how do you know if a picture is a print or a real painting?

Question

I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE PAINTING ?? I WANT TO SELL ON EBAY BUT I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S A PAINTING OR A PRINT AND IT'S ABOUT 50-70 YRS OLD. THAT'S WHY I AM ASKING HOW I CAN TELL. THANKS SO MUCH,

Answer 1

you can't always see the paint... watercolors and sometimes old oils have very hard to see brush-strokes...

a surefire way to know is, Prints always have a print edition number, and probably a title and name in the bottom of the image (if it's framed it may be covered). P print will have relatively clean, square, edges and some blank paper around the border (unless they trimmed it, which is very rare) the info would be written in the blank border at the bottom... and on rare occasions on the back.

If the image goes to the edge, it's likely a painting.

With a keen eye you would be able to see the edges of the colors in a print (they'll overlap, and they'll vary in thickness, etc. but they lay down as one solid layer)

For the untrained eye, the edges are usually a dead give-away. If it is on canvas, (and 50 years old) it's a painting... some new prints, will even try to replicate the canvas. or print on canvas, not so 50 years ago. If it is on a smooth paper, with no texture (tooth) it is likely a print, textured paper can be either a print or a watercolor... or sometimes acrylic...

But to be sure, go to a nearby frameshop, and they'll be able to tell you right away.

And don't think that just because it's a print it isn't worth much, there are prints worth more than all my worldly possessions several times over.

Answer 2

If it is printed it will feel smooth to the touch and if it is painted it will have some texture. Even water colour paint will have a dry feel to it. If you're not sure you could have it appraised at your local dealers.

Answer 3

I was all prepared to answer this question, because I've had 36 years of experience in the art world, & then I read Jonny Propagand...he said it all. EVERYTHING he said should help you lots. I was/am the trustee of another artist's estate, & once got an e-mail from a gal who had gotten one of his paintings at a garage sale for SEVEN DOLLARS. Wow. If the person who sold it only knew! It was worth well over $5,000. & has probably appreciated since then. It's good that you asked!

Answer 4

Prints are flat (printed). Painting, you can see and feel the oil paint on them.

Answer 5

by way of touch . A portray could have a delicate roughness . a rapid way is to scatter the scrapings of pencil lead . Then tiltthe paper . whether this is a portray some will carry on with the floor till you blow it off . A lithograph is soft and the scrapings/dirt won't adhere to the floor