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

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 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 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 12

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 13

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 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.

Irish Oil Painting

Late 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Leslie CampbellMourne Mountains County Down Ireland Signed Original Oil Painting, c. 1990 s

20th Century Folk Art Landscape Paintings

Philip CastleFantastic Village Scene Modern Irish Magic Realism Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

H.E. SmethurstThe Harvest Workers Irish Mountain Landscape Signed Oil Painting

1930s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Gladys NolanIstanbul Turkey - Irish Post Impressionist landscape oil painting female artist, Circa 1930

Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Alexander WilliamsKillary Bay Leenane Connemara Ireland Antique Oil Painting Lake Landscape

18th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Old Master Wooded Landscape - Irish 1830 art woodland oil painting, circa 1830

1960s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Charles McNeill CaldwellPost-Impressionist Oil Painting of Donegal Wetlands Landscape in Ireland, 1965 Circa

Mid-20th Century Pointillist Landscape Paintings

Charles Walter HarveyIrish ORIGINAL Mid 20th Century pointillist impasto OIL PAINTING Trees Landscape, 1950

2010s Irish Modern Paintings

Games Night Oil Painting on Board by Steve Burgess Tullamore Dew Irish Rugby

2010s Abstract Landscape Paintings

Michelle BoyleIrish Indian Contemporary artist painting Oil on Board Sisters Childhood Summers, 2024

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Michelle BoyleIrish Indian Contemporary artist painting Oil on Canvas Flying Nature Freedom, 2023

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Michelle BoyleIrish Indian Contemporary artist painting Oil on Canvas Island Ancient Land, 2023

Antique Late 18th Century Irish Georgian Paintings

Late 18th Century Oil Painting Of Charleville Castle Tullamore Co Offaly Ireland

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Rachel Personett"Irish Daisies" impressionist oil painting, floral still life, signed, framed, 2025

2010s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Maria Bertrán"House In The West of Ireland" Contemporary Impressionist Oil of Ireland, 2023

1890s Landscape Paintings

Robert GauleyLake Como Italy, Near Menaggio - oil painting by Irish American Artist Gauley, 1892

1940s Modern Landscape Paintings

Tobias Everet SpenceRiver Forest Landscape Oil Painting by 20th Century Post War Irish Artist, 1945

1980s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Frank FitzsimonsExpressive Abstract Landscape Painting of Ireland by Contemporary Irish Artist, 1985 Circa

20th Century Irish Modern Paintings

Mark Eldred Irish Landscape View Killarney Lakes Kerry Ireland Oil on Card 1998

1960s Modern Landscape Paintings

Henry Robertson CraigIrish Modernist Oil on Canvas Painting "Young Bathers" Children on the Beach, circa 1960

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Robert D BeattieOil Painting of Kingstown Dublin in 1910 by Modern Impressionist Irish Artist, 1950 Circa

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ulrich Gleiter"The Dunbrody at New Ross (Ireland)" (2023), Original Oil Painting on Linen, 2023

Late 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Victor CireficeImpressionistic Oil Painting of Scrabo in the Irish Countryside by Welsh Artist, 1980 Circa

Late 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Allan ArdiesVintage Oil Painting of a Tree-Lined River Landscape in the Irish Countryside, 1980 Circa

Late 20th Century Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Margaret StockmanOriginal Oil of the Galway Bogland Landscape in Ireland by Northern Irish Artist, 1995 Circa

Late 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Allan ArdiesOil Painting of a Tree-Lined River Lake Landscape in the Irish Countryside, 1980 Circa

20th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Robert B HigginsLandscape Painting of Angling in Donegal Ireland by 20th Century Irish Artist, 1990 Circa

Late 20th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Derek QuannSmall Oil Painting of Cottages in the Mournes in Ireland by Contemporary Artist, 1985 Circa

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Robert D BeattieOil Painting of High Holborn London in 1910 by Modern Impressionist Irish Artist, 1950 Circa

1980s Modern Landscape Paintings

Liam ReillyVintage 20th Century Painting of Lush Green Ireland Village by Irish Artist, 1988

Vintage 1970s German Other Paintings

Fermoyle House, Brandon Bay, Ireland, 1976 - Alexander Michael Oil Painting

1980s Abstract Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Liam BlakeOriginal Impasto Oil Painting Art of an Autumnal River Landscape by Irish Artist, 1985 Circa

2010s Abstract Landscape Paintings

Michelle BoyleIrish Indian Contemporary Painting Boy Lake Frozen Fairy Bird Boxes Oil on Panel, 2024

Late 20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Patrick O Neill Oil Painting of Camlough Lake in Northern Ireland by 20th Century Modern Artist, 1985 Circa

20th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Robert B HigginsPainting of Mountain Cottages by River in Ireland by 20th Century Irish Artist, 1990 Circa

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Sean LoughreyImpasto Painting of Red Trawler on Irish Coast with Lighthouse by Irish Artist, 2024

1980s Post-War Landscape Paintings

Denis ThorntonOriginal Post-War Painting of Island in Northern Ireland by Modern Irish Artist, 1980 Circa

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Olga NikitinaIrish Cottage Painting Hydrangea Garden Original Art, 2024

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fergal NollyCloudy Irish Mountains and Estuary, Impressionist Oil, Signed, c. 1970

Mid-20th Century American Paintings

Leslie Campbell
Mourne Mountains County Down Ireland Signed Original Oil Painting, c. 1990 s

