A painting by the Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, has been sold for over one million dollars at a yearly charity auction in St. Petersburg.

All paintings at the auction were created by famous Russian people: actors, singers, but no professional artists.

Each aspiring painter chose a theme beginning with a letter – for each of the 33 letters of the Russian alphabet. The money raised will help children suffering from cancer.

“I remember my hands were freezing while I was painting it. But still it was fun and I was constantly aware that I was doing something important,” composer Maxim Shostakovich said.

And the revenue raised was significant.

One piece – created by the St Petersburg city governor Valentina Matvienko – netted U.S.$ 360,000.

“We were afraid that due to the financial crisis the sums would be paltry. And it is very pleasant to see that people are willing to donate even in such difficult times,” Matvienko said.

The work by the first-time artist, who’s better known as the country’s premier, brought in U.S. $ 1,1 million.

Vladimir Putin took his chance before the New Year and joined the company of young masters of paint.

The buyer was a representative from a small Moscow gallery.