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

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 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

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.

Carmel Oil Painting

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Nell Walker WarnerMid Century Sycamore Canyon, Carmel Valley Landscape with Trees, 1955

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mae Hill Gilbert River Landscape , American Impressionist, Carmel Art Association, Plein Air, Circa 1940

1950s Figurative Paintings

Victor Di Gesu Flamenco Dancer , Paris, Louvre, Académie Chaumière, Carmel, California, LACMA, Circa 1955

1950s Post-War Portrait Paintings

Abel WarshawskyMid Century Portrait of Artist Doris Rohr of Carmel, 1952

1980s Landscape Paintings

Jane McCullough Pacific Surf , California Plein Air Woman Artist, Santa Cruz, Carmel

21st Century and Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Robert Canete Fishing Boats Off Monterey , Carmel, California Expressionist Seascape, Big Sur

1930s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

May AmesCalifornia Landscape, Near Carmel Ocean Tree View, Cleveland Woman Artist, 1932

1990s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rosemary Miner California Evening, Golden Shore , Carmel, Long Beach, UCLA, Gallery Americana, Circa 1995

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Nell Walker Warner1940 s Carmel Landscape, Sycamore Grove by Nell Walker Warner, Circa 1940

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ray BartonPacific Grove Woods, Mid Century Modern Carmel California Landscape, 1968

1970s Figurative Paintings

Virginia Sevier Rogers Woman Seated , Post Impressionist Woman Artist, Fauve, Carmel, California, PAFA

1960s Landscape Paintings

Patricia Stanley Cunningham Montmartre, Place du Tertre , Paris, Woman Modernist, AIC, Smithsonian, Carmel, Circa 1965

2010s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Robert Canete Bathing at Carmel , California Post-Impressionist, Stanford, Big Sur, Monterey, 2015

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Edda Maxwell HeathMid Century Carmel Valley Figurative Landscape -- The Roadside Grocer, 1950

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Edward Norton Ward Big Surf, Point Lobos California Impressionism, Carmel Art Association, Taos, Circa 1960

1960s Other Art Style Landscape Paintings

T. BrownCarmel by the Sea "Near Point" 1969 Seascape T. Brown Monterey, 1969

1980s Modern Landscape Paintings

Patricia Stanley Cunningham Nuns at Notre-Dame , Paris, Munich, Woman Modernist, AIC, Smithsonian, Carmel, Circa 1965

1960s Landscape Paintings

Victor Di Gesu Old Carmel , Paris, Louvre, Salon d Automne, Académie Chaumière, LACMA, SFAA, 1964

Early 2000s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Dee BottorffNear Point at Carmel by the Sea California by Dee Bottorff, 2007

1950s Landscape Paintings

Victor Di Gesu Point Pinos Lighthouse , Paris, Louvre, Salon d Automne, LACMA, SFAA, Carmel, Circa 1955

Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Angel De Service EspoyCows in Summer Landscape (California Coastal Ranch, Carmel Valley), c. 1914, c. 1914

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Alfred WandsCarmel Highlands to Pebble Beach California Coastal Landscape with Cypress Trees, Mid 20th Century

1950s Nude Paintings

Victor Di Gesu Seated Nude , Louvre, Académie Chaumière, Salon d Automne, Carmel, SFAA, LACMA, Circa 1955

1980s Still-life Paintings

Carole Minou Still Life with Pomegranates , California woman artist, Carmel Art Association, 1989

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Virginia ShacklesBoats At Sea, Mid Century Carmel California Coast Horizontal Seascape, c.1960s

1960s Still-life Paintings

Virginia Sevier Rogers Still Life with Daffodils , Carmel, California Woman Artist, PAFA, SWA, Circa 1965

1950s Figurative Paintings

Victor Di Gesu In the Garden, Carmel , Paris, Louvre, Salon d Automne, Ac. Chaumière, LACMA, Circa 1955

1970s Figurative Paintings

Anton Sipos Peacocks , Ecole de Paris, Salon d Automne, Salon des Artistes Français, Carmel, 1974

