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

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 5

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 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

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 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

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 16

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 17

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 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.

Thames Oil Painting

1910s English School Landscape Paintings

H. Samuel TeedThames Dockland, Oil Landscape Painting, 1912 London

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Juan del PozoGolden Thames Glow - original cityscape oil painting-contemporary artwork, 2025

Late 19th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

Antique EnglishRichmond Hill River Thames Antique English Landscape Oil Painting, 1953

19th Century Landscape Paintings

William Anslow ThornleyOil Painting by William Anslow Thornley "Fresh Water - Thames", 1870

Early 1900s Landscape Paintings

Gordon A MeadowsOil Painting by Gordon A Meadows "Barnes on Thames", 1905

19th Century Landscape Paintings

Adam BarlandOil Painting by Adam Barland "Near Medmenham on Thames", 1870

19th Century Paintings

Alfred Augustus Glendening Senior19th Century river landscape oil painting of the Thames at Shepperton, C1890

19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Philip F. WalkerThames at Battersea - British Impressionist art Victorian London oil painting, 1887

19th Century Landscape Paintings

Edwin Henry BoddingtonOil Painting by Edwin Henry Boddington "Evening on the Thames", 1877

1990s Landscape Paintings

Bernard MyersChiswick Reach, River Thames, London oil painting by Bernard Myers

Late 19th Century English School Landscape Paintings

Keeley HalswelleThe Thames near Pangbourne - 19th Century Oil Painting English River Landscape, 1877

19th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

Benjamin Williams Leader19th Century river landscape oil painting of the Thames at Goring, 1875

19th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

J. LewisWindsor Castle from the River Thames, signed Victorian Oil Painting, framed, 19th century

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Emmitt ThamesA View of the Barn, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

B MillerOriginal Mid Century oil painting signed Miller - LONDON RIVER THAMES By NIGHT, 1960

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Landscape Paintings

Lee TillerTwilight On The Thames, Lee Tiller, Original Landscape River Oil Painting, 2021

Late 19th Century Landscape Paintings

Edward Henry Eugene FletcherRiverscape oil painting of shipping on the Thames with Tower Bridge, C1900

20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Minty RamseySunset Oil Painting of Albert Bridge and Thames Riverside View in London, 2025

19th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Francis MoltinoView on Thames Looking to Blackfriars Bridge - Italian 19thC art oil painting, 1866

1980s Modern Landscape Paintings

Herbert KornfeldMid Century Modernist Oil Painting “Toll Bridge from Up River Thames", England, Circa 1980

1850s Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Henry PetherRiver Thames at Leigh by Moonlight - 19th Century Oil Painting Nocturne 1851, 1851

Late 19th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

Victorian EnglishWindsor/ Eton on the River Thames Sunset Antique Signed English Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

R M WhittenburyPool of London Ron Whittenbury Modern British Art Oil Painting Thames Shipping, 1952

Late 19th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Charles William WyllieThe Upper Pool River Thames 1880s Maritime London Docklands Framed Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

John KingJohn King - 1965 Oil, The Thames at Marlow, 1965

1950s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Keith Parsons Nocturne, The River Thames, London . oil c1950 s, 1950 s

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Landscape Paintings

Beccy Marshall 21st Century oil painting of a Thames barge in London, abstract in greys, 2011

Late 19th Century Landscape Paintings

Edward Henry Eugene FletcherRiverscape oil painting of shipping on the Thames near Tower Bridge St Paul’s, C1900

Antique 1880s Paintings

Antique 5ft Oil Painting "Sonning-on-Thames" Vernon Howard 19th Century

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Tugboats on the River Thames, Mid-Century Oil Painting, Signed 1953

Antique 1870s Paintings

Henley on Thames Antique Oil Painting Riverscape 1870 Signed Harold Gregson

21st Century and Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Ali AlışırAlan Brown - Framed Contemporary Oil, HMS President, River Thames, Unknown

19th Century Landscape Paintings

Adolphus KnellThames Barges (Pair)

21st Century and Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Bernard MyersBernard Myers (1925-2007) - Contemporary Oil, The Thames in Winter, Unknown

21st Century and Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Bernard MyersBernard Myers (1925-2007) - Contemporary Oil, The Thames in Spring, Unknown

1930s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Impressionist: Sunny Day by The Thames, oil circa 1930 s, 1930-50

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Brian ElwellBlue Thames - panoramatic landscape cityscape London Thames buildings view blue, 2018

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Derek Langton Rogers (1910-1987) - 20th Century Oil, Thames Barge, 20th Century

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rupert ShephardBattersea Park London - British 40 s Impressionist oil landscape Thames bridge, 1945

19th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

H. Samuel Teed
Thames Dockland, Oil Landscape Painting, 1912 London

Juan del Pozo
Golden Thames Glow - original cityscape oil painting-contemporary artwork, 2025

