Question 1

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 2

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 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 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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

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.

Oil Painting Lewis

Late 19th Century Modern Animal Paintings

John Lewis ShonbornHead of a Arab Horse

Late 19th Century English School Landscape Paintings

Frank Lewis EmanuelOpen Seas, Late 19th Century

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist More Art

Karen E LewisCoconut Moon, Oil Painting, 2022

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art

Karen E LewisIao Valley Cottage, Oil Painting, 2025

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist More Art

Karen E LewisBeach Windows: Windbent, Oil Painting, 2025

1940s American Modern Still-life Paintings

Jeanette Maxfield LewisStill Life (Untitled), c. 1940 - 1950

2010s Still-life Paintings

Leslie Lewis SiglerThe Vessel, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary American Realist Still-life Paintings

Leslie Lewis SiglerThe Time Traveler, 2020

Stanley LewisStanley Lewis Backyard Jeykll Island, GA, 2014, 2014

Early 2000s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Peter LewisOil on Canvas Painting -- Blue Tit, 2003

Late 19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josephine Miles LewisGiverny, France, Landscape by Josephine Miles Lewis (1865-1959, American), 1894

19th Century Hudson River School Landscape Paintings

John Hardwicke LewisView from Richmond Hill, landscape by John Hardwicke Lewis (1842-1927)

19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

John Lewis ShonbornCabane de l ermite algérien de M Sila - 19th Century Landscape Painting, 1885

21st Century and Contemporary Paintings

Nathan LewisWar Bells, 2011

21st Century and Contemporary Paintings

Nathan LewisI Burn Today, 2011

21st Century and Contemporary Paintings

Nathan LewisMethods of Reasoning-Hide and Seek, 2009

21st Century and Contemporary Paintings

Nathan LewisThe Blessed Isles, 2008-2009

21st Century and Contemporary Paintings

Nathan LewisI Fought the Law, 2004

2010s Figurative Paintings

Dominic LewisDominic Lews Bidders 2 , 2013, 2013

Stanley LewisLake Chautauqua, Orange Light, 2012, 2012

Stanley LewisBoat on the Beach, Lake Chautauqua, 2013

Early 20th Century Abstract Paintings

George LewisAbstract

Late 19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lewis Henry MeakinBeautiful Mountain

Early 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Mary Amanda LewisAllegorical Hunters Gatherers Diptych, c. 1920s - 1930s

Early 1900s Figurative Paintings

Lewis M EilshemiusUntitled (Figures in a Moonlit Landscape), c.1905

Early 20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lewis George FryMilan, 1910

1910s Figurative Paintings

Lewis M EilshemiusRose-Marie, 1917

1910s Figurative Paintings

Lewis M EilshemiusUntitled (Love Bather), 1917

19th Century Landscape Paintings

Edmund Darch LewisLandscape with Lake and Cows, 1880

Late 19th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lewis Henry MeakinRiver with Trees

Late 19th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lewis Henry MeakinMountain Scene with River

Late 19th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lewis Henry MeakinMountains Capped in Snow

Late 19th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lewis Henry MeakinTide Pools

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Morris Lewis BlackmanExpressionist Abstract #8, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, signed, 1960 s

1980s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Morris Lewis BlackmanGeometric Abstract #8, multi colored, Philadelphia artist

1980s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Morris Lewis BlackmanGeometric Abstract #3, multi colored, Philadelphia artist

1980s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Morris Lewis BlackmanGeometric Abstract #1, multi colored, Philadelphia artist

1980s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Morris Lewis BlackmanGeometric Abstract #7, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, 1982 - 83

1970s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Morris Lewis BlackmanGeometric Abstract #6, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, 1972 - 79

1970s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Morris Lewis BlackmanGeometric Abstract #5, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, 1972 - 79

1980s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Morris Lewis BlackmanGeometric Abstract #2, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, 1982 - 83

John Lewis Shonborn
Head of a Arab Horse

Frank Lewis Emanuel
Open Seas, Late 19th Century

Karen E Lewis
Coconut Moon, Oil Painting, 2022

Karen E Lewis
Iao Valley Cottage, Oil Painting, 2025

Karen E Lewis
Beach Windows: Windbent, Oil Painting, 2025

Jeanette Maxfield Lewis
Still Life (Untitled), c. 1940 - 1950

Leslie Lewis Sigler
The Vessel, 2023

Leslie Lewis Sigler
The Time Traveler, 2020

Stanley Lewis
Stanley Lewis Backyard Jeykll Island, GA, 2014, 2014

Peter Lewis
Oil on Canvas Painting -- Blue Tit, 2003

Josephine Miles Lewis
Giverny, France, Landscape by Josephine Miles Lewis (1865-1959, American), 1894

