Question 1

How do I identify an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

To identify an oil painting, look closely at its surface. Compared to other paintings, pieces produced in oils usually show off a variety of textures across the canvas, and the paint will appear layered on. If you're looking to determine the name, age or creator of a work, try snapping a photo with your smartphone’s camera and conducting a reverse image search online. Shop a diverse assortment of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Who is the father of oil painting?

Accepted Answer

Jan van Eyck is widely considered by art historians to be the father of oil painting. While the usage of oil paints dates back to 7th-century China, the Flemish painter popularized the material, using oils to produce highly detailed works such as The Arnolfini Portrait. The Northern Renaissance master also influenced many other artists, such as Hugo van der Goes and Gerard David. Shop an assortment of fine art on 1stDibs.

Question 3

When was oil paint invented?

Accepted Answer

Oil paint was invented during the 7th century A.D. The earliest examples of oil paintings have been traced to Afghanistan and depict scenes related to the Buddhist religion. Records dating back to the 12th century indicate that early Christian monks in Europe used oil paints to decorate furniture, and a century later, some artists began finishing tempera paintings with touches of oil paint. It wasn't until the 15th century that oil paints became a common medium for European painters, when Flemish artists like Jan van Eyck began favoring them over tempera. Explore a variety of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is abstract oil painting?

Accepted Answer

An%20abstract%20oil%20painting%20and%20an%20artwork%20that%20is%20made%20with%20oil%20paint%20on%20a%20medium%20like%20canvas%2C%20wood%20board%2C%20or%20other%20panels%20like%20canvas%20board.%20And%20the%20'abstract'%20term%20refers%20to%20the%20Movement%20%26%20Style%20of%20the%20piece.%20As%20abstraction%20indicates%20a%20departure%20from%20reality%20in%20the%20depiction%20of%20imagery%20in%20art%2C%20the%20artist%20creates%20a%20painting%20where%20the%20subject%2C%20shape%2C%20form%2C%20color%2C%20and%20line%2C%20is%20created%20with%20no%20particular%20references%20of%20the%20world%20but%20as%20a%20composition%20that%20may%20exist%20with%20a%20degree%20of%20independence%20from%20its%20vision.

Question 5

How do you maintain oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).

You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)

To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.

If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.

Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Can you use oil paint on wood?

Accepted Answer

You can use oil paint on wood as long as you prep the wood first. The first thing you should do is seal the wood with a primer. Ideally, paint two coats of sealer onto the wood so that the paint doesn't cause the wood to rot over time.

Question 7

How can you tell how old an oil painting is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old an oil painting is, research the artist who produced it. You can use the mobile app Smartify to snap a photo of the signature on your painting and identify the artist. Read biographical information about the artist online and look at images of their work to estimate the age of your piece. Alternatively, you can get the opinion of a knowledgeable art dealer or certified appraiser. Explore a wide variety of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 8

Did Dali use oil paint?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dali did indeed use oil paint. Although he used oil paints in the traditional method, he would at times add natural resin or linseed oil to play with fluidity and texture. You can shop a selection of Salvador Dali’s pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Where is the largest oil painting in the world?

Accepted Answer

The largest oil painting in the world is in the main hall of the Doge's Palace located in Venice, Italy. Its name is Il Paradiso. Tintoretto painted it around 1592, and it measures 22 meters by 7 meters. Shop a large collection of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 10

Is it necessary to varnish oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

Varnishing an oil is not necessary, but it is recommended because it protects the painting and corrects surface irregularities.

Question 11

What makes an oil painting valuable?

Accepted Answer

A few things make an oil painting valuable. Age has a major impact on price, with pieces made over a century ago tending to fetch the highest prices. Who created the painting also matters. The more famous the artist, the higher the selling price for a painting is likely to be. Finally, the condition of the work and whether it is in its original frame will also impact how much it is worth. Find a diverse assortment of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is the difference between a lithograph and an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lithograph and an oil painting comes down to uniqueness and technique. To produce an oil painting, an artist applies oil-based paints to a canvas or another surface using a brush. The process results in a single work of art. Lithography is a form of printmaking that begins by drawing on or painting on a stone surface with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche, an oily wash. The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. Through lithography, an artist can produce dozens, or even thousands, of copies of a single image. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of lithographs and oil paintings.

Question 13

Does sunlight affect oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sunlight affects oil paintings. Keep your oil paintings away from direct sunlight.

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).

You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)

To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.

If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.

Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How can I tell if an oil painting is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if your oil painting is authentic, first check the signature of the artist to start your research. Use a magnifying glass to check the texture of the painting, and finally check the back for the painting’s original stretchers. Shop a selection of expertly vetted artwork from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do you know if an oil painting is valuable?

