People often ask why original art costs what it does — and whether it’s really worth it. From studio conversations to lived experience, this piece explores how value in art isn’t universal, but deeply personal, and why the right painting is always worth the price to the right person.

Before there was Bob Ross, there was Bill Alexander — the fiery, joyful artist who brought painting to television and taught the world to “fire in.” Born in Prussia in 1915, Alexander survived hardship, built a life through art, and inspired a movement that continues today. His Magic White, booming laughter, and belief that anyone can paint still echo through every mountain and tree created in the wet-on-wet style he pioneered.