From Bob Ross to the Florida Highwaymen artists, this upcoming Hess Fine Auctions sale on April 22 has a wide range of fine art, watches and jewelry. Bob Ross founded the PBS show "The Joy of Painting" where he shared techniques for oil landscape painting from 1983 to 1994. The Florida Highwaymen were a collective of 26 Black artists that painted the bucolic, tropical scenery of Florida in vivid palates and sold them along the busy tourist routes of the state in the 1950s.
Hess Fine Auctions Coordinator, Brandon Peck joyfully boasted, “We are delighted to welcome you to our April live auction event and there is no better day than Earth Day to sell an original Bob Ross. In addition to this, we are offering original works from the Highwaymen, a group of 27 Black artists who started painting the beautiful landscapes of Florida in the 1950s. Of course we will be hosting more stunning jewelry, and watches from top brands such as Cartier, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co, and so much more.”
A top highlight is an original Bob Ross sunset oil painting. “That’s right, Bob ‘Happy Trees’ Ross," said Mr. Peck. “I’ve seen countless famous works of art across the globe, but until now, I’ve never been faced to face with something so familial. Bob Ross is so ingrained in our modern lexicon of pop cultural icons that it transcends generations. He’s that guy with the perm out hair, who taught the world there are no mistakes, just happy accidents.” This listing shows the piece was acquired by Hess through an estate of which the owner notes it was a prize donated by Ross for a 1991 WQED public television fundraising auction in Pittsburgh.
The sale also features the early works of Florida Highwayman James Gibson. The CEO of Hess Fine Auctions notes, “The piece showcases moonlit trees and drooping Spanish moss. It is in what we like call ‘Barn Find condition’ while it has its flaws, it still possesses a captivating image with a nice tactile impasto and warm hues.”
Works from brothers Sam and Harold Newton are also included. “While stylistically similar each Newton brother piece has its own individual mood that’s as unique as a fingerprint, whether it is how Sam captures the light peaking through the rolling wave or Harold’s sunset through the clouds, they possess their own enthralling aura," Mr. Peck explained.
Both brothers expertly captured the tropical beauty of Florida, including palms, the coastline and wildlife.
"We sold two pieces from Mary Ann Carroll in our February sale which brought modest prices, but we feel lot 4450, which presents a gorgeous, moonlit night will outsell the previous two combined. We’ll just have to see which way the market is going,” Mr. Hess optimistically mused.