Antique English
Richmond Hill River Thames Antique English Landscape Oil Painting, 1953

William Anslow Thornley
Oil Painting by William Anslow Thornley "Fresh Water - Thames", 1870

Gordon A Meadows
Oil Painting by Gordon A Meadows "Barnes on Thames", 1905

Adam Barland
Oil Painting by Adam Barland "Near Medmenham on Thames", 1870

Alfred Augustus Glendening Senior
19th Century river landscape oil painting of the Thames at Shepperton, C1890

Philip F. Walker
Thames at Battersea - British Impressionist art Victorian London oil painting, 1887

Edwin Henry Boddington
Oil Painting by Edwin Henry Boddington "Evening on the Thames", 1877

Bernard Myers
Chiswick Reach, River Thames, London oil painting by Bernard Myers

Keeley Halswelle
The Thames near Pangbourne - 19th Century Oil Painting English River Landscape, 1877

Benjamin Williams Leader
19th Century river landscape oil painting of the Thames at Goring, 1875

J. Lewis
Windsor Castle from the River Thames, signed Victorian Oil Painting, framed, 19th century

Emmitt Thames
A View of the Barn, 20th Century

B Miller
Original Mid Century oil painting signed Miller - LONDON RIVER THAMES By NIGHT, 1960

Lee Tiller
Twilight On The Thames, Lee Tiller, Original Landscape River Oil Painting, 2021

Edward Henry Eugene Fletcher
Riverscape oil painting of shipping on the Thames with Tower Bridge, C1900

Minty Ramsey
Sunset Oil Painting of Albert Bridge and Thames Riverside View in London, 2025

Francis Moltino
View on Thames Looking to Blackfriars Bridge - Italian 19thC art oil painting, 1866

Herbert Kornfeld
Mid Century Modernist Oil Painting “Toll Bridge from Up River Thames", England, Circa 1980

Henry Pether
River Thames at Leigh by Moonlight - 19th Century Oil Painting Nocturne 1851, 1851

Victorian English
Windsor/ Eton on the River Thames Sunset Antique Signed English Oil Painting

R M Whittenbury
Pool of London Ron Whittenbury Modern British Art Oil Painting Thames Shipping, 1952

Charles William Wyllie
The Upper Pool River Thames 1880s Maritime London Docklands Framed Oil Painting

John King
John King - 1965 Oil, The Thames at Marlow, 1965

Keith Parsons
Nocturne, The River Thames, London . oil c1950 s, 1950 s

Beccy Marshall
21st Century oil painting of a Thames barge in London, abstract in greys, 2011

Edward Henry Eugene Fletcher
Riverscape oil painting of shipping on the Thames near Tower Bridge St Paul’s, C1900

Ali Alışır
Alan Brown - Framed Contemporary Oil, HMS President, River Thames, Unknown

Adolphus Knell
Thames Barges (Pair)

Bernard Myers
Bernard Myers (1925-2007) - Contemporary Oil, The Thames in Winter, Unknown

Bernard Myers
Bernard Myers (1925-2007) - Contemporary Oil, The Thames in Spring, Unknown

Brian Elwell
Blue Thames - panoramatic landscape cityscape London Thames buildings view blue, 2018

Rupert Shephard
Battersea Park London - British 40 s Impressionist oil landscape Thames bridge, 1945

Francis Maltino
19th century oil, view London, the Thames, houses parliament, Francis Maltino

Anton Matthews
Modern British Signed Oil - London Skyline viewed from River Thames, grey tones

James Lewis
Antique English Signed Oil - Sunset over the River Thames fields and church

British School
The London Skyline viewed from River Thames above its Bridges, original oil

vic ellis
Twentieth Century Marine Oil of Thames Barges on the Medway with power station, 20th century

Richard Hayley Lever
"Straw Barge" on the Thames (after) Edward Duncan Oil on Linen 1898, 1898

Henry Hillingford Parker
Silent Waters, Culham on Thames

Derick Mynott
20th Century British Impressionist painting of the Thames, London, in blue tones

Albert Vidal Moreno
London Bridge - Original Painting on Linen, Areal View, Bridge and River Thames, 2018

Frederick Donald Blake
Wapping Group of Artists by the Thames - Mid 20th Century Oil by Donald Blake, Circa 1950

Simon Kozhin
View of the City From the Thames, 2007

Henrietta Stuart
Tranquil Waters of the River Thames, Richmond, London

Henry Samuel Teed
Building The Southwark Bridge, London, England, River Thames, Genre, 1914

Carl Brennir
The Thames near Bell Lock, a river landscape, 1914

Simon Kozhin
View of the City and Tower from the Thames, 2006