Francie Kemp’s crying eyes wins top bid at Miharo Gallery’s first Wet Paint project

Crying eyes by Francie Kemp

A pen, pencil and ink drawing of crying eyes attracted the highest bid at Miharo Gallery's first Wet Paint project auction on Friday.

Karl Bothamley, a keen collector of artworks, particularly by local artists, bought the work.

Created by Francie Kemp the pen, pencil and ink drawing was one of several produced by Gisborne and East Coast artists for the gallery's inaugural Wet Paint project.

Artists were set the challenge of producing an artwork inspired by the song title Paint It Black within one hour.

“I loved this challenge from Miharo Gallery,” says Kemp.

“It pushed my limits because I usually take days or weeks to complete a piece.”

As the winner of the auction evening, in which all but two works sold, Kemp gets to choose the next Wet Paint challenge song title.

Kemp has selected New Zealand band Six60's song Rivers.

“I picked it for the chilled vibes and Kiwi flavour Gizzy brings,” says Kemp.