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

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 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 Paintings Of Spain

2010s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

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

2010s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Maria Bertrán"Alley In Calla" Modern Impressionist Oil Painting of Spain, 2018

2010s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Maria Bertrán"Apricot Blossoms In The Field" Modern Impressionist Oil Painting of Spain, 2019

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Spanish Old MasterAntique Spanish Old Master Oil on Wood Panel, Head Portrait of Christ

1990s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Rafael Duran BenetFields of Jaén Spain oil painting spanish landscape, c.1990

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Interior Paintings

Jonelle SummerfieldView Of Estella, Spain, Oil Painting, 2023

2010s Realist Landscape Paintings

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

1990s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

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

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Paintings

Cristina StefanThe red poppies of Spain, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2021

1980s Cubist Landscape Paintings

Joan Carles Roca SansLandscape of the Ampurdán Spain oil on canvas painting spanish europe, c.1980

Antique Mid-18th Century Spanish Paintings

18th Century Spanish Oil Painting of Mary Magdalene

1990s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Jordi CurosBoulevard of flowers Barcelona Spain oil on burlap painting spanish urbanscape, c.1980

1970s Surrealist Figurative Paintings

Mary SpainJanet and Bill, Surrealist Painting of Woman and Cat w/ Party Hats, c. 1970s

1970s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Ignacio Gil Salapeople of ibiza Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1975

1940s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Joan Asensio MarineBell Tower of a Spanish Village oil on canvas painting urbanscape Spain, c.1940

1880s Victorian Interior Paintings

Juan MontenegroPair of Antique Spanish Orientalist Oil Paintings by Montenegro, 1886

1930s Academic Figurative Paintings

Juan Jose BarreiraDaughters of Spain oil on canvas painting young woman, c.1930

1970s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ignacio Gil SalaLand of Don Quixote Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1970

1980s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Pascual FresquetView of Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting urbanscape, c.1985

1980s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Juan OrvayPeasant woman of Ibiza Spain oil on board painting, c.1980

1970s Post-Modern Landscape Paintings

Jordi Pagans MontsalvatjeSeascape of Sitges Spain oil on canvas painting mediterranean, 1972

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ramon VilaField of flowers oil on canvas painting spanish landscape, c.2000

Late 19th Century Interior Paintings

Manuel López CanteroSpanish Orientalist Oil Painting of the Alcázar of Seville by López Cantero, Late 19th Century

Antique 18th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Paintings

Antique Spanish Colonial Oil on Canvas Painting of Saint Anthony

1970s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Antonio Sala HerreroView of Montjuïc Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting seascape, c.1975

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Framed Oil Painting of a Spanish Street Scene

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josep PuigdengolasLandscapes of the Pyrenees and Mallorca oil on board painting spain, c.1950

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Spanish Oil Painting of A Young Boy - Signed Ernest

1970s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Antonio Sala HerreroGray day seaport of Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting seascape, 1974

1880s Realist Portrait Paintings

Manuel Pla y ValorPortrait of a Man - 19th Century Spanish Antique Oil on Panel Painting, 1880

20th Century Nude Paintings

William CrosbieNude Portrait of a Spanish Woman - Scottish art female portrait oil painting, 1981

Mid-20th Century Spanish Modern Paintings

20th Century Oil Painting of Madonna and Child by Arnedo Linares, Spain

Late 20th Century European Paintings

Spanish Painting in Oil on Canvas of Andalusian Characters

1990s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Juan Gonzalez AlacreuShellfish Harvester in the Albufera of Valencia Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1990

1970s Surrealist Figurative Paintings

Mary SpainStill Life of Man Holding Bird, Surreal Cleveland Woman Artist, c. 1970s

Antique 17th Century Spanish Baroque Paintings

17th Century Old Master Oil Painting Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Spanish School

1970s Fauvist Figurative Paintings

Aperitif on the terrace of the bar spanish oil on canvas painting, 1976

Antique Mid-19th Century European Paintings

Mid-19th Century Spanish Oil Painting of Saint Francis

20th Century American Paintings

Studio of Miguel Canals (Spanish 1925-1995) Cherries, Birds & Flowers Oil Canvas

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Paintings

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

Maria Bertrán
"Alley In Calla" Modern Impressionist Oil Painting of Spain, 2018

Maria Bertrán
"Apricot Blossoms In The Field" Modern Impressionist Oil Painting of Spain, 2019

