Purchasing an authentic oil painting can be a major investment. To protect this major expenditure, make sure that the contemporary art piece is an authentic creation of your chosen artist. Unfortunately, there are so many replicas of abstract art pieces sold in the market, and even with the expertise of trained art professionals, reproductions of oil painting pieces still make their way into many Singapore art galleries and auction houses. Considering the sneaky abilities of art forger and the skyrocketed price tags of these replica art pieces, it is solely up to you to make sure that the art you bought is a legitimate creation.
1. Only deal with reputable dealers
When searching for an oil painting, deal only with reputable Singapore companies. Though high-end galleries and auction houses have had instances where replica pieces pass through them, the chances of buying a fake art work is very limited. Ask around for recommendations and visit the place personally.
2. Look for authentication certificate
A reputable art gallery doesn’t simply display and sell art works without certificate of authentication. Ask to see the certificate or, if it’s not available, let a professional painting expert investigate the piece. Another authentication mark to look for is the copyright symbol. Look for the “©” symbol and the date of production.
3. Examine the materials used
Though some contemporary art singapore paintings are done on canvas, many are printed on paper, cardboard or fiberboard that are usually grey in color. The art piece’s weight is another clue. If the painting is lightweight, it’s probably a replica. If the painting is on canvas, inspect the painting while holding it up to the light, as replicas are often visible from the back. Original contemporary art pieces are usually painted on canvas, certain types of wood, and Masonite panel. If painted on canvas, most authentic art works have stretchers, which are a good sign of authenticity.
4. Look for dots
Replicas of an original oil painting tend to have dot patterns which can only be visible under magnifying lenses. When going in an art gallery, bring a small magnifying lens with you to thoroughly inspect every art work. The pattern is the same feature that appears on magazines and images printed in books. Before visiting an art gallery, view several photos with dot patterns to serve as your comparison.
5. Inspect closely the brush strokes
Because prints are plain images with no depth, replicas have clear gel applied to mimic brush strokes. Feel and look closely at the painting to notice the brush strokes. If all you can feel is a smooth plain texture, then it’s most likely a replica. Real painting brush strokes can be simply identified through your fingertips. Real brush strokes have tactile and uneven surface that represents depth.
6. Notice the signature
An oil painting with a signature on doesn’t always mean it’s authentic. Oftentimes, this feature is added to the replica to fool buyers. Use a magnifying lens to look closely for dot pattern and clear gel painted in top of the signature. If the brush strokes are correlated with the signature without the “flat” look of printed image, then it’s probably an original art piece.