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You've decided to invest in a beautiful oil painting
reproduction. You have an idea of the type of painting you'd
like, but you're still unsure about making the purchase. This
anxiety is normal when considering a reproduction purchase for
the first time. Knowing the right questions to ask will enable
you to make a wise purchase.
Unlike machine-generated copies, oil reproductions are
hand-painted replicas of original paintings, which are created
by an actual skilled artist. You're naturally concerned about
getting great quality. Here are four things you should know
before buying an oil painting reproduction.
Know Your Artist
The artist is key to getting a fine reproduction that matches
the original. You'll want an artist who is both talented and
trained. Talent only is not enough. Any good artist can throw
together a reproduction that's similar to an original, but
formal training is usually necessary to be able to match
originals precisely. The artist must be able to study the
original artist's hand strokes, style, etc. to get a true grasp
on how to recreate the painting. It's best to buy from a company
that specializes in reproductions and has experienced artists
available at all times.
Know the Techniques
Another important thing you should know about reproductions is
how they're created. What materials were used? What methods were
used to put the painting together from start to finish? The
entire process of creating a reproduction is important - not
just the painting. The canvas, oils, brushes, lighting (while
painting) each contribute to the finished work.
Know the Important Terms
Here are several terms you'll need to be aware of when
considering an art reproduction:
1. Canvas - Find out if the canvas used is of high quality.
2. Oils - The oils used should also be high quality for
long-lasting beauty.
3. Stretching - When buying online, your painting might arrive
rolled up and unframed. In this case, you or someone will need
to stretch the painting onto stretcher bars (wooden bars
attached to the back of the stretched painting) before framing.
Check with local framing shops to see if they will do this for
you.
4. Varnishing - Varnish protects your painting reproduction from
light rays and humidity. Find out if the painting has been
varnished, or if you will need to do it yourself. If you plan to
do it yourself, you'll have to wait about a year for the
painting to dry completely. Varnishing is optional.
Know How to Care for Your Reproduction
If you find a great reproduction painting, you'll want to care
for it the right way. Before making your purchase, make sure you
have a place to store or display the painting that's away from
direct sunlight and usually dry. Extreme sunlight or humidity
can lead to flaking or cracking over time.
To clean your oil painting, use a soft cloth to dust the frame
and a soft bristled brush to dust the actual painting. Feather
dusters also work very well. Never apply moisture or chemicals
to the painting.
Knowing how to choose a painting and what to expect will help
you make an informed decision. The right oil reproduction
painting is a prize to be treasured for a lifetime.
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