It’s nearly impossible to buy an original Bob Ross painting (2021)

Why So Few Bob Ross Paintings Are for Sale

• Several commenters argue the article buries the key point: Ross did not want his TV paintings treated as commercial commodities; they were teaching demos, not “finished works.”
• Others are unconvinced this fully explains the current scarcity, suggesting a simpler story: limited demand while he was alive, then posthumous fame plus a finite supply now being strategically rationed.
• Some note that a scholar cited in the article says Ross happily donated or sold works at reasonable prices during his life, complicating the “never wanted them sold” narrative.

Criticism of Bob Ross Inc.

• Commenters highlight lawsuits against Ross’s son and aggressive control over the “Bob Ross” name as evidence the rights-holders are profit-driven, not purely legacy-minded.
• The company’s licensing deals (including ads and merchandise) are seen as contradicting the idea that they are nobly avoiding commodification.
• Keeping ~1,100 paintings in cardboard boxes is viewed as either a waste, a scarcity play, or both; some suggest charity auctions, raffles, or foundations instead.

Value, Scarcity, and the Nature of Art

• Debate over whether Ross’s paintings are technically “low/average” or genuinely beautiful. Some dismiss them as decorative; others say their simplicity and accessibility are precisely the point.
• Strong disagreement over paying large sums for a Ross versus supporting lesser-known working artists.
• Comparisons to Warhol, Kinkade, and Banksy spark a broader discussion of art as commodity, celebrity-driven pricing, and manufactured scarcity.

Ross’s Fame and Legacy

• Several insist Ross was already widely known in the 80s–90s (especially via PBS), while others see a major popularity spike only in the 2010s internet era.
• Many emphasize that Ross’s real legacy is teaching and ASMR-like comfort, not the physical paintings; owning your own “Bob Ross–style” painting is framed as more in line with his ethos than chasing originals.

Tech, VR, and NFTs

• Side discussion on VR/AR painting: some find it magical and convenient; others prefer physical materials and doubt its value as “real” practice.
• An NFT idea using Ross’s paintings is raised then immediately regretted, with broad skepticism about NFTs’ legitimacy.