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

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 8

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 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

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 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

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.

Ronald Oil Paintings

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ronald AdamsRonald Adams, "Summer Evening", 12x24 Tuscan Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas, 2018

1980s Photorealist Landscape Paintings

Ronald MalloryGrace Building on West 42nd St., Photorealist Oil Painting by Ronald Mallory, 1981

21st Century and Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Ronald PardoeRonald Pardoe - 20th Century Oil, Northwick Fields, Unknown

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Ronald PetersRonald Peters (1937-2003) - 1973 Oil, Australian Landscape, 1973

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Ronald SoelimanDutch Heath- 21st Century Contemporary Landscape Painting by Ronald Soeliman, 2018

21st Century and Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Ronald OlleyRonald Olley (b.1923) - Signed & Framed c. 2000 Oil, Horses Slain in Mud, Unknown

1980s Contemporary Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald Shaporiginal Ronald Shap oil pastel character portrait - Ol' California, circa 1980

1980s Pop Art Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, circa 1980

1980s Pop Art Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Impressionist Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1990s Contemporary Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, 1995

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, 1981

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Impressionist Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Contemporary Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Pop Art Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Pop Art Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

1980s Neo-Expressionist Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Ronald ShapOriginal Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Ronald SoelimanVase with Tulips - 21st Century Contemporary Still-Life by Ronald Soeliman, 2019

Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ronald Smoothey Mid Century Monoliths Oil on Board Painting

Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ronald Smoothey Mid Century Presence Oil on Board Painting

20th Century Expressionist Landscape Paintings

Alan Ian RonaldThe Alster Hamburg - Scottish 30's Expressionist oil painting riverscape Germany, 1935

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ronald Adams
Ronald Adams, "Summer Evening", 12x24 Tuscan Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas, 2018

Ronald Mallory
Grace Building on West 42nd St., Photorealist Oil Painting by Ronald Mallory, 1981

Ronald Pardoe
Ronald Pardoe - 20th Century Oil, Northwick Fields, Unknown

Ronald Peters
Ronald Peters (1937-2003) - 1973 Oil, Australian Landscape, 1973

Ronald Soeliman
Dutch Heath- 21st Century Contemporary Landscape Painting by Ronald Soeliman, 2018

Ronald Olley
Ronald Olley (b.1923) - Signed & Framed c. 2000 Oil, Horses Slain in Mud, Unknown

Ronald Shap
original Ronald Shap oil pastel character portrait - Ol' California, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, 1995

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, 1981

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
Original Ronald Shap figure drawing, signed, circa 1980

Ronald Soeliman
Vase with Tulips - 21st Century Contemporary Still-Life by Ronald Soeliman, 2019

Alan Ian Ronald
The Alster Hamburg - Scottish 30's Expressionist oil painting riverscape Germany, 1935

Ronald Soeliman
Dordogne (France)- 21st Century Contemporary Impressionistic Landscape Painting, 2020

Ronald Soeliman
The Fields- 21st Century Contemporary Impressionistic Dutch Landscape Painting, 2020

Ronald Soeliman
Sunny Day - 21st Century Contemporary Impressionistic Dutch Landscape Painting, 2020

Ronald Shap
Leonardo Dancing, circa 1990

Ronald Shap
San Gabriel Mountains, circa 1980

Ronald Shap
The Gold Hat, circa 1980

Ronald Zuurmond
Water plants (Delft Bleu), 2017

Ronald Greg
Mid Century French Landscape -- Paysage de L'Yonne, 1969

Ronald Zuurmond
Waterplants (Crimson), 2017

Ronald Benham
Summer, 20th Century British Landscape, Framed

Ronald Shap
Squash and Persimmons, circa 1990

Ronald Bateman
Friday Hangover, March 1985, 1985

Ronald Ossary Dunlop
The Bridge, Mid 20th Century

Ronald Shap
Afternoon Light, 1991

Ronald Shap
Shower, circa 1990

Ronald Bladen
Connie's Painting, c. 1956 - 59

Edna Reindel
Portrait of Ronald Colman, 1948