The paintings from “The Joy of Painting” are an interesting case. There are over 1,100 of them currently stored in a warehouse in Virginia. These paintings were created by Bob Ross during the filming of his popular television show, where he taught viewers how to paint landscapes using his unique wet-on-wet technique.
For years, these paintings were kept by Bob Ross Inc., the company that managed the late artist’s estate. They were used for various purposes, such as for display at Bob Ross workshops or as backdrops for the television show. However, they were mostly kept in storage, leading to speculation about their fate.
Recently, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History acquired a handful of these paintings, adding them to their collection. This is significant because it recognizes the cultural and artistic impact of Bob Ross and his show. The acquired paintings will now be preserved and displayed for the public to appreciate.
It’s worth noting that not all of the paintings from “The Joy of Painting” have been acquired by the Smithsonian. The vast majority of them are still in the possession of Bob Ross Inc. While it is unclear what their long-term plans are for these paintings, it is hoped that they will find a way to make them more accessible to the public.
The popularity of Bob Ross and his show has grown significantly in recent years, with a new generation of viewers discovering his calming and instructional style. This has led to a renewed interest in his artwork, and there have been efforts to make his paintings more accessible to the public. For example, there are ongoing discussions about creating a permanent Bob Ross museum where these paintings could be showcased.
The paintings from “The Joy of Painting” are currently stored in a warehouse in Virginia, with the majority still in the possession of Bob Ross Inc. However, a few of them have been acquired by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, recognizing their cultural significance. Efforts are being made to make these paintings more accessible to the public, and there is hope for a future Bob Ross museum.