Philip Castle
Fantastic Village Scene Modern Irish Magic Realism Oil Painting

H.E. Smethurst
The Harvest Workers Irish Mountain Landscape Signed Oil Painting

Gladys Nolan
Istanbul Turkey - Irish Post Impressionist landscape oil painting female artist, Circa 1930

Alexander Williams
Killary Bay Leenane Connemara Ireland Antique Oil Painting Lake Landscape

Charles McNeill Caldwell
Post-Impressionist Oil Painting of Donegal Wetlands Landscape in Ireland, 1965 Circa

Charles Walter Harvey
Irish ORIGINAL Mid 20th Century pointillist impasto OIL PAINTING Trees Landscape, 1950

Michelle Boyle
Irish Indian Contemporary artist painting Oil on Board Sisters Childhood Summers, 2024

Michelle Boyle
Irish Indian Contemporary artist painting Oil on Canvas Flying Nature Freedom, 2023

Michelle Boyle
Irish Indian Contemporary artist painting Oil on Canvas Island Ancient Land, 2023

Rachel Personett
"Irish Daisies" impressionist oil painting, floral still life, signed, framed, 2025

Maria Bertrán
"House In The West of Ireland" Contemporary Impressionist Oil of Ireland, 2023

Robert Gauley
Lake Como Italy, Near Menaggio - oil painting by Irish American Artist Gauley, 1892

Tobias Everet Spence
River Forest Landscape Oil Painting by 20th Century Post War Irish Artist, 1945

Frank Fitzsimons
Expressive Abstract Landscape Painting of Ireland by Contemporary Irish Artist, 1985 Circa

Henry Robertson Craig
Irish Modernist Oil on Canvas Painting "Young Bathers" Children on the Beach, circa 1960

Robert D Beattie
Oil Painting of Kingstown Dublin in 1910 by Modern Impressionist Irish Artist, 1950 Circa

Ulrich Gleiter
"The Dunbrody at New Ross (Ireland)" (2023), Original Oil Painting on Linen, 2023

Victor Cirefice
Impressionistic Oil Painting of Scrabo in the Irish Countryside by Welsh Artist, 1980 Circa

Allan Ardies
Vintage Oil Painting of a Tree-Lined River Landscape in the Irish Countryside, 1980 Circa

Margaret Stockman
Original Oil of the Galway Bogland Landscape in Ireland by Northern Irish Artist, 1995 Circa

Allan Ardies
Oil Painting of a Tree-Lined River Lake Landscape in the Irish Countryside, 1980 Circa

Robert B Higgins
Landscape Painting of Angling in Donegal Ireland by 20th Century Irish Artist, 1990 Circa

Derek Quann
Small Oil Painting of Cottages in the Mournes in Ireland by Contemporary Artist, 1985 Circa

Robert D Beattie
Oil Painting of High Holborn London in 1910 by Modern Impressionist Irish Artist, 1950 Circa

Liam Reilly
Vintage 20th Century Painting of Lush Green Ireland Village by Irish Artist, 1988

Liam Blake
Original Impasto Oil Painting Art of an Autumnal River Landscape by Irish Artist, 1985 Circa

Michelle Boyle
Irish Indian Contemporary Painting Boy Lake Frozen Fairy Bird Boxes Oil on Panel, 2024

Patrick O Neill
Oil Painting of Camlough Lake in Northern Ireland by 20th Century Modern Artist, 1985 Circa

Robert B Higgins
Painting of Mountain Cottages by River in Ireland by 20th Century Irish Artist, 1990 Circa

Sean Loughrey
Impasto Painting of Red Trawler on Irish Coast with Lighthouse by Irish Artist, 2024

Denis Thornton
Original Post-War Painting of Island in Northern Ireland by Modern Irish Artist, 1980 Circa

Olga Nikitina
Irish Cottage Painting Hydrangea Garden Original Art, 2024

Fergal Nolly
Cloudy Irish Mountains and Estuary, Impressionist Oil, Signed, c. 1970

George Weissbort
George Weissbort (1928-2013) - 20th Century Oil, Irish Cottage, Unknown

William Henry Burns
Painting of Idyllic River Scene On the Lagan in Ireland by Modern Irish Artist, 1985 Circa

Edward Albert Hickling
Oil Painting of Figures by a Tree Lined River in Irish Summer by British Artist, 1980 Circa

Jim Beckner
"Near Galway" (2025), Original Impressionist Southern Irish Landscape Painting, 2025

Jim Holmes
Impressionistic Impasto Painting Blue Stack Mountains Donegal Northern Ireland, 2000 Circa

Sidney Smith
An Irish Rogue, 1944

Emma Jones
Painting of Mother Child gathering Wild Flowers by Irish Contemporary Artist, 2019 Circa

Borja Fernandez
River Shannon, Ireland

Arthur H Twells (1921-1996)
Irish Lough Scene in Donegal Signed Original 20th Century Atmospheric Painting

D Dale
Mountain Lake Landscape of County Donegal Northern Ireland Vintage Irish Art, 1996

Frank Fitzsimons
Ireland Seascape Landscape with Boats Figures by Contemporary Irish Artist, 1985 Circa

Frank Fitzsimons
Ireland Seascape Landscape with Boats Figures by Contemporary Irish Artist, 1985 Circa