House too small for an Albrecht

Budding Landscape changed hands more than 40 years ago. Photo / Supplied

A painting by one of the country's leading abstract artists will be auctioned for the first time next month at an expected value of between $25,000 to $35,000.

Budding Landscape by Gretchen Albrecht will go under the hammer at Webb's auction house in Auckland more than 40 years after it was painted by the now 72-year-old artist. The acrylic on canvas work was part of Albrecht's personal collection when it was bought from her by the current owners in 1980.

After 36 years in their family, the owners have now decided to sell the painting.

After moving and living in China for about 17 years, they returned to New Zealand to find their newly built modern house does not have adequate wall space or a high enough stud.

The artwork is almost 2m high and was painted in 1972.

It was part of Albrecht's Garden Series - one of her most celebrated series of work - and will be sold in the Paramount Series art auction on April 5.

The owners, who want to remain anonymous, are keen gardeners and said the painting reminds them of springtime colours.

Albrecht was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2000 and has exhibited for more than 50 years. She is still painting fulltime.