Thanks, Dianne, I would only add a tip to your tip and that is - make sure your signature isn't obscured by the frame, since I've had to repaint my signature on more than one occasion because it was too low. So check the frame to make sure it's going to work.
Yes I learned that early on to always check that it is going to fit inside the mat before signing. Because when it is showing halfway you can't exactly repaint a new signature at least not in watercolor (my medium) .
I would like to thank you a lot for this Quick Tip, all the other Quick Tips and the Full-Length Videos you offer for a more than fair price to us. Highly appreciate your work!
I just saw the video and I’m so thankful for your thoughts about signatures and the date. I truly appreciate it. Great info to remember after finishing a painting. Blessings and be safe.
I agree that an artist's signature should remain consistent so that people can recognize it, but I recently made the decision to change my signature, and I'll tell you all why, It's because my signature was in cursive. I have switched to a very similar looking, but printed signature since watching my child go to school and learning a bit of hand writing and then never using again, my youngest child was never taught hand writing at all. Keyboarding has taken over. When they have children of their own one day, they won't be able to read cursive. I can foresee at time when nobody will be left that can read cursive, so now I print mine. Something to thing about.
Personally, I regret that today's kids are learning cursive because to my eye, handwriting reveals something of a person's identity. About signatures, it's fun to look at a collection of master artists chronologically and study their handling of signature. You can get an idea of that by going to www.the-athenaeum.org/
I regret it as well, and do agree that it does show a lot of personality. Hand writing can be beautiful and artistic in and of itself. My husband is talented at calligraphy and it is amazing what he can do with his fancy pen and ink.
Great information. Thank you for sharing. Another consideration is if you are framing the work, make sure there is room between the edge of the canvas and the signature. As a new artist, I tended to place my signature too close to the edge and the frame covered it up.
Thank you for your quick tip on signing paintings. My art teacher has told me, if I am copying an old master, to add his name after my name, with the word after before it. So it will read "after Rembrandt" or whatever. In other words you are acknowledging who the genius was! (Not me!)
This was very informative. On very heavy textured oil, when and how would you suggest to sign your painting. I thought of etching name with knife while wet.
Interesting tips but perhaps when signing in oils with a brush the letters need to be a bit larger. Those with a longer name will find it more difficult. Also if Framing your painting, make sure you leave sufficient margin for the depth of the frame. Before signing anything I would practice first and then lightly pencil mark the position of the proposed signature.
Great video as always 🙏 I’m a new artist and I have around 20 paintings which I signed already! I signed with my first name initial and my surname, but I want to change that to my full name and surname!!! My question is: is it okay to have paintings on my website with my old and my new signature? Or I must change the old one, and how to change it on a varnished oil paintings? Thank you in advance 🙏🙏
... İn addition to full name of painter, location, date and name of painting; kind of paint, the material and dimensions of the surface that was used to paint should be written on the back of painting, as the ID of painting... This is an international application, almost a global rule.
i am a novice. to me,, the sig date and other info should b the back and include as much or as little as the artist wants. i find sigs egotistical and gross on a piece of art. we all know who the artist is if we care
@@chevy4x466 "We know who the artist is if we care" Really? How would we know? You'll continue to remain a novice if that's actually your belief. I don't buy unsigned paintings. You can buy unsigned paintings at a dollar store or Walmart if that's your preference.
Thanks for the info. Can you please tell me what is the best thing to use for signing? I paint with acrylic then seal afterwards. I have tried to use a