Burgeoning artist James Franco is giving one lucky winner the chance to fly to LA and have his or her portrait painted for a mere $10. The contest is an effort to raise donations for the AIDS charitable organization (RED) , and all of the donations (of $10 or more) from entrants will be given to the organization in exchange for the chance to win an original work by the Renaissance Man himself.
A winner will be chosen on February 2 from the current pool of entries, and the prize includes airfare and two nights’ hotel accommodations.
In a video announcing the contest and fundraising campaign, Franco is “interrupted” by the camera while intently painting on a sturdy-looking easel. “Oh! Hi friends. James Franco here,” he says, with a characteristically smug grin. “You may know me as an actor, writer, teacher, musician, poet… but I’m also a painter.”
Franco then provides three examples of the “many subjects” he has tackled with his paintbrush, which consist of crude canvases with large, literal descriptions of each work painted across the images. (Yes, that includes the ripped-off Seth Rogen nudes you thought you had managed to forget.)
“I’ve never painted you,” Franco adds, “and I’d like to paint you.” The winner of the contest will fly with a friend to the actor’s studio, where they will pose for him for a painting.
artnet News is admittedly torn on this one: Yes, Franco’s art has been largely terrible, but who are we to mock a good cause?
Regardless, we’ve all missed our chance, as the window for entry closed at midnight last night. However, you can still “Win a Hodor to Hodor” with the “Game of Thrones” actor, if that’s what you’re into these days.
Watch the video of Franco in action below:
H/T Glasstire.