Los Angeles, California - Johnny Depp raised around $3.6 million in just a few hours through a sale of his artwork.

The star announced on Instagram that he was selling prints from his debut collection, Friends And Heroes, through Castle Fine Art, which operates 37 galleries around the UK.

The works depict four people who have inspired him: The Rolling Stone's Keith Richards, folk legend Bob Dylan, as well as actors Al Pacino and Elizabeth Taylor.

All 780 pieces sold within hours on Thursday, with framed individual images going for $4841.12 (£3,950) each and the complete portfolio of four images selling for $18322.72 (£14,950).

Celebrities Britney Spears' son allegedly wants to mend their relationship – but is he just after her money?

Depp's post on Instagram, captioned only "NOW AT #CASTLEFINEART", prompted a rush of traffic to the gallery's website, causing it to crash.

He said: "I've always used art to express my feelings and to reflect on those who matter most to me, like my family, friends and people I admire."

"My paintings surround my life, but I kept them to myself and limited myself. No one should ever limit themselves."

Speaking on behalf of fine art publishers Washington Green, Glyn Washington said: "Working with Johnny through the process of curating this collection and producing his limited edition artworks has been a singular joy and privilege."

"He is a true creative, with an extraordinary eye for detail and nuance. I look forward to introducing Johnny's Friends And Heroes to our wide collector base through Castle Fine Art."

In a press release, the gallery described Depp's work as existing "at the intersection of pop art and street art" and as "pop art with feeling."

Olivia Rodrigo Olivia Rodrigo shares peek at UK adventures with Joe Locke and Conan Gray

The gallery had long been in talks with the 59-year-old about staging an exhibition and sale of his work, and expects to host more of it in the future.

This sale more than covers the $2 million in defamation damages Depp was ordered to pay his ex-wife Amber Heard at the end of their high-profile court case, in which the jury ruled mostly in favor of the Pirates of the Caribbean star, awarding him $10.35 million.

Both sides have launched appeals.