Accepted Answer

Because the value of an oil painting can vary greatly based on the artist, the subject and the condition of the piece, it's generally best to work with a certified appraiser. A knowledgeable professional can evaluate the piece and estimate its value. Shop a variety of authentic oil paintings from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How much are oil paintings worth?

Accepted Answer

Any%20artwork%20is%20worth%20and%20only%20worth%20the%20price%20someone%20is%20willing%20to%20pay%20for%20it%20(unfortunately%2C%20whether%20one%20can%20afford%20it%20or%20not%20is%20another%20story).%20%20Different%20people%20may%20have%20different%20reasons%20to%20attribute%20value%20to%20an%20artwork%2C%20from%20the%20purest%20(falling%20in%20love%20with%20it)%20to%20what%20is%20often%20considered%20as%20the%20most%20vile%20(speculation)%2C%20going%20through%20remembrance%2C%20pride%20of%20ownership%2C%20or%20brag%2C%20among%20other%20reasons.%0A%0AFor%20most%20living%20artists%2C%20the%20price%20of%20the%20artworks%20is%20usually%20set%20by%20the%20artist%20and%2For%20the%20gallery%20which%20represent%20him%20or%20her%2C%20by%20type%20and%20size%20of%20artwork%2C%20and%20corresponds%20to%20an%20equilibrium%20price%20between%20the%20rate%20at%20which%20artworks%20are%20sold%20and%20the%20rate%20at%20which%20new%20artworks%20are%20produced%20by%20the%20artist.%0A%0AFor%20artworks%20from%20dead%20artists%20sold%20by%20professional%20dealers%2C%20the%20price%20is%20often%20based%20on%20auctions%20results%20for%20similar%20pieces%20of%20the%20same%20artists.%0A%0AOil%20paintings%20are%20usually%20pricier%20than%20other%20techniques%20because%20it%20is%20considered%20more%20difficult%20to%20master%2C%20but%20also%20because%20oil%20paintings%20are%20known%20for%20their%20ability%20to%20last%20centuries.

Question 17

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

On 1stdibs, oil paintings cost between $60 and $6,200,000.

Question 18

How do I find an artist of oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

The best place to find oil paintings and discover new artists is at local art galleries. There are also many online art dealers who provide information about artists and sell their works. On 1stDibs, you’ll discover a variety of art styles from master oil painters.

Question 19

How do I find the artist of an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

To find the artist of an oil painting, look on the back of the canvas. Sometimes, you will find the artist’s name and the year of production on the back. If the canvas is in a frame, gently peel away the paper covering the back to access the canvas. In the event you cannot find any identifying information, seek the help of a licensed art appraiser. Shop a selection of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Do oil paintings darken over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, oil paintings darken over time. As oil paint is made of pigment particles, the range of substances that are used as pigment in oil paint can render certain colors susceptible to aging. Slowing the aging process for an oil painting involves storing your painting properly and keeping the work out of exposed sunlight. Temperature control and humidity are also important in preserving the life of an oil painting and slowing the aging process.

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).

You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)

To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.

If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.

Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

2020 Oil Painting

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Thomas SarrantonioField Painting September 22 - Autumn Landscape Green Tree Golden Grass, 2020, 2020

2010s Surrealist Landscape Paintings

Nancy BakerNancy Baker, Tree in Moonlight, 2020, Oil on canvas, Surrealist Landscape, 2020

2010s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Kathryn Keller Bleak House 7-13-2020 - plein air landscape - architectural painting, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Sergey Kovalenko (b.1980) - 2020 Oil, Bottles and Fruit, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Giorgio Lo FermoReticulum with mask - Oil On Canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

2010s Realist Landscape Paintings

Brad Davis"Winter Cord" (2020) - Original Oil Still-Life of Landscape by Brad Davis, 2020

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Giorgio Lo FermoAbstract Composition II - Oil on Canvas by G. Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Shamona StokesDark Night, 2020, watercolor, oil pastel, black, frame, landscape, fantasy, blue, 2020

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Macauley NormanImaginary Horse, 2020, acrylic, oil, pastel, canvas, black, blue, pink, abstract, 2020

20th Century Animal Paintings

Gudrun SibbonsGudrun Sibbons (1929-2020) - 20th Century Oil, Wild Stallions, 20th Century

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Giorgio Lo FermoPink and Red Composition - Oil on canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Giorgio Lo FermoBlue and Orange Match - Oil on Canvas by G. Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Peter LupkinPortrait of William, April, 2020, Seated Male Wearing Gray Hoodie, Original Oil, 2020

