Bob Ross (American/Florida, 1942-1995), "The Northern Lights", c. 1970, mixed media on velvet laid on mining pan, signed lower right, gold seal from Bob Ross Inc. on reverse, dia. 10 1/4 in., overall dia. 16 3/4 in., d. 2 3/4 in; accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Bob Ross Incorporated. (2 pcs.)Note: Neal Auction would like to thank Annette Kowalski, Founder, Bob Ross Incorporated for her invaluable assistance in the cataloguing of this lot. Note: “We don’t make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.” – Bob RossBeloved television host, Robert “Bob” Norman Ross was born in Daytona, Florida in 1942. He joined the Air Force in 1960 and was first stationed in Florida before being transferred to an airbase in Alaska. In Anchorage, Ross took his first painting class, and he supplemented his income by bartending as well as selling his paintings done on gold prospecting pans, such as the work offered here. Ross’ foray into the arts developed into a lifelong passion which led to the celebrated cult favorite program, “The Joy of Painting.” With the nurturing guidance of its soft-spoken, iconic host, countless fans of the show felt inspired to pick up a paintbrush for the first time to try their hand at Ross’ wet-on-wet technique, dubbed “alla prima.” Ross’ encouraging and calm air proved addictive, and the show continues to be beloved years after his passing in 1995.