For millions of viewers who watched his TV show in the 1980s and 1990s, and for the generation rediscovering the painter today, Bob Ross is synonymous with an unparalleled chapter of broadcasting history. As a highly esteemed figure and icon of popular culture, he embodies a philosophy that continues to resonate today: There are “no mistakes, only happy accidents.”
Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, Bob Ross spent his early career in the U.S. military service, stationed in Alaska. It was there that he took up oil painting and where he would source inspiration from the vast glacial scenery, which would later shape the motifs of his landscapes.
The painting will be on view – publicly accessible and free of charge – throughout Germany as part of our auction preview:
November 8, 2026, 3:00pm – 8:00pm
November 9, 2026, 11:00am – 6:00pm
November 10, 2026, 11:00am – 3:00pm
November 12, 2026, 10:00am – 9:00pm
November 13, 2026, 10:00am – 6:00pm
November 14, 2026, 11:00am – 5:00pm
November 15, 2026, 11:00am – 3:00pm
November 17, 2026, 10:00am – 8:30pm
November 18, 2026, 10:00am – 3:00pm
November 20–21, 2026, 10:00am – 6:00pm
November 22, 2026, 10:00am – 7:00pm
November 23–26, 2026, 10:00am – 6:00pm
November 27, 2026, 10:00am – 3:00pm
November 29, 2026, 11:00am – 5:00pm
November 30 – December 1, 2026, 10:00am – 6:00pm
December 2, 2026, 10:00am – 8:00pm
December 3, 2026, 10:00am – 5:00pm
December 4, 2026, 10:00am – 6:00pm
The painting will be up for live auction during our Day Sale on December 5, 2026.
Courtesy of © Bob Ross Inc. Used with permission
Headquarters
Joseph-Wild-Str. 18
81829 Munich
Phone: +49 89 55 244-0
Fax: +49 89 55 244-177
info@kettererkunst.de
Louisa von Saucken / Undine Schleifer
Holstenwall 5
20355 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 37 49 61-0
Fax: +49 40 37 49 61-66
infohamburg@kettererkunst.de
Dr. Simone Wiechers / Nane Schlage
Fasanenstr. 70
10719 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 88 67 53-63
Fax: +49 30 88 67 56-43
infoberlin@kettererkunst.de
Cordula Lichtenberg
Gertrudenstraße 24-28
50667 Cologne
Phone: +49 221 510 908-15
infokoeln@kettererkunst.de
Hessen
Rhineland-Palatinate
Miriam Heß
Phone: +49 62 21 58 80-038
Fax: +49 62 21 58 80-595
infoheidelberg@kettererkunst.de
We will inform you in time.