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Christiaan Nice (1939-2020) - 20th Century Oil, The Journey, 20th Century

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Liene Liepina Pink Peony, 2020. Oil on canvas, 20 x 20 cm, 2020

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Liene Liepina Sunny Day, 2020. Oil on canvas, 30 x 30 cm, 2020

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Liene Liepina Queen s Garden, 2020. Oil on canvas, 120 x 150 cm, 2020

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Giorgio Lo FermoHomage to Arshile Gorky - Oil on Canvas by G. Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Giorgio Lo FermoRed Composition with Circles - Oil On Canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Jaclyn Alderete"Mender of the Roots, Watcher of the..." (2020) by Jaclyn Alderete, Original Oil, 2020

2010s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Valery Bayda Flowers at the window. 2020. Oil on canvas, 40x50 cm, 2020

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Igor MaikovIn the color of red poppies. 2020, oil on canvas, 80x100 cm, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Giorgio Lo FermoPink and Red Composition - Oil On Canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

John GoodmanFigure no. 10, 2020, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

John GoodmanFigure no. 5, 2020, 2020

2010s Color-Field Abstract Paintings

Joanne MatteraJoanne Mattera, Riz 20, 2020, oil on paper, 14.25x14.25 in, Color Abstraction, 2020

2010s Color-Field Abstract Paintings

Joanne MatteraJoanne Mattera, Riz 21, 2020, oil on paper, 14.25x14.25 in, Color Abstraction, 2020

2010s Color-Field Abstract Paintings

Joanne MatteraJoanne Mattera, Riz 22, 2020, oil on paper, 14.25x14.25 in, Color Abstraction, 2020

2010s Color-Field Abstract Paintings

Joanne MatteraJoanne Mattera, Riz 13, 2020, oil on paper, 14.25x14.25 in, Color Abstraction, 2020

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Macauley NormanAttack From Above, 2020, acrylic, oil, canvas, yarn, thread, green, pink, eagle, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Konstantin SavchenkoMoonlight Lilies, 2020, 2020

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

David CollinsFly Rod - Beige Brown Blue Black Squares Grid Geometric Abstract Painting, 2020, 2020

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Francesca ReyesLeaving Orange Pt. 1 (2020) Oil on panel sunrise sunset cityscape urban skyscape, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Terry ShelbourneTerry Shelbourne (1930-2020) - Contemporary Oil, Portrait in Blue, Unknown

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Thomas SarrantonioField Painting August 3 2020, Green Tree, Violet Blue, Lavender, White Flowers, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Landscape Paintings

Lee TillerTree Of Hope 2020, Lee Tiller, Original Landscape Floral Tree Painting, Nature, 2020

2010s Impressionist Paintings

Sergei ChernyakovskyMorning by the river, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2020

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Una LekuzeStill life with Chinese vase. 2020. Oil on canvas, 60x40 cm, 2020

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Luis Miguel Valdes "Andar La Habana IV" 2020 acrylic painting on canvas 45x55in abstract figurative, 2020

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Thomas Sarrantonio
Field Painting September 22 - Autumn Landscape Green Tree Golden Grass, 2020, 2020

Nancy Baker
Nancy Baker, Tree in Moonlight, 2020, Oil on canvas, Surrealist Landscape, 2020

Kathryn Keller
Bleak House 7-13-2020 - plein air landscape - architectural painting, 2020

Giorgio Lo Fermo
Reticulum with mask - Oil On Canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

Brad Davis
"Winter Cord" (2020) - Original Oil Still-Life of Landscape by Brad Davis, 2020

Giorgio Lo Fermo
Abstract Composition II - Oil on Canvas by G. Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

Shamona Stokes
Dark Night, 2020, watercolor, oil pastel, black, frame, landscape, fantasy, blue, 2020

Macauley Norman
Imaginary Horse, 2020, acrylic, oil, pastel, canvas, black, blue, pink, abstract, 2020

Gudrun Sibbons
Gudrun Sibbons (1929-2020) - 20th Century Oil, Wild Stallions, 20th Century

Giorgio Lo Fermo
Pink and Red Composition - Oil on canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

Giorgio Lo Fermo
Blue and Orange Match - Oil on Canvas by G. Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

Peter Lupkin
Portrait of William, April, 2020, Seated Male Wearing Gray Hoodie, Original Oil, 2020

