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

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 8

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 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.

Tokyo Oil Painting

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Cindy Shaoul"Dripping Dots - Tokyo" Multicolor Contemporary Colorful Oil Painting Canvas, 2022

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Cindy Shaoul"Dripping Dots - Tokyo" Colorful Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, 2020

2010s Paintings

Paul G. OxboroughTokyo Sunrise, 2025

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Deborah RootPeacetime (Tokyo, Forever) - contemporary, figurative, oil on panel, 2023

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Ryoko WatanabeRed Tokyo : Crimson Elegance, 2011

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Wijnand DriessenCity View - 21st Century contemporary realistic painting of Tokyo, 2024

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Hiro AndoTokyo's Nighttime Symphony : Celestial Elevation, 2011

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Hiro AndoTokyo's Nocturnal Navigation : Guiding Lights, 2009

1960s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Tsuneo Takashima'Venice', Large Venetian Vedute Oil, Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo Sogenkai, 1968

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Hiro AndoOla Night Magic : Pandasan's Tokyo Serenade, 2010

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Jimmy YoshimuraKawai2 : Kawaii Konvergence, Tokyo's Dual Delights, 2009

Mid-20th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens

Oil on Canvas Painting "Bath House in Tokyo" by Frances Blakemore

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Jimmy YoshimuraWonderfull Ganjuro : Ganjuro's Marvel, Tokyo's Kabuki Revival, 2009

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Hiro AndoUrban Coordinates : 939 Nights in Tokyo's Dreamscape, 2009

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Hiro AndoUrban Coordinates : 969 Nights in Tokyo's Dreamscape, 2009

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Cindy Shaoul"My Horizon - Tokyo Nights" Abstract Colorful Contemporary Pop Painting on Paper, 2022

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Anthony HunterAbstract_Scrape/Drip Painting_Gloss on Canvas_Red/Black_Anthony Hunter, Tokyo, 2020

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Jimmy YoshimuraGrrrrr!!!!! : Urban Roar, Expressions in Tokyo's Manga Jungle, 2009

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Hiro AndoGolden Elegance : Tokyo Tower in the Night's Sonata, 2010

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Jimmy YoshimuraTwins : Duality in Manga Hue, A Tokyo Mirror, 2009

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Jimmy YoshimuraRed Hat : Crimson Crown, Tokyo's Icon of Resilience, 2009

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Hiro AndoPandasan 57-57 : Midnight Blooms in Tokyo Shadows, 2010

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Jimmy YoshimuraBee : Floral Intrigue, The Bee's Dance in Tokyo's Garden, 2009

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Jimmy YoshimuraFlower Flag : Sakura Blossoms in Technicolor, Tokyo's Floral Overture, 2009

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Jimmy YoshimuraRoses : Blossoms of Desire, The Prismatic Petals of Tokyo, 2009

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Jimmy YoshimuraDeep Blu : Azure Reflections, Tokyo's Depths in Manga Palette, 2009

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Hiro AndoEarly Summer Whispers in Battle Symphony : Tokyo Twilight Reverie, 2011

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Hiro AndoChanel Elegance : Midnight Soirée in Tokyo's Blossoms and Shadows, 2009

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Hiro AndoAlabaster Elegance and Crimson Echo : Kohaku's Dance in Tokyo's Night, 2009

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Alexandra PaculaDIGITAL - Contemporary Tokyo Cityscape / Urban Lights / Realism, 2019

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Karine BartoliFrench Contemporary Art by Karine Bartoli - Palais de Tokyo 1, 2025

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Teppei IkehilaJapanese Contemporary Art by Teppei Ikehila - Tokyo Olympic Poster II, 2022

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Teppei IkehilaJapanese Contemporary Art by Teppei Ikehila - Tokyo Olympic Poster III, 2022

1960s Other Art Style Landscape Paintings

Jean Kalisch'City View', Bay Area Abstraction, San Francisco, California Woman Artist, Tokyo, Circa 1965

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Sakue Omori'Mount Fuji', Japanese Abstraction, Isle de St. Louis, Paris, Tokyo, Modernism

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art Figurative Paintings

Gary JohnFake Tokyo Pop - Marilyn Monroe Original Figurative Pop Art by Gary John, 2022

1960s Modern Still-life Paintings

Jean Kalisch'Still Life, Coral and Jade', San Francisco Woman Artist, Tokyo, Calligraphy, Circa 1965

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Animal Paintings

Yuko Montgomery"Gratitude 1." (2020) By Yuko Montgomery, Original Oil Painting of Snail, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Animal Paintings

Yuko Montgomery"The Messenger of Zimbabwe" (2023) By Yuko Montgomery, Original Oil Painting, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Animal Paintings

Cindy Shaoul
"Dripping Dots - Tokyo" Multicolor Contemporary Colorful Oil Painting Canvas, 2022

Cindy Shaoul
"Dripping Dots - Tokyo" Colorful Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, 2020

Paul G. Oxborough
Tokyo Sunrise, 2025

Deborah Root
Peacetime (Tokyo, Forever) - contemporary, figurative, oil on panel, 2023

Ryoko Watanabe
Red Tokyo : Crimson Elegance, 2011

Wijnand Driessen
City View - 21st Century contemporary realistic painting of Tokyo, 2024

Hiro Ando
Tokyo's Nighttime Symphony : Celestial Elevation, 2011

Hiro Ando
Tokyo's Nocturnal Navigation : Guiding Lights, 2009

Tsuneo Takashima
'Venice', Large Venetian Vedute Oil, Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo Sogenkai, 1968

