How do I identify a 1960s painting?

Look for characteristic mid-century colour palettes, modernist abstraction, and materials such as canvas stretched over period wooden frames. Signatures and dates inscribed by the artist often confirm the decade of creation. Examine the back of the canvas or paper for gallery labels, framing stamps, or inscriptions that provide clues to the origin and date.

What is the difference between oil and watercolour?

Oil paint uses drying oils to bind pigments, allowing for thick impasto textures and rich, buildable layers on canvas or board. Watercolour relies on water-soluble pigments applied to paper, producing luminous, transparent washes. Oils offer a robust, textured surface suited to bold brushwork, while watercolours deliver delicate precision and atmospheric lightness.

Are lithographs considered original art?

Original lithographs are prints where the artist draws directly onto the stone or plate, making each impression part of an authorised limited edition. These differ sharply from mechanical reproductions or posters printed decades later. Check for plate signatures, numbering, and publisher stamps to confirm the print dates from the active period of the artist.

How should I hang and light mid-century art?

Hang paintings and framed works on interior walls away from direct sunlight to protect pigments from fading over time. Maintain stable room humidity to preserve wood frames, canvas integrity, and paper supports. Position picture lights or adjustable ceiling spotlights above the work to illuminate the brush texture and colour nuances without generating excessive heat.