True or False: Unsigned paintings usually sell for less?

Why is a signature so important?  It provides authenticity to the painting, recognition for the artist, and identification if a question of "is this the genuine article?" comes up. The artist’s signature on a painting is as if the artist is guaranteeing that this is his or her own work. Call it the artist's own personal advertisement. In addition, an unsigned work leaves an opening for forgery or perhaps a “bait ‘n switch” to occur.

I was doing some online research recently when I came across one of my paintings in a collection. Luckily it was signed, but still open for someone else to download a copy. Since none of us can prevent this sort of thing from happening, we are vulnerable to theft. Many social sites do not have encryption available on their sites to safeguard your artwork.

I’ve also had my blog columns lifted and placed on someone else’s blog without my permission. Sometimes they give you credit and sometimes your name is so small that viewers may assume that the owner of the blog wrote the article. Your intellectual property is at risk even though you declare that copyright laws are in place. This puts every artist, writer, and musician at the mercy of those who must police this kind of plagiarism.

"Brown Thrasher" 20 x 16 oil on canvas 

Sometimes an unsigned painting may be recognized by the style of the brush marks and the subject of composition. Professional galleries and authorized experts may be qualified to make that determination; otherwise, it’s just guesswork. Be sure you obtain an authorized person or gallery to verify the work for you.

One such gallery is Rehs Galleries, Inc. I’ve taken the liberty of quoting or paraphrasing from their newsletter archives, August 2006:

“Do your research. Many so-called experts only claim they are experts” For that reason, Rehs advises that when you purchase a painting you should buy one that is signed so that your painting will be easier to sell in the future and there will be no doubts as to its authenticity.

"Sand hill Crane, foraging" oil on panel

Why on earth wouldn’t an artist sign a painting?

• They may have simply forgotten.
• The painting may have been part of a collection that was not for sale at the time.
• If the artist normally signs his or her paintings, the one without a signature may be an anomaly and may not retain its value unless authorized by a gallery or a professional in this field.
• Be consistent in how your signature looks; it should be recognizable.
•  A buyer may request that the artist sign on the back of the painting, instead.
• After the death of the artist, an Estate Stamp may be used to identify unsigned artwork.

If you would like to read more from this article, connect to this link: Rehs Galleries, Inc.

True or False: Unsigned paintings usually sell for less?

Answer:  False.  If the painting is either “Estate Stamped” or authorized by an accredited authority, the painting will retain its value.

Want some suggestions on where and how to sign your paintings. Here are two simple videos that stress what’s important:

1.    Use a small liner brush

2.    Use soft color to blend in with the painting

3.    Acrylic paint that puddles, but does not run

4.    Avoid “center of interest” side

5.    Don’t let signature distract

The videos below help illustrate these key factors.

Your "Stuff and Nonsense" may turn into a Firebrand

"Fish Market" mixed media on canvas (acrylic underpainting; oil on main images)

I have a file on my computer called “Stuff” where I put down ideas for blogs and articles. I get a one-word idea, and then ramble on with it to see if it has substance. Some of my one or two word ideas really take off; others fizzle out after one or two sentences.

When that happens, I do some research on the subject to see what turns up. If I’m lucky (or blessed), I find a plethora of information. If there’s nothing, or the word has a negative connotation, I go back to square one.

One such word was “firebrand.” I loved the sound of it rolling off my tongue. I had a few ideas on which direction I could take it, but then I actually looked the word up:

Firebrand, “One that creates unrest or strife; urges crowds to riot (I certainly didn’t want that!); progressively promotes a cause – an agitator.” I didn’t like that definition either.

But the more I thought about it, I decided that was exactly the word I wanted to write about. I liked this description: “One that creates unrest or strife.” Artwork is supposed to cause people to think, to push them to analyze and to cause unrest or strife within. Fine art is supposed to change us in some way, either to shake us up and help us see another point of view or to inspire us and motivate us.

"Hey, Coconut, Mon!" mixed media on canvas (acrylic underpainting; oil on main images)

Most people think of art as beauty. I was sitting in a relative’s living room this weekend (relaxing after a wedding celebration and the reason for my late blog!) admiring a painting on the wall. Actually, the watercolor was very bland. The background was tinged light ochre, beige and tan. A dark brown tree spread its naked branches against the yellow cast sky.

I realized that I’m a firebrand kind of person. I want to make a statement. My paintings don’t blend in or stay in the background, they are more conversation pieces. They either draw you or repel you, depending on your point of view. I have difficulty painting fluffy pretty scenes. I’ve had to master this technique and by the time the canvas is finished, I’m eager to move on

.

We each have our own style, but there’s one thing that we must all agree upon: without passion and conviction, the final work may look and feel like a puddle of paint. 

The word firebrand also describes the hot iron that burns rancher’s initials on his or her cattle. Artists must create their own firebrand that becomes recognizable; a signature that is unique and represents not only the artist’s name, but a clue as to his or her style. 

"Early Christian logo created from the
Greek word for fish"

I wish I’d created something more unique than just my first initial and last name. I’ve seen some very clever logos that are remembered and admired. If you’re just starting out, I recommend creating something different. Make it simple. Make it memorable. Then when your fans see something of yours, they’ll recognize it in an instant.

(I just threw this one in for fun!)

Use your “firebrand” to create unrest, strife, or simply a tranquil experience that people will buy and treasure for many years to come.

The Joy of Creating Something you Love

"The Dance" 9x12 Pastel on Bristol

Whether it’s an article, a work of art, or a product, we can all relate to that feeling of pleasure and accomplishment that creation brings. Something of ourselves enriches the finished work and adds a sparkle of originality and freshness.

That’s why we keep doing what we’re doing. We want to repeat that feeling. We have something inside of us that will burst unless we share it. The more spontaneous and responsive we can be to whatever it is that drives us, the more authentic our voice becomes. Soon, our offerings are recognizable. Each new creation has our signature.

"Sand Crane Dreams" 18x28 mixed media on canvas

It takes years of craftsmanship to reach that level and a stiff upper lip and spine to get beyond the barrage of negative feedback we may encounter. If our style veers from the current norms, we are open to criticism. Some people “won’t get us.” Others are quick to criticize saying we have gone too far outside the box or outside the lines of accepted behavior. But we keep on doing what we’re doing, even though at times we weep inside.

Andy Warhol did. Picasso did too. Many, many others have tuned out the voices and listened to their own unique beat, going beyond the limits, knowing they were open to criticism but doing what their inner voice demanded anyway.

"With These Hands -- Hope" 16x20 mixed media on canvas

It takes courage to pursue our dreams when all we get is criticism. A few encouraging words can send us soaring, and keep us going for weeks at a time. When the darkness descends, review every accolade you’ve ever received, every accomplishment, every fine thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of your goals. Treasure these thoughts like gold. Bury them in your heart and cherish the memories.

Some day you will rise again. Something will click. New determination will descend from the heavens. Your star will shine and pull you from your pity party into new heights of achievement.

Fellow creators are cheering you on. Our united voices will pull you from the ashes of self defeat and give you the push you need to face exposure and criticism once again. Never give up. “The best is yet to come!”