Question 1

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 2

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 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

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

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 18

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 19

Are oil paintings more valuable than paintings done in acrylic?

Accepted Answer

Oils typically command higher prices than acrylic paintings, because they generally require more skill.

Question 20

Did Cy Twombly use oil paint?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cy Twombly did use oil paint, although his method was quite unique. He would run his fingers in the paint to create channels, and would then use oil paint in ‘globs’. House paint overtop would then merge the paints into a completed piece. Shop a selection of Cy Twombly’s pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Chicago Oil Painting

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Interior Paintings

Yangzi XuThe Chicago Beat, Oil Painting, 2024

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Leon SarantosCobb Hall, Chicago, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2013

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist Interior Paintings

Suren NersisyanChicago from the River, Midday, Oil Painting, 2021

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Douglas Stuart AllenLarge Chicago Impressionist Oil Painting Fishing Boats Choppy Seas Harbour, 20TH CENTURY

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Louis Philippe KammFrench Impressionist oil painting Caldwell Woods Chicago Plein Air Original 1940, 1940

Mid-20th Century American Realist Abstract Paintings

1960s "Rib Cage" Oil on Canvas Painting Art Institute of Chicago, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Chicago/Wisconsin Artist Aaron Bohrod Oil Painting, circa 1940s, Shop Windows

1930s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Richard Chase'High Sierras', California Mountain Lake Oil Landscape, Chicago Art Institute, Circa 1925

1910s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Arvid NyholmLandscape Painting by Arvid Nyholm, Impressionist, Swedish American, Chicago, circa 1910-1920

Early 20th Century Surrealist Paintings

William Samuel SchwartzElements, Surrealism, Chicago Artist, Planets, circa 1928 - 1929

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Don PollackChicago Portage - Serene Wooded Landscape with Stormy Skies, Oil on Canvas, 2021

Late 20th Century American Modern Abstract Paintings

William Shields "The Voyage" Abstract Oil Bill Shields Chicago Academy of Fine Art, 1992

2010s Realist Paintings

Quang HoStill Pool, Oil Painting, 2018

1980s Surrealist Animal Paintings

David HumphreyTrophy, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, unique signed painting w/provenance, 1983

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Interior Paintings

Yangzi XuRadiance, Oil Painting, 2021

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Judd Mercer"Transitory, " Oil painting, 2021

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Albert Vidal MorenoI Know Everything - Birds Eye View of Chicago Looking East, Oil & Acrylic, 2020

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Louis Recchia"Bystander, " Oil Painting , 2020

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Quang HoSeated, Oil Painting, 2020

2010s Post-Impressionist Nude Paintings

Quang Ho"Nymphs", Oil Painting, 2022

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Interior Paintings

Yangzi XuMichigan Ave, Oil Painting, 2022

Vintage 1920s Arts and Crafts Paintings

Arts & Crafts Impressionist Landscape Painting, Chicago Artist, 1926

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Interior Paintings

Yangzi XuMagnificent Mile, Oil Painting, 2022

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Interior Paintings

Yangzi XuWalker Drive, Oil Painting, 2022

1990s Surrealist Paintings

Bill StoneEASY STREET, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 1992

2010s Realist Nude Paintings

Kang Cho"Reclining Nude", Oil Painting,

2010s Realist Animal Paintings

Quang HoYoung Cowboy, Oil Painting, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist Interior Paintings

Yangzi XuNYC Night, Oil Painting, 2022

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Judd Mercer"Sleeping Giants, " Oil painting, 2020

1950s Modern Landscape Paintings

Trompe L'Oeil "Old Town Chicago" Signed Van Zandt Street Scene Modern Painting, 1950

2010s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Louis Recchia"Violin Player, " Oil Painting , 2022

2010s Impressionist Abstract Paintings

Louis Recchia"Modern Gallery, " Oil Painting , 2016

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist Interior Paintings

Yangzi XuConcrete Forest, Oil Painting, 2020

2010s Surrealist Animal Paintings

Louis Recchia"Urban Zoo" Oil painting

2010s Impressionist Animal Paintings

Louis Recchia"Family Unit" Oil painting

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Landscape Paintings

Charles TersoloChicago, original expressionist American urban landscape

2010s Photorealist Animal Paintings

Rachel Linnemeier"Purrfect Pet, " Oil Painting, 2017

2010s Photorealist Animal Paintings

Rachel Linnemeier"All Dogs, " Oil Painting, 2017

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

David MellenAbstract oil painting: 'Descent', 2020

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Yangzi Xu
The Chicago Beat, Oil Painting, 2024