Spanish Old Master
Antique Spanish Old Master Oil on Wood Panel, Head Portrait of Christ

Rafael Duran Benet
Fields of Jaén Spain oil painting spanish landscape, c.1990

Jonelle Summerfield
View Of Estella, Spain, Oil Painting, 2023

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

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

Cristina Stefan
The red poppies of Spain, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2021

Joan Carles Roca Sans
Landscape of the Ampurdán Spain oil on canvas painting spanish europe, c.1980

Jordi Curos
Boulevard of flowers Barcelona Spain oil on burlap painting spanish urbanscape, c.1980

Mary Spain
Janet and Bill, Surrealist Painting of Woman and Cat w/ Party Hats, c. 1970s

Ignacio Gil Sala
people of ibiza Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1975

Joan Asensio Marine
Bell Tower of a Spanish Village oil on canvas painting urbanscape Spain, c.1940

Juan Montenegro
Pair of Antique Spanish Orientalist Oil Paintings by Montenegro, 1886

Juan Jose Barreira
Daughters of Spain oil on canvas painting young woman, c.1930

Ignacio Gil Sala
Land of Don Quixote Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1970

Pascual Fresquet
View of Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting urbanscape, c.1985

Juan Orvay
Peasant woman of Ibiza Spain oil on board painting, c.1980

Jordi Pagans Montsalvatje
Seascape of Sitges Spain oil on canvas painting mediterranean, 1972

Ramon Vila
Field of flowers oil on canvas painting spanish landscape, c.2000

Manuel López Cantero
Spanish Orientalist Oil Painting of the Alcázar of Seville by López Cantero, Late 19th Century

Antonio Sala Herrero
View of Montjuïc Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting seascape, c.1975

Josep Puigdengolas
Landscapes of the Pyrenees and Mallorca oil on board painting spain, c.1950

Antonio Sala Herrero
Gray day seaport of Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting seascape, 1974

Manuel Pla y Valor
Portrait of a Man - 19th Century Spanish Antique Oil on Panel Painting, 1880

William Crosbie
Nude Portrait of a Spanish Woman - Scottish art female portrait oil painting, 1981

Juan Gonzalez Alacreu
Shellfish Harvester in the Albufera of Valencia Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1990

Mary Spain
Still Life of Man Holding Bird, Surreal Cleveland Woman Artist, c. 1970s

Pollok Sinclair Nisbet
Antique Oil on Canvas Orientalist Painting Moorish Spain Gate of The Sun Toledo, 1872

Eleanor Woolley
Malaga Shadows, Paintings of Spain, Cityscape Painting, Miniature Artwork, 2023

Rene Jerome Legrand
Modern Impressionist Spanish Flamenco Dancer in Red Dress Oil Painting, 2018

Maria Bertrán
"Cala Figuera" Contemporary Impressionist Oil Of Mallorca, Spain, 2023

Maria Bertrán
"Mallorca Reflections" Contemporary Impressionist Oil Of Mallorca, Spain, 2023

Maria Bertrán
"Juan's Boat" Contemporary Impressionist Oil Of Mallorca, Spain, 2023

Maria Bertrán
"Mallorca Fishing Boats" Contemporary Impressionist Oil Of Mallorca, Spain, 2023

Maria Bertrán
"Boats at Rest" Contemporary Impressionist Oil Of Mallorca, Spain, 2023

Maria Bertrán
"In Cala Bora" Contemporary Impressionist Oil Of Mallorca, Spain, 2023

A. Costa
A. Costa - 1912 Oil, Portrait of a Spanish Lady, 1912

Irina Forrester
"Alcazar of Toledo", Spain, muted colours, horizontal, oil pastels, landscape, 2024

Luis Muntane Muns
Elegance – Oil Portrait of a Woman, Spanish Romantic Figurative Art

Emily Berger
Emily Berger_Dream of Spain_oil on wood_40 x 30 x 2in_2018._Color Field Painting, 2018

Maria Bertrán
"Boats In Cala Boira" Contemporary Impressionist Oil Of Mallorca, Spain, 2023

Maria Bertrán
"Mallorca Landscape With Cabanon" Modern Impressionist Oil Of Mallorca, Spain, 2023