First Bob Ross TV Painting Goes On Sale For Nearly $10 Million

"A Walk in the Woods," the first painting Bob Ross produced for hic iconic show “The Joy of Painting,” sits on display at the home of Modern Artifact owner Ryan Nelson, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Wayzata, Minn. Ross was known for his unpretentious approach to painting on his long-running show, “The Joy of Painting,” but now the painting he completed on his first show in 1983 is for sale for nearly $10 million. Minneapolis gallery owner Ryan Nelson calls it the "rookie card" for Ross. (AP Photo/Mark Vancleave)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bob Ross was known for his unpretentious approach to painting on his long-running show, “The Joy of Painting,” but now the painting he completed on his first episode in 1983 is for sale for nearly $10 million.

Minneapolis gallery owner Ryan Nelson calls the painting, “A Walk in the Woods,” the “rookie card” for Ross.

Nelson bought the painting last year and then priced it at $9.85 million.

Ross’ paintings are hard to get and are expensive, but none has sold for nearly that much.

Nelson says he’s in no hurry to sell and would like to display the painting so that lots of people get to see Ross’ work and understand his efforts to encourage regular people to paint.