Hiro Ando
Ola Night Magic : Pandasan's Tokyo Serenade, 2010

Jimmy Yoshimura
Kawai2 : Kawaii Konvergence, Tokyo's Dual Delights, 2009

Jimmy Yoshimura
Wonderfull Ganjuro : Ganjuro's Marvel, Tokyo's Kabuki Revival, 2009

Hiro Ando
Urban Coordinates : 939 Nights in Tokyo's Dreamscape, 2009

Hiro Ando
Urban Coordinates : 969 Nights in Tokyo's Dreamscape, 2009

Cindy Shaoul
"My Horizon - Tokyo Nights" Abstract Colorful Contemporary Pop Painting on Paper, 2022

Anthony Hunter
Abstract_Scrape/Drip Painting_Gloss on Canvas_Red/Black_Anthony Hunter, Tokyo, 2020

Jimmy Yoshimura
Grrrrr!!!!! : Urban Roar, Expressions in Tokyo's Manga Jungle, 2009

Hiro Ando
Golden Elegance : Tokyo Tower in the Night's Sonata, 2010

Jimmy Yoshimura
Twins : Duality in Manga Hue, A Tokyo Mirror, 2009

Jimmy Yoshimura
Red Hat : Crimson Crown, Tokyo's Icon of Resilience, 2009

Hiro Ando
Pandasan 57-57 : Midnight Blooms in Tokyo Shadows, 2010

Jimmy Yoshimura
Bee : Floral Intrigue, The Bee's Dance in Tokyo's Garden, 2009

Jimmy Yoshimura
Flower Flag : Sakura Blossoms in Technicolor, Tokyo's Floral Overture, 2009

Jimmy Yoshimura
Roses : Blossoms of Desire, The Prismatic Petals of Tokyo, 2009

Jimmy Yoshimura
Deep Blu : Azure Reflections, Tokyo's Depths in Manga Palette, 2009

Hiro Ando
Early Summer Whispers in Battle Symphony : Tokyo Twilight Reverie, 2011

Hiro Ando
Chanel Elegance : Midnight Soirée in Tokyo's Blossoms and Shadows, 2009

Hiro Ando
Alabaster Elegance and Crimson Echo : Kohaku's Dance in Tokyo's Night, 2009

Alexandra Pacula
DIGITAL - Contemporary Tokyo Cityscape / Urban Lights / Realism, 2019

Karine Bartoli
French Contemporary Art by Karine Bartoli - Palais de Tokyo 1, 2025

Teppei Ikehila
Japanese Contemporary Art by Teppei Ikehila - Tokyo Olympic Poster II, 2022

Teppei Ikehila
Japanese Contemporary Art by Teppei Ikehila - Tokyo Olympic Poster III, 2022

Jean Kalisch
'City View', Bay Area Abstraction, San Francisco, California Woman Artist, Tokyo, Circa 1965

Sakue Omori
'Mount Fuji', Japanese Abstraction, Isle de St. Louis, Paris, Tokyo, Modernism

Gary John
Fake Tokyo Pop - Marilyn Monroe Original Figurative Pop Art by Gary John, 2022

Jean Kalisch
'Still Life, Coral and Jade', San Francisco Woman Artist, Tokyo, Calligraphy, Circa 1965

Yuko Montgomery
"Gratitude 1." (2020) By Yuko Montgomery, Original Oil Painting of Snail, 2020

Yuko Montgomery
"The Messenger of Zimbabwe" (2023) By Yuko Montgomery, Original Oil Painting, 2023

Yuko Montgomery
"Extravagant Coat" (2021) By Yuko Montgomery, Original Oil Painting of Vulture, 2021

Ib Eisner
'Still Life with Fruit and Flowers', Paris, Tokyo, London, Copenhagen Academy, 1953

Yuko Montgomery
"The Omen of Nature" (2022) By Yuko Montgomery, Original Oil Painting of Owl, 2022

Sanzo Wada
'Still Life of Green and Black Grapes', Tokyo School of Fine Arts, Academy Award, 1959

Maki Kuchida
"Leaf Green Collar " figurative painting pigments silk smile kindness warmth, 2023

Maki Kuchida
"Silver Alice Band " figurative painting pigments silk smile kindness warmth, 2023

Maki Kuchida
"Pink Cotton candy" figurative painting pigments silk smile kindness warmth, 2023

Maki Kuchida
"Pretty House" contemporary Japanese landscape painting mineral pigments silk, 2020

Maki Kuchida
"Mountain Path" Japanese landscape painting mineral pigments on silk nature, 2020

Maki Kuchida
"Unborn" Japanese figurative silk painting birds love peace sense of solidarity, 2023

Maki Kuchida
"The Seed" Japanese figurative painting pigments on silk discovery trueself girl, 2023

Maki Kuchida
"Forget Me Not" figurative painting pigments on silk smile kindness warmth girl, 2023

Maki Kuchida
"At the Bus Stop" figurative painting pigments silk smile kindness warmth girl, 2023

Maki Kuchida
"Separate Me from the Earth" Japanese figurative silk painting birds love peace, 2023

Maki Kuchida
"White Crow" Japanese landscape painting mineral pigments on silk nature bird, 2020

Maki Kuchida
"Tree of Ipu" Japanese landscape painting pigments on silk nature Hawaii colors, 2023

Maki Kuchida
"2000 Years Old" Japanese landscape painting pigments on silk nature baobab tree, 2020

Akiko Sugiyama
Akiko Sugiyama Japanese Calligraphy Painting Collage, 3D Shadow Box Sculpture

Manabu Onogi (Onoki)
Landscape T.L.B., c.1960