Robert "Bob" Norman Ross (American, 1942-1995) oil on canvas landscape painting depicting the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky over an Alaskan mountain, with snow-covered trees and lake in the foreground. Signed lower left "Ross" and dated 1979 (last digit partially concealed by frame). Stamps en verso for "Bob Ross Alaskan Oil Paintings," Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.  Molded giltwood frame with linen mat.  Sight: 19 1/2 in. H x 15 1/2 in. W. Frame 26 1/2 in. H x 23 in. W.  A Certificate of Authenticity issued by Bob Ross Inc. accompanies this painting.  Note: Painted before Ross gained widespread recognition through his PBS television show, The Joy of Painting, this landscape dates from his years in Alaska, serving in the United States Air Force. Ross was developed a love of painting after attending art classes at the Anchorage U.S.O. club around 1960. He later stated he found himself frequently at odds with many of his painting instructors, who were more interested in abstract painting. In Ross' own words: "They'd tell you what makes a tree, but they wouldn't tell you how to paint a tree." Ross developed his quick-painting technique to create art for sale during brief daily work breaks, and became so successful that he was able to retire from the military and move to Florida around 1981 to pursue his art career. With the help of Annette and Ross Kowalski, he created and hosted The Joy of Painting from 1983-1994, which became a pop culture phenomenon. Ross died a year after the show ended, at the age of 52. 

The painting is in excellent condition. There are a few minor abrasions to the frame. Painting was put into the frame wet and has some rubbing to paint around the edges (not visible when in frame). 

The collection of Megan Himes, by descent from her father, the late Vernon Boyles, of Fairbanks, Alaska.