Liene Liepina
Pink Peony, 2020. Oil on canvas, 20 x 20 cm, 2020

Liene Liepina
Sunny Day, 2020. Oil on canvas, 30 x 30 cm, 2020

Liene Liepina
Queen s Garden, 2020. Oil on canvas, 120 x 150 cm, 2020

Giorgio Lo Fermo
Homage to Arshile Gorky - Oil on Canvas by G. Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

Giorgio Lo Fermo
Red Composition with Circles - Oil On Canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

Jaclyn Alderete
"Mender of the Roots, Watcher of the..." (2020) by Jaclyn Alderete, Original Oil, 2020

Valery Bayda
Flowers at the window. 2020. Oil on canvas, 40x50 cm, 2020

Igor Maikov
In the color of red poppies. 2020, oil on canvas, 80x100 cm, 2020

Giorgio Lo Fermo
Pink and Red Composition - Oil On Canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020

John Goodman
Figure no. 10, 2020, 2020

John Goodman
Figure no. 5, 2020, 2020

Joanne Mattera
Joanne Mattera, Riz 20, 2020, oil on paper, 14.25x14.25 in, Color Abstraction, 2020

Joanne Mattera
Joanne Mattera, Riz 21, 2020, oil on paper, 14.25x14.25 in, Color Abstraction, 2020

Joanne Mattera
Joanne Mattera, Riz 22, 2020, oil on paper, 14.25x14.25 in, Color Abstraction, 2020

Joanne Mattera
Joanne Mattera, Riz 13, 2020, oil on paper, 14.25x14.25 in, Color Abstraction, 2020

Macauley Norman
Attack From Above, 2020, acrylic, oil, canvas, yarn, thread, green, pink, eagle, 2020

Konstantin Savchenko
Moonlight Lilies, 2020, 2020

David Collins
Fly Rod - Beige Brown Blue Black Squares Grid Geometric Abstract Painting, 2020, 2020

Francesca Reyes
Leaving Orange Pt. 1 (2020) Oil on panel sunrise sunset cityscape urban skyscape, 2020

Terry Shelbourne
Terry Shelbourne (1930-2020) - Contemporary Oil, Portrait in Blue, Unknown

Thomas Sarrantonio
Field Painting August 3 2020, Green Tree, Violet Blue, Lavender, White Flowers, 2020

Lee Tiller
Tree Of Hope 2020, Lee Tiller, Original Landscape Floral Tree Painting, Nature, 2020

Sergei Chernyakovsky
Morning by the river, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2020

Una Lekuze
Still life with Chinese vase. 2020. Oil on canvas, 60x40 cm, 2020

Luis Miguel Valdes
"Andar La Habana IV" 2020 acrylic painting on canvas 45x55in abstract figurative, 2020

Luis Miguel Valdes
"Andar La Habana II" 2020 acrylic painting on canvas 45x55in abstract figurative, 2020

Luis Miguel Valdes
"Andar La Habana I" 2020 acrylic painting on canvas 45x55in abstract figurative, 2020

Luis Miguel Valdes
"Andar La Habana III 2020 acrylic painting on canvas 45x55in abstract figurative, 2020

Adriano Bernetti da Vila
Too Easy to Say Green - Painting by Adriano Bernetti da Vila - 2020, 2020

John Goodman
Landscape #12, 2020, 2021, 2020 -2021

Igor Maikov
Carnival at winter. Triptych. 2020, canvas, oil, 70x50 cm; 70x90 cm; 70x50 cm, 2020

Marco Fariello
Still Life with Lemons, Cruet and Teaspoon - Oil Paint by Marco Fariello - 2020, 2020

Alex Tea
Totem, 2020, acrylic, oil, marker, liquid gold leaf, op-art, pattern, red, blue, 2020

Ceravolo
The Fan 2020, Mixed Media, Acrylic, oil stick, Metallic spray paint on canvas, 2020

Adriano Pompa
Air Battle in the German Way - Oil Paint by Adriano Pompa - 2020/2021, 2020/2021

Ceravolo
"Cat and G" oil, acrylic, spray paint Metallic Paint on canvas, 2020, 24x34", 2020

Sheryl Roberts
TIMELESS OVERTURE (2020) By Sheryl Roberts- Oil and acrylics on deep edge canvas, 2020

Rubén Rodrigo
Rubén Rodrigo – “Derrière le Viridien”, 2020, 2020

Giorgio Lo Fermo
Abstract Expression - Oil On Canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2020, 2020s

Terry Shelbourne
Terry Shelbourne (1930-2020) - 1986 Oil, Portrait of a Woman, 1986

John Goodman
Tilted Figure No. 13, 2020, 2020

Alexej RAVSKI
Happy days to come, 2020, 2020