Leon Sarantos
Cobb Hall, Chicago, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2013

Suren Nersisyan
Chicago from the River, Midday, Oil Painting, 2021

Douglas Stuart Allen
Large Chicago Impressionist Oil Painting Fishing Boats Choppy Seas Harbour, 20TH CENTURY

Louis Philippe Kamm
French Impressionist oil painting Caldwell Woods Chicago Plein Air Original 1940, 1940

Richard Chase
'High Sierras', California Mountain Lake Oil Landscape, Chicago Art Institute, Circa 1925

Arvid Nyholm
Landscape Painting by Arvid Nyholm, Impressionist, Swedish American, Chicago, circa 1910-1920

William Samuel Schwartz
Elements, Surrealism, Chicago Artist, Planets, circa 1928 - 1929

Don Pollack
Chicago Portage - Serene Wooded Landscape with Stormy Skies, Oil on Canvas, 2021

William Shields
"The Voyage" Abstract Oil Bill Shields Chicago Academy of Fine Art, 1992

Quang Ho
Still Pool, Oil Painting, 2018

David Humphrey
Trophy, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, unique signed painting w/provenance, 1983

Yangzi Xu
Radiance, Oil Painting, 2021

Judd Mercer
"Transitory, " Oil painting, 2021

Albert Vidal Moreno
I Know Everything - Birds Eye View of Chicago Looking East, Oil & Acrylic, 2020

Louis Recchia
"Bystander, " Oil Painting , 2020

Quang Ho
Seated, Oil Painting, 2020

Quang Ho
"Nymphs", Oil Painting, 2022

Yangzi Xu
Michigan Ave, Oil Painting, 2022

Yangzi Xu
Magnificent Mile, Oil Painting, 2022

Yangzi Xu
Walker Drive, Oil Painting, 2022

Bill Stone
EASY STREET, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 1992

Kang Cho
"Reclining Nude", Oil Painting,

Quang Ho
Young Cowboy, Oil Painting, 2023

Yangzi Xu
NYC Night, Oil Painting, 2022

Judd Mercer
"Sleeping Giants, " Oil painting, 2020

Louis Recchia
"Violin Player, " Oil Painting , 2022

Louis Recchia
"Modern Gallery, " Oil Painting , 2016

Yangzi Xu
Concrete Forest, Oil Painting, 2020

Louis Recchia
"Urban Zoo" Oil painting

Louis Recchia
"Family Unit" Oil painting

Charles Tersolo
Chicago, original expressionist American urban landscape

Rachel Linnemeier
"Purrfect Pet, " Oil Painting, 2017

Rachel Linnemeier
"All Dogs, " Oil Painting, 2017

David Mellen
Abstract oil painting: 'Descent', 2020

Sandra Pratt
"Impending Storm, " Oil painting, 2022

Quang Ho
Irises, Oil Painting, 2023

Quang Ho
"Figs", Oil Painting, 2023

Irena Orlov
Chicago Cityscape Mixed Media Painting on Canvas 38 x 56", 2019

Michael Budden
Chicago River Wrigley Clock Tower Cityscape Urban Painting by Michael Budden, 2018

William Lee Hankey
'Brixham Harbour, Devon' an antique oil painting

Dorothy Frants
'Pink and White Dog Roses', Large Oil Still Life, Chicago Woman artist, 1960

Valerie Berkely
Winter Melt, Abstract Oil Painting, 2024

Valerie Berkely
Winter Song, Abstract Oil Painting, 2024

Yangzi Xu
Fire and Rain, Oil Painting, 2021

Annika Connor
"East Coast Summer" Painting, Oil on Linen , 2019

Mark Daily
"Winter's Last Moments" Oil Painting

Ekaterina Ermilkina
Romantic Escape - Original Oil Painting, 2024

Ekaterina Ermilkina
City Streets - Original Oil Painting, 2024

Valerie Berkely
Four Birch Trunks, Oil Painting, 2020

Valerie Berkely
Seven Birch Trunks, Oil Painting, 2020

Louis Recchia
"The Cautious Guardian, " Oil Painting , 2022

Louis Recchia
"Interior with Picasso, " Oil Painting , 2022

Adolf Arthur Dehn
Chicago Skyline, c. 1929/30