How do I date an oil painting?

Examine the canvas type, stretcher construction, and style of the signature. Pigment analysis and framing materials also offer clues to the period. Artists often inscribed dates or location notes on the reverse of wood panels and canvas stretchers. Comparing these details with known working dates of the painter helps confirm the era.

Where should I hang these artworks?

Display paintings away from direct sunlight and damp walls to protect canvas and paper. Stable indoor temperatures prevent warping in wood panels. Choose wall spaces that complement the scale of the frame. Adequate spacing allows the composition to be viewed without visual clutter.

What is the difference between oil and watercolour?

Oil paint uses slow drying pigments suspended in oil, allowing thick application and easy blending. Watercolour relies on water-soluble pigments on paper, creating luminous, transparent effects. Oils require rigid supports like canvas or board, while watercolours need protection behind glass to prevent moisture damage.

How do I identify a reproduction from an original?

Original paintings show brush texture, raised paint edges, and distinct pigment layers under magnification. Reproductions display uniform dot patterns or flat printed surfaces. Check for artist signatures that sit above the paint layer or paper fibres that match the stated historical period.