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

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 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 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

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 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

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.

Spain Oil Painting

1980s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rosendo Gonzalez CarbonellOlot Spain Spanish landscape oil on board painting, 1983

1920s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Manuel Isidor Valle MicolauSpanish village landscape oil on cardboard painting Spain, c.1925

1980s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Pascual FresquetBarcelona Spain oil on canvas painting spanish seascape, c.1985

1980s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Benet SarsanedasSpanish landscape oil on canvas painting Spain Europe, c.1980

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Gabriel CasarrubiosPicnic Spain oil on board painting spanish landscape, c.2000

1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Spanish school landscape oil on board painting Spain, c.1975

1990s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rafael Duran BenetCadaques oil on board painting Spain spanish seascape, c.1990

1930s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Albert Rafols CulleresSpanish landscape Spain original oil on cardboard painting, c.1935

1920s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Joaquin Terruella MatillaSpanish flamenco dance oil on board painting impressionism Spain, c.1920

1920s Barbizon School Landscape Paintings

Spanish school landscape with river oil painting Spain, c.1925

1960s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ramon Sanvisens MarfullSpanish town oil on canvas painting Spain mediterranean landscape, c. 1960

1980s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Joan Abello PratMorning landscape original oil canvas painting Spanish Spain, 1988

20th Century Figurative Paintings

Spanish School early 20th centurySpanish bullfighting, Spanish School, 20th century

1990s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Antonio SegrellesSpanish pier oil on canvas painting Spain seascape, c.2000

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Bay SalaZaragoza Spain oil on canvas painting impressionist spanish landscape, c.1950

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Joaquim Marsillach i CodonySpanish landscape oil on canvas painting, 1945

1980s Modern Landscape Paintings

Francisco Carbonell MassabeTarragona garden Spain oil on canvas painting spanish urbanscape, c.1980

2010s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Maria Bertrán"Spanish Olive Grove" Modern Impressionist Oil Painting of Spain, 2018

1970s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Manuel Zamora MuñozPyrenean Village Spain oil on canvas painting spanish landscape, c.1970

1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Michel de AlvisIsla Cristina Spain oil on canvas painting spanish seascape, c.1960

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Joan Vila PuigStone House in Salardú oil painting spanish landscape Spain, c.1955

1890s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Enrique GalweySpanish landscape oil on canvas painting, c.1900

1990s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Angel Bertran MontserratSpanish coast oil on canvas painting landscape seascape Spain, c.1995

1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rafael MonzoVilanoveta Sitges Spain oil on canvas painting spanish landscape, 1979

1990s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rafael Duran BenetSpanish landscape Spain oil on canvas painting rural house, c.1990

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Joan Asensio MarineSpanish seascape Spain oil on canvas painting mediterranean sea, c.1950

1970s Modern Landscape Paintings

Rafael Batalle MallarachMediterranean Street oil on canvas painting Spain, 1979

1940s Modern Figurative Paintings

Rafael Fernández de SotoSpanish town street oil on canvas painting Spain urbanscape, 1944

1970s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rafael Duran BenetMediterranean Village oil painting spanish landscape, c.1980

2010s Realist Landscape Paintings

Josep Colomer VallsLandscape with river oil on canvas painting Spain spanish, c.2010

1930s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josep Ventosa DomenechSpanish landscape oil on board painting, 1938

1990s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rafael Duran BenetSevilla garden oil painting european art Spain spanish landscape, c.1990

1980s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Joan PaletMontserrat Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting spanish landscape, c.1980

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Gabriel CasarrubiosBeach s day Spain oil on board painting spanish seascape, c.2000

1960s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ángel Román PinaSpanish village Spain town oil on board painting landscape, c.1960

1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josep Maria Riera i AragóSpanish landscape oil on canvas painting, 1975

Early 2000s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Agusti GilFlowery landscape oil on canvas painting Spain spanish town, c.2000

1970s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Albert Junyent QuinquerBarcelona Liceo oil on canvas painting spanish urbanscape Spain, 1956

1970s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rafael Duran BenetTown Spanish landscape oil on canvas painting Spain mediterranean, 1972

1990s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rosendo Gonzalez Carbonell
Olot Spain Spanish landscape oil on board painting, 1983

Manuel Isidor Valle Micolau
Spanish village landscape oil on cardboard painting Spain, c.1925

Pascual Fresquet
Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting spanish seascape, c.1985

Benet Sarsanedas
Spanish landscape oil on canvas painting Spain Europe, c.1980

Gabriel Casarrubios
Picnic Spain oil on board painting spanish landscape, c.2000

Rafael Duran Benet
Cadaques oil on board painting Spain spanish seascape, c.1990

Albert Rafols Culleres
Spanish landscape Spain original oil on cardboard painting, c.1935