John Hardwicke Lewis
View from Richmond Hill, landscape by John Hardwicke Lewis (1842-1927)

John Lewis Shonborn
Cabane de l ermite algérien de M Sila - 19th Century Landscape Painting, 1885

Nathan Lewis
War Bells, 2011

Nathan Lewis
I Burn Today, 2011

Nathan Lewis
Methods of Reasoning-Hide and Seek, 2009

Nathan Lewis
The Blessed Isles, 2008-2009

Nathan Lewis
I Fought the Law, 2004

Dominic Lewis
Dominic Lews Bidders 2 , 2013, 2013

Stanley Lewis
Lake Chautauqua, Orange Light, 2012, 2012

Stanley Lewis
Boat on the Beach, Lake Chautauqua, 2013

George Lewis
Abstract

Lewis Henry Meakin
Beautiful Mountain

Mary Amanda Lewis
Allegorical Hunters Gatherers Diptych, c. 1920s - 1930s

Lewis M Eilshemius
Untitled (Figures in a Moonlit Landscape), c.1905

Lewis George Fry
Milan, 1910

Lewis M Eilshemius
Rose-Marie, 1917

Lewis M Eilshemius
Untitled (Love Bather), 1917

Edmund Darch Lewis
Landscape with Lake and Cows, 1880

Lewis Henry Meakin
River with Trees

Lewis Henry Meakin
Mountain Scene with River

Lewis Henry Meakin
Mountains Capped in Snow

Lewis Henry Meakin
Tide Pools

Morris Lewis Blackman
Expressionist Abstract #8, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, signed, 1960 s

Morris Lewis Blackman
Geometric Abstract #8, multi colored, Philadelphia artist

Morris Lewis Blackman
Geometric Abstract #3, multi colored, Philadelphia artist

Morris Lewis Blackman
Geometric Abstract #1, multi colored, Philadelphia artist

Morris Lewis Blackman
Geometric Abstract #7, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, 1982 - 83

Morris Lewis Blackman
Geometric Abstract #6, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, 1972 - 79

Morris Lewis Blackman
Geometric Abstract #5, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, 1972 - 79

Morris Lewis Blackman
Geometric Abstract #2, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, 1982 - 83

Morris Lewis Blackman
Geometric Abstract #4, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, 1982 - 83

Morris Lewis Blackman
Expressionist Abstract #1, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, signed, 1960 s

Morris Lewis Blackman
Expressionist Abstract #5, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, signed, 1964-65

Morris Lewis Blackman
Expressionist Abstract #2, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, signed, 1964-65

Morris Lewis Blackman
Expressionist Abstract #4, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, signed, 1964-65

Morris Lewis Blackman
Expressionist Abstract #3, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, signed, 1964-65

Morris Lewis Blackman
Expressionist Abstract #6, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, signed, 1964-65

Morris Lewis Blackman
Pair of Geometric Abstracts, Green Dot on Black and Grey, Philadelphia Artist

Morris Lewis Blackman
Pair of Geometric Abstracts, Red Dot on Black and Grey, Philadelphia Artist

Morris Lewis Blackman
Pair of Geometric Abstracts, Purple Dot on Black and Grey, Philadelphia Artist

Morris Lewis Blackman
Pair of Geometric Abstracts, Orange Dot on Black and Grey, Philadelphia Artist

Morris Lewis Blackman
Pair of Geometric Abstracts, Yellow Dot on Black and Grey, Philadelphia Artist

Morris Lewis Blackman
Pair of Geometric Abstractions, Blue Dot on Black and Grey, Philadelphia Artist

Morris Lewis Blackman
Biomorphic Abstract #1 by Philadelphia Expressionist Painter, 1961 - 62

Morris Lewis Blackman
Expressionist Abstract #7, multi colored, Philadelphia artist, signed and framed, 1960 s

Charles Edwin Lewis Green
Farmhouse in Newlyn, circa 1890