Question 1

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 2

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 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 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 7

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 8

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 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

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Chicago Oil Painting

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Michael Van ZeylSilverstone Yellow Jasmine - Original Oil Painting of Woman and Floating Flowers, 2016

1940s American Realist Still-life Paintings

Julius Moessel The Artist s Garden , Munich Academy, Art Institute of Chicago, PAFA, Corcoran, 1943

1920s American Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Anna Lee Stacey Apple Blossoms , Paris, New York, Chicago, AIC, ASL, Japanese Edo, Woman Artist, 1924

1940s American Modern Still-life Paintings

Flora Schofield1940s Still Life of Squash by Notable Chicago Modernist Artist Flora Schofield, ca. 1950s

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Michael Van ZeylPeonies in White Light - Oil Painting with 12K White Gold Leaf, Blond Female, 2017

Mid-20th Century Cubist Still-life Paintings

Emanuel Glicenstein RomanoStill Life (artist in Met, Chicago Art Inst., Boston MFA, Whitney, etc.)

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Alexander Raymond KatzWorld s Fair 1934 (Chicago), Art Deco Drawing by A. Raymond Katz, 1934

1970s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Kathleen McLaughlinStill Life with Oil Lamp, circa 1970

1990s Contemporary Interior Drawings and Watercolors

Reginald K. Gee"Dedicated to Harold Washington, Mayor of Chicago, IL, USA, " by Reginald K. Gee, 1991

1990s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

David RankinAustralian Abstract Expressionist Gouache Painting Charcoal on Shaped Paper, 1990

Antique Early 1900s Danish Belle Époque Paintings

"Sculpting the Nude, " Monumental and Important Painting, Denmark, Belle Epoch

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Carole GarlandContemplation, 2018

1930s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

William Quinlan"Torrey Cliff, Palisades, New Jersey" William Quinlan, American Impressionism, 1939

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Carole GarlandThe Flood, 2025

21st Century and Contemporary Paintings

"Popsicle with Ice Cream Cone (Therapy)" by Scott Reeder, United States

2010s American Modern Contemporary Art

Abstract Oil on Canvas by Vanessa Navarrete

19th Century Other Art Style Landscape Paintings

John Califano (Roma, 1864 – Chicago, 1924)John Califano (Rome, 1864 - Chicago, 1924), Snowy mountain landscape, 19th Century

Vintage 1950s American Paintings

Pair of Original Oil Paintings of Chicago Icons

Early 2000s French Other Paintings

Fantastic 2000s Mortier Oil on Canvas Chicago Rooftop Painting

20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Wendell HallWendell Hall Oil Painting On Canvas Signed Chicago Cityscape Child Portrait Art

20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Wendell HallWendell Hall Large Original Oil Painting On Canvas Signed Chicago Cityscape Art

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Paul BurlinChicago II, 1960

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Kraig HoganNorth Chicago River, 2017

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Jeroen HermkensChicago, Michigan Avenue, 2016

1940s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Otto Rainer NiebuhrVintage American Modernist Painting, 1949, Chicago, Otto Niebuhr, "The Guitarist", 1949

2010s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

MaryBeth KarausChicago After the Storm

1890s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Charles Courtney CurranMacMonnies Fountain, World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893

1930s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Franklin Van CourtEllis Ave. Chicago Worlds Fair 1933-34 - G.M.BLDG., 1933

20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Wendell HallWendell Hall Original Large Oil Painting On Canvas Signed Children Portrait Art

1990s Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Mary HenryVerklaete Nacht, 1996

Vintage 1930s American Paintings

Portrait of Eleanor Morse by Agnes Harrison Lincoln

2010s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Suchitra Bhosle"Somewhere in Chicago, " Oil Painting, 2021

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Benoit Montet" Chicago lights ", Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2021

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Enrique SantanaStreeterville - Chicago Neighborhood, Urban Landscape, Original Oil Painting, 2008

1990s Unknown Paintings

Oil Painting of the Chicago Skyline

Mid-20th Century American Paintings

Chicago Street Scene Oil Painting Signed

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Harry MintzAbstract Expressionist Oil Painting Quadriptych WPA Chicago Jewish Artist

Vintage 1950s American Paintings

Paul Dyck oil painting Chicago/ Arizona artist

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Art ChartowCoal Yard, South Branch Chicago River - Original Oil Painting, Dramatic Sky, 2018

