Rare sale of late Kiwi artist Jane Evans' work

Nelson artist Jane Evans was famous for her often colourful, contemporary style paintings. Photo / International Art Centre

A large collection of art including 58 paintings by late Kiwi artist Jane Evans is up for grabs.

Nelson woman Sally Hunt is selling her collection of 120 paintings and art experts say it's a rare opportunity to gain works by Evans.

Evans died in 2012, aged 65. When she died, the Nelson-based artist was described as one of the art world's leading lights who was "superb at creating beautiful environments".

Auckland's International Art Centre's director Richard Thomson said the size of the sale was unusual.

"People buy Jane Evans paintings because they love them and it's rare to see so many offered for sale," he said.

"It's a unique opportunity to own a piece of art by a Nelson artist whose colour and honesty won her an international fan base."

Hunt was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015 for services to art. Her home was decorated with hundreds of pieces by Kiwi and International artists.

The auction included most of Hunt's collection of Jane Evans paintings as well as pieces by big names like Max Gimblett, Neil Dawson and a signed screen print by American artist Andy Warhol.

The auction will be held at the International Art Centre in the Auckland suburb of Parnell, on November 7.