1960s Figurative Paintings

Victor Di Gesu Flamenco Dancer in Lilac , Paris, Louvre, Salon d Automne, LACMA, SFAA, Carmel, Circa 1965

1960s Still-life Paintings

Victor Di Gesu Marguerites , Paris, Louvre, Salon d Automne, Carmel, California, LACMA, SFAA, 1964

1980s Modern Landscape Paintings

Helen Dooley The Path to the Beach , Carmel Art Association, Laguna Beach, CSFA, SWA, PAFA, Circa 1983

1960s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Genevieve RogersMid Century Carmel-by-the Sea Cypress on the Bluff Coastal Plein Air Landscape, Circa 1960

2010s Realist Landscape Paintings

David R. A. Watson Bixby Bridge, Big Surreal #1 , Santa Cruz, Big Sur, California Hwy 1, Carmel, 2023

1950s Still-life Paintings

Victor Di Gesu Still Life of Irises , Carmel, Paris, Louvre, Académie Chaumière, LACMA, SFAA, Circa 1955

1950s Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Victor Di Gesu Still Life with Pipe , Paris, Louvre, Académie Chaumière, LACMA, SFAA, Carmel, Circa 1955

1950s American Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Alvira PowellMid-Century Floral Still Life with Yellow and White Irises Carmel California, 1959

1930s American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Hugh MoranVeteran Cypress at Carmel California by Hugh Moran 1936, 1936

1940s Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Victor Di Gesu Woman Seated , Paris, Louvre, Carmel, California Post-Impressionist, LACMA SFAA, 1947

Early 2000s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Coraly Hanson"Pacific Grove Glory" - Rocky Seascape, 2006

Early 2000s American Impressionist Still-life Prints

Nell Walker Warner
Mid Century Sycamore Canyon, Carmel Valley Landscape with Trees, 1955

Mae Hill Gilbert
River Landscape , American Impressionist, Carmel Art Association, Plein Air, Circa 1940

Victor Di Gesu
Flamenco Dancer , Paris, Louvre, Académie Chaumière, Carmel, California, LACMA, Circa 1955

Abel Warshawsky
Mid Century Portrait of Artist Doris Rohr of Carmel, 1952

Jane McCullough
Pacific Surf , California Plein Air Woman Artist, Santa Cruz, Carmel

Robert Canete
Fishing Boats Off Monterey , Carmel, California Expressionist Seascape, Big Sur

May Ames
California Landscape, Near Carmel Ocean Tree View, Cleveland Woman Artist, 1932

Rosemary Miner
California Evening, Golden Shore , Carmel, Long Beach, UCLA, Gallery Americana, Circa 1995

Nell Walker Warner
1940 s Carmel Landscape, Sycamore Grove by Nell Walker Warner, Circa 1940

Ray Barton
Pacific Grove Woods, Mid Century Modern Carmel California Landscape, 1968

Virginia Sevier Rogers
Woman Seated , Post Impressionist Woman Artist, Fauve, Carmel, California, PAFA

Patricia Stanley Cunningham
Montmartre, Place du Tertre , Paris, Woman Modernist, AIC, Smithsonian, Carmel, Circa 1965

Robert Canete
Bathing at Carmel , California Post-Impressionist, Stanford, Big Sur, Monterey, 2015

Edda Maxwell Heath
Mid Century Carmel Valley Figurative Landscape -- The Roadside Grocer, 1950

Edward Norton Ward
Big Surf, Point Lobos California Impressionism, Carmel Art Association, Taos, Circa 1960

T. Brown
Carmel by the Sea "Near Point" 1969 Seascape T. Brown Monterey, 1969

Patricia Stanley Cunningham
Nuns at Notre-Dame , Paris, Munich, Woman Modernist, AIC, Smithsonian, Carmel, Circa 1965

Victor Di Gesu
Old Carmel , Paris, Louvre, Salon d Automne, Académie Chaumière, LACMA, SFAA, 1964

