Question 1

How much is an original oil painting worth?

Accepted Answer

The%20cost%20of%20an%20original%20oil%20painting%20has%20a%20very%20wide%20range.%20For%20emerging%20new%20artist%20could%20be%20in%20the%20lower%20end%2C%20ranging%20from%20the%20%24500%20to%20%2410%2C000%20depending%20on%20the%20size%20and%20subject%20matter%2C%20for%20the%20mid-career%20artists%20who%20are%20already%20established%2C%20their%20prices%20range%20in%20the%20thousands%20and%20hundreds%20of%20thousands%20of%20dollars%20and%20lastly%20the%20original%20oil%20painting%20art%20of%20very%20established%20and%20popular%20artists%20that%20could%20have%20auction%20records%20in%20the%20millions%20of%20dollars.%20In%20this%20category%20are%20some%20of%20the%20well%20known%20examples%20of%20the%20old%20master%20paintings%20and%20other%20contemporary%20artworks.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

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 21

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.

Question 22

Are oil paintings more valuable than paintings done in acrylic?

Accepted Answer

Oils typically command higher prices than acrylic paintings, because they generally require more skill.

Bernard Oil Painting

1970s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonWoman with Earrings, Portrait of a Woman by Philadelphia Artist, ca. 1975

1960s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonJazz, Expressionist Portrait of Woman with Violin by Philadelphia Artist, 1968

1970s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonPattern Skirt, Expressionist Portrait of a Woman by Philadelphia Artist, 1970

1970s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonFashion Girl, Expressionist Portrait of a Woman by Philadelphia Artist, 1973

1970s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonGirl at Desk, Expressionist Portrait of Young Woman by Philadelphia Artist, 1970

1960s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonDrums, Expressionist Group Portrait of Three Musicians by Philadelphia Artist, 1968

1960s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonSeated Figure, Male Expressionist Portrait by Philadelphia Artist, 1968

1950s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonNew Hat, Expressionist Portrait of Woman by Philadelphia Artist, 1955

1950s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonYoung Man, Expressionist Portrait by Philadelphia Artist, 1955

1960s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonSelf Portrait, Expressionist Figurative Portrait by Philadelphia Artist, 1960

1970s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonModern Man, Expressionist Portrait in Red, White, and Blue, 1975

1950s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonSnap Peas, Expressionist Portrait of Young Woman by Philadelphia Artist, 1950 s

1950s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonThe Potter, Expressionist Portrait of a Young Man by Philadelphia Artist, 1950 s

1970s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonStars and Stripes, Expressionist Portrait with American Flag, 1975

1960s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Bernard HarmonResting, Expressionist Portrait of Young Man by Philadelphia Artist, 1965

1970s Expressionist Still-life Paintings

Bernard HarmonExpressionist Still Life with Plant and Fruit by Philadelphia Artist, 1970

1960s Expressionist Still-life Paintings

Bernard HarmonExpressionist Tabletop Still Life by Philadelphia Artist, ca. 1965

1960s Expressionist Still-life Paintings

Bernard HarmonExpressionist Still Life by Philadelphia Artist, ca. 1965

1950s Expressionist Still-life Paintings

Bernard HarmonWhite on White Blue, Expressionist Still Life by Philadelphia Artist, 1950 s

1980s Paintings

Bernard BuffetColorful oil on canvas flowers painting Bernard Buffet, 1986

Vintage 1960s American Paintings

Abstract Oil Painting by Bernard Segal

1950s Paintings

Bernard BuffetOil on canvas Painting by Bernard Buffet titled compotier aux fruits, 1958, 1958

21st Century and Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Charles BernardCharles Bernard - Contemporary Oil, Woodland Clearing, Unknown

1980s Figurative Paintings

Bernard JongsBernard Jongs - 1987 Oil, Arctic Warrior, 1987

1990s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Bernard GreenwaldFigurative Abstract Painting by Bernard Greenwald, 1991

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Abstract Expressionism Oil on Canvas Painting by Bernard Dufour

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Bernard SegalMod Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting Bernard Segal New Hope PA Modernist Art, 1969

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Bernard Dufour Oil on Canvas

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Bernard RobinsonBernard Robinson (1912-1970) - 1965 Oil, The Letter, 1965

Early 20th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Paintings

"A Mother and Her Children" an Oil Painting by Bernard Pothast

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Bernard RobinsonBernard Robinson (1912-1970) - 1966 Oil, Riverside Castle, 1966

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Bernard Buffet oil painting on glass, sign and date France 1970

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Paintings

Antique French Oil Painting by Bernard Joseph Wampe, 1740

Mid-20th Century Abstract Paintings

Bernard DufourBernard Dufour (1922-2016) - Modernist 1952 Oil, Urwald VI, 1952

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Bernard DunstanGiudecca, Venice, Oil on Canvas Laid on Board Painting by Bernard Dunstan, 1984, 1984

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Bernard RobinsonBernard Robinson (1912-1970) - 1964 Oil, By the River, 1964

21st Century and Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Bernard MyersBernard Myers (1925-2007) - Contemporary Oil, Trees by the Thames, Unknown

21st Century and Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Bernard McDonaldBernard McDonald (b.1944) - Framed 20th Century Oil, Al Fresco, Unknown