Joaquin Terruella Matilla
Spanish flamenco dance oil on board painting impressionism Spain, c.1920

Ramon Sanvisens Marfull
Spanish town oil on canvas painting Spain mediterranean landscape, c. 1960

Joan Abello Prat
Morning landscape original oil canvas painting Spanish Spain, 1988

Spanish School early 20th century
Spanish bullfighting, Spanish School, 20th century

Antonio Segrelles
Spanish pier oil on canvas painting Spain seascape, c.2000

Bay Sala
Zaragoza Spain oil on canvas painting impressionist spanish landscape, c.1950

Joaquim Marsillach i Codony
Spanish landscape oil on canvas painting, 1945

Francisco Carbonell Massabe
Tarragona garden Spain oil on canvas painting spanish urbanscape, c.1980

Maria Bertrán
"Spanish Olive Grove" Modern Impressionist Oil Painting of Spain, 2018

Manuel Zamora Muñoz
Pyrenean Village Spain oil on canvas painting spanish landscape, c.1970

Michel de Alvis
Isla Cristina Spain oil on canvas painting spanish seascape, c.1960

Joan Vila Puig
Stone House in Salardú oil painting spanish landscape Spain, c.1955

Enrique Galwey
Spanish landscape oil on canvas painting, c.1900

Angel Bertran Montserrat
Spanish coast oil on canvas painting landscape seascape Spain, c.1995

Rafael Monzo
Vilanoveta Sitges Spain oil on canvas painting spanish landscape, 1979

Rafael Duran Benet
Spanish landscape Spain oil on canvas painting rural house, c.1990

Joan Asensio Marine
Spanish seascape Spain oil on canvas painting mediterranean sea, c.1950

Rafael Batalle Mallarach
Mediterranean Street oil on canvas painting Spain, 1979

Rafael Fernández de Soto
Spanish town street oil on canvas painting Spain urbanscape, 1944

Rafael Duran Benet
Mediterranean Village oil painting spanish landscape, c.1980

Josep Colomer Valls
Landscape with river oil on canvas painting Spain spanish, c.2010

Josep Ventosa Domenech
Spanish landscape oil on board painting, 1938

Rafael Duran Benet
Sevilla garden oil painting european art Spain spanish landscape, c.1990

Joan Palet
Montserrat Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting spanish landscape, c.1980

Gabriel Casarrubios
Beach s day Spain oil on board painting spanish seascape, c.2000

Ángel Román Pina
Spanish village Spain town oil on board painting landscape, c.1960

Josep Maria Riera i Aragó
Spanish landscape oil on canvas painting, 1975

Agusti Gil
Flowery landscape oil on canvas painting Spain spanish town, c.2000

Albert Junyent Quinquer
Barcelona Liceo oil on canvas painting spanish urbanscape Spain, 1956

Rafael Duran Benet
Town Spanish landscape oil on canvas painting Spain mediterranean, 1972

Rafael Duran Benet
Cadaques Spanish landscape oil on canvas painting Spain mediterranean, c.1990

Rafael Duran Benet
Costa Brava oil painting spanish seascape, c.1990

Rafael Duran Benet
Fishing port oil on canvas painting Spain spanish seascape, c.1990

Frederic Viñals
Teia Spain oil on canvas painting Barcelona spanish landscape, c.1980

Joan Cordomi
Spanish landscape oil on canvas painting, 1980

TOMAS CASTAÃ‘O
Farmacia Aguinaga- Pamplona (Spain), Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2010

Josep Pelegrí Ferrer
Spanish Landscape with Rural Architecture oil painting, 1934

Manuel Zamora Muñoz
Market of Olot Spain oil on canvas painting spanish urbanscape, 1965

Jordi Curos Ventura
Las Ramblas Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting spanish urbanscape, c.1980

Rafael Duran Benet
Cadaques oil painting spanish seascape mediterranean art, c.1990

Rafael Duran Benet
Combarro Galicia oil on canvas painting european art Spain spanish, 1969

Carlos Sempere
Peaks of Europe Spain oil on canvas painting spanish landscape, 2012

Ignacio Gil Sala
Maternity in Ibiza Spain oil on canvas painting spanish seascape, c.1975

Rafael Durancamps
Sitges Spain oil on canvas painting mediterranean art spanish seascape, c.1960

Francisco Carbonell Massabe
Tarragona fishing port Spain oil on canvas painting spanish seascape, c.1995

Rafael Duran Benet
View of Spanish town Spain oil on board painting landscape, c.1980

Josep Puigdengolas
Pollensa Mallorca mediterranean seascape oil on board painting Spain spanish, c.1975