Vintage 1960s American Paintings

Michael Van Zeyl
Silverstone Yellow Jasmine - Original Oil Painting of Woman and Floating Flowers, 2016

Julius Moessel
The Artist s Garden , Munich Academy, Art Institute of Chicago, PAFA, Corcoran, 1943

Anna Lee Stacey
Apple Blossoms , Paris, New York, Chicago, AIC, ASL, Japanese Edo, Woman Artist, 1924

Flora Schofield
1940s Still Life of Squash by Notable Chicago Modernist Artist Flora Schofield, ca. 1950s

Michael Van Zeyl
Peonies in White Light - Oil Painting with 12K White Gold Leaf, Blond Female, 2017

Emanuel Glicenstein Romano
Still Life (artist in Met, Chicago Art Inst., Boston MFA, Whitney, etc.)

Alexander Raymond Katz
World s Fair 1934 (Chicago), Art Deco Drawing by A. Raymond Katz, 1934

Kathleen McLaughlin
Still Life with Oil Lamp, circa 1970

Reginald K. Gee
"Dedicated to Harold Washington, Mayor of Chicago, IL, USA, " by Reginald K. Gee, 1991

David Rankin
Australian Abstract Expressionist Gouache Painting Charcoal on Shaped Paper, 1990

Carole Garland
Contemplation, 2018

William Quinlan
"Torrey Cliff, Palisades, New Jersey" William Quinlan, American Impressionism, 1939

Carole Garland
The Flood, 2025

John Califano (Roma, 1864 – Chicago, 1924)
John Califano (Rome, 1864 - Chicago, 1924), Snowy mountain landscape, 19th Century

Wendell Hall
Wendell Hall Oil Painting On Canvas Signed Chicago Cityscape Child Portrait Art

Wendell Hall
Wendell Hall Large Original Oil Painting On Canvas Signed Chicago Cityscape Art

Paul Burlin
Chicago II, 1960

Kraig Hogan
North Chicago River, 2017

Jeroen Hermkens
Chicago, Michigan Avenue, 2016

Otto Rainer Niebuhr
Vintage American Modernist Painting, 1949, Chicago, Otto Niebuhr, "The Guitarist", 1949

MaryBeth Karaus
Chicago After the Storm

Charles Courtney Curran
MacMonnies Fountain, World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893

Franklin Van Court
Ellis Ave. Chicago Worlds Fair 1933-34 - G.M.BLDG., 1933

Wendell Hall
Wendell Hall Original Large Oil Painting On Canvas Signed Children Portrait Art

Mary Henry
Verklaete Nacht, 1996

Suchitra Bhosle
"Somewhere in Chicago, " Oil Painting, 2021

Benoit Montet
" Chicago lights ", Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2021

Enrique Santana
Streeterville - Chicago Neighborhood, Urban Landscape, Original Oil Painting, 2008

Harry Mintz
Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting Quadriptych WPA Chicago Jewish Artist

Art Chartow
Coal Yard, South Branch Chicago River - Original Oil Painting, Dramatic Sky, 2018

Art Chartow
South Branch Chicago River - Original Oil Painting, River, Sky, Industrial Area, 2018

Enrique Santana
River Bridge, Urban Landscape, Chicago s Loop and Chicago River, Oil on Linen, 1996

Art Chartow
Chicago River at State Street - Rising Sun Urban Landscape Original Oil Painting, 2020

Albert Vidal Moreno
Chicago, 2017

Enrique Santana
Deconstruction- Chicago Loop Architecture Reflecting on Building, Oil on Linen, 2002

Ivana Milosevic
Night Light Chicago, 2018

Ross Tamlin
Chicago to Miami, 2017

Enrique Santana
Path and Lake, Chicago Lakefront Bike Path, Urban Landscape, Oil on Linen, 1996

Judith Wyer
Gauguin s Girl (Figurative Painting of Women at the Chicago Art Institute), 2020

Enrique Santana
Raised Bridge, South Branch of the Chicago River, Urban Landscape, Oil on Linen, 1996

Albert Vidal Moreno
From Lake Point Towers, Birds Eye View of Chicago Looking East, Oil Acrylic, 2020

David Rankin
Australian Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting, 1990

Enrique Santana
Graffiti Underpass - Lake Shore Drive, Chicago Underpass from Lake Michigan, 1996