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Bernard RobinsonBernard Robinson (1912-1970) - Mid 20th Century Oil, White Cottage, Unknown

1940s Modern Landscape Paintings

Bernard Harmon
Woman with Earrings, Portrait of a Woman by Philadelphia Artist, ca. 1975

Bernard Harmon
Jazz, Expressionist Portrait of Woman with Violin by Philadelphia Artist, 1968

Bernard Harmon
Pattern Skirt, Expressionist Portrait of a Woman by Philadelphia Artist, 1970

Bernard Harmon
Fashion Girl, Expressionist Portrait of a Woman by Philadelphia Artist, 1973

Bernard Harmon
Girl at Desk, Expressionist Portrait of Young Woman by Philadelphia Artist, 1970

Bernard Harmon
Drums, Expressionist Group Portrait of Three Musicians by Philadelphia Artist, 1968

Bernard Harmon
Seated Figure, Male Expressionist Portrait by Philadelphia Artist, 1968

Bernard Harmon
New Hat, Expressionist Portrait of Woman by Philadelphia Artist, 1955

Bernard Harmon
Young Man, Expressionist Portrait by Philadelphia Artist, 1955

Bernard Harmon
Self Portrait, Expressionist Figurative Portrait by Philadelphia Artist, 1960

Bernard Harmon
Modern Man, Expressionist Portrait in Red, White, and Blue, 1975

Bernard Harmon
Snap Peas, Expressionist Portrait of Young Woman by Philadelphia Artist, 1950 s

Bernard Harmon
The Potter, Expressionist Portrait of a Young Man by Philadelphia Artist, 1950 s

Bernard Harmon
Stars and Stripes, Expressionist Portrait with American Flag, 1975

Bernard Harmon
Resting, Expressionist Portrait of Young Man by Philadelphia Artist, 1965

Bernard Harmon
Expressionist Still Life with Plant and Fruit by Philadelphia Artist, 1970

Bernard Harmon
Expressionist Tabletop Still Life by Philadelphia Artist, ca. 1965

Bernard Harmon
Expressionist Still Life by Philadelphia Artist, ca. 1965

Bernard Harmon
White on White Blue, Expressionist Still Life by Philadelphia Artist, 1950 s

Bernard Buffet
Colorful oil on canvas flowers painting Bernard Buffet, 1986

Bernard Buffet
Oil on canvas Painting by Bernard Buffet titled compotier aux fruits, 1958, 1958

Charles Bernard
Charles Bernard - Contemporary Oil, Woodland Clearing, Unknown

Bernard Jongs
Bernard Jongs - 1987 Oil, Arctic Warrior, 1987

Bernard Greenwald
Figurative Abstract Painting by Bernard Greenwald, 1991

Bernard Segal
Mod Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting Bernard Segal New Hope PA Modernist Art, 1969

Bernard Robinson
Bernard Robinson (1912-1970) - 1965 Oil, The Letter, 1965

Bernard Robinson
Bernard Robinson (1912-1970) - 1966 Oil, Riverside Castle, 1966

Bernard Dufour
Bernard Dufour (1922-2016) - Modernist 1952 Oil, Urwald VI, 1952

Bernard Dunstan
Giudecca, Venice, Oil on Canvas Laid on Board Painting by Bernard Dunstan, 1984, 1984

Bernard Robinson
Bernard Robinson (1912-1970) - 1964 Oil, By the River, 1964

Bernard Myers
Bernard Myers (1925-2007) - Contemporary Oil, Trees by the Thames, Unknown

Bernard McDonald
Bernard McDonald (b.1944) - Framed 20th Century Oil, Al Fresco, Unknown

Bernard Robinson
Bernard Robinson (1912-1970) - Mid 20th Century Oil, White Cottage, Unknown

Bernard Lennon
Ashcan School painting of Times Square at Night by Bernard Lennon, 1940

Bernard Pothast
Bernard Pothast - Family Time

Bernard Myers
Bernard Myers (1925-2007) - Contemporary Oil, Trees on the South Bank II, Unknown

Bernard Lee
"Drink" Oil Painting, 2020

Bernard Myers
Bernard Myers (1925-2007) - Framed Mid 20th Century Oil, Daisies, Unknown

Émile Bernard
Vegetables Jug - Post Impressionist Oil, Still Life by Emile Bernard, 1904

Bernard Granville Baker
Colonel Bernard Granville Baker (1870-1957) - Framed Oil, Mounted Cavalry, Unknown

Bernard Buffet
Bernard Buffet Bridge, Houses and a Café Landscape of Rural France Oil on Canvas, 1993

Bernard Chaet
Father and Son by Bernard Chaet, 1950

Bernard Myers
Modernist Street View by Bernard Myers, 1960

Bernard Herzog
Huge French Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting, c. 1978

Bernard Lennon
Bustling Day at the Beach by Bernard Lennon, 1930

Bernard Lennon
View of Washington Square Park by Bernard Lennon, 1940

Bernard Lennon
Ashcan View of New York City by Bernard Lennon, 1940

George Bernard O Neill
George Bernard O Neill (1828-1917) - Late 19th Century Oil, The Convalescent, Unknown