Dee Bottorff
Near Point at Carmel by the Sea California by Dee Bottorff, 2007

Victor Di Gesu
Point Pinos Lighthouse , Paris, Louvre, Salon d Automne, LACMA, SFAA, Carmel, Circa 1955

Angel De Service Espoy
Cows in Summer Landscape (California Coastal Ranch, Carmel Valley), c. 1914, c. 1914

Alfred Wands
Carmel Highlands to Pebble Beach California Coastal Landscape with Cypress Trees, Mid 20th Century

Victor Di Gesu
Seated Nude , Louvre, Académie Chaumière, Salon d Automne, Carmel, SFAA, LACMA, Circa 1955

Carole Minou
Still Life with Pomegranates , California woman artist, Carmel Art Association, 1989

Virginia Shackles
Boats At Sea, Mid Century Carmel California Coast Horizontal Seascape, c.1960s

Virginia Sevier Rogers
Still Life with Daffodils , Carmel, California Woman Artist, PAFA, SWA, Circa 1965

Victor Di Gesu
In the Garden, Carmel , Paris, Louvre, Salon d Automne, Ac. Chaumière, LACMA, Circa 1955

Anton Sipos
Peacocks , Ecole de Paris, Salon d Automne, Salon des Artistes Français, Carmel, 1974

Victor Di Gesu
Flamenco Dancer in Lilac , Paris, Louvre, Salon d Automne, LACMA, SFAA, Carmel, Circa 1965

Victor Di Gesu
Marguerites , Paris, Louvre, Salon d Automne, Carmel, California, LACMA, SFAA, 1964

Helen Dooley
The Path to the Beach , Carmel Art Association, Laguna Beach, CSFA, SWA, PAFA, Circa 1983

Genevieve Rogers
Mid Century Carmel-by-the Sea Cypress on the Bluff Coastal Plein Air Landscape, Circa 1960

David R. A. Watson
Bixby Bridge, Big Surreal #1 , Santa Cruz, Big Sur, California Hwy 1, Carmel, 2023

Victor Di Gesu
Still Life of Irises , Carmel, Paris, Louvre, Académie Chaumière, LACMA, SFAA, Circa 1955

Victor Di Gesu
Still Life with Pipe , Paris, Louvre, Académie Chaumière, LACMA, SFAA, Carmel, Circa 1955

Alvira Powell
Mid-Century Floral Still Life with Yellow and White Irises Carmel California, 1959

Hugh Moran
Veteran Cypress at Carmel California by Hugh Moran 1936, 1936

Victor Di Gesu
Woman Seated , Paris, Louvre, Carmel, California Post-Impressionist, LACMA SFAA, 1947

Coraly Hanson
"Pacific Grove Glory" - Rocky Seascape, 2006

Coraly Hanson
"Moms Pitcher" - Giclee Print on Canvas, 2005

Roi Clarkson Coleman
“Carmel Coast, 1923” Early California Impressionist Oil painting by Roi Colman, 1923

Marie Massey
"Carmel Valley Vintage"

Trude Waehner
Haifa, Mont Carmel, 1960s

Dedrick Stuber
Trees in the Carmel Valley Paradise, c1910

Natasha Lehman
Carmel Cove, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2023

Charles Hulett
Monastery Beach Carmel California Mid Century Impressionist Oil Painting, Circa 1950

Vahe Yeremyan
Carmel by the Sea, Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang, 2021

Hunt Slonem
Carmel 2, 2023

Janet Ament De La Roche
California Fauvist Oil Painting Carmel Bohemian Expressionist Lemons Flowers

Tom Swimm
"Carmel Memories" Central Coast Seascape Scene Oil Painting In Afternoon Light, 2020

Louise Cardeiro Boyer
Carmel Orchard

Tom Swimm
"Colors of Carmel" Central Coast Seascape Scene Oil Painting by Tom Swimm, 2018

Edna Vegon Richard
Carmel Beach, 1970

Carl Thorp
Carmel Seascape, 1945

James Biggers
Carmel Beach, 2020

Edward Glafke
Edward Glafke Point Lobos Carmel Impressionist Seascape Painting, 1993