How do I identify an impressionist painting?

Impressionist paintings are characterised by visible, rapid brushstrokes and an emphasis on light and its changing qualities. Subjects are typically drawn from everyday life, landscapes, and marine scenes rather than historical or mythological narratives. Examination of the surface often reveals thick paint application and unblended colours placed side by side to be mixed by the viewer's eye from a distance.

What is the difference between canvas and board?

Canvas is a woven fabric stretched across a wooden frame, offering slight flexibility and a textured surface suited to layered oil paint. Board provides a rigid support made from wood pulp or compressed material, often found in smaller outdoor studies. Both supports were widely utilised by painters working outdoors, though board typically requires careful storage to prevent warping over time.

How should I care for an oil painting?

Oil paintings on canvas or board benefit from stable indoor environments away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Regular gentle dusting with a soft, dry brush keeps the surface clear of particles. Avoid using liquid cleaners or abrasive materials on the painted surface or the surrounding gilt frame to preserve the original materials.

Are watercolours different from oil paintings?

Watercolours utilise pigments suspended in a water-based solution applied to paper or board, creating transparent washes of colour. Oil paintings use pigments bound in drying oils, resulting in opaque layers that dry slowly and allow extensive reworking. Watercolour works require protective glass framing to prevent moisture damage, whereas oil paintings on canvas remain exposed to the air.