How do I repair and finish an oil painting?

Question

While cleaning out my mom and dad's house I came across a lovely oil painting that my mom painted about 65 years ago of a woman carrying water. I think she did a superb job with the painting with the exception of the face which needs some shading around the chin area. She must have felt the face needed work too because I can see where she penciled in some shading around the side of the face and just under the chin. I would like to try and finish the face for her and then get it framed. My question is, should I have this done professionally and if so, where do I find someone qualified to do this? Also, how do I clean the painting? It's a little dusty after all these years.

Answer 1

A couple of things i would suggest before attempting to finish the painting. Check to see if the painting has been varnished, if not, i would do this first. The reason is, if it doesn't come out right the retouching can be safely removed without disturbing the original underlying painted surface. If you plan to have it done, find an artist that will stay true to your mom's artistic style. Having the painting appraised will also give you an idea to what degree the painting can have this work done without affecting it's value. Remember that any work done to the painting by other than the original artist needs to be noted and becomes part of the painting's history. ---------Guerro from San Antonio, Tex (my art page can be viewed on hellosanantonio.com)

Answer 2

Hi,

I think you want to start cleaning your Mom's painting first, perhaps with a "Swiffer Duster" that attracts dust.

If there is not too much for you to paint, I recommend you paint it yourself. It would be alot less expensive for you. I recommend you buy a large selection of "Old Holland" oil paints, because they are professional oil paints. I hope you also get a very small brush, and lightly dot in what you imagined for this painting. Also, try to find a pallete for you that does not absorb oil paints. I hope that assists you.

Sincerely,
Erin Young

Answer 3

For cleaning see if you can with a very soft brush like a makeup brush and lightly remove the dust, if not take it to a professional. The people at the frame shop should know places where they clean paintings. If you decide to frame it yourself you will need specialzed tolls to do it right, so I would take it to a frame shop.
You can find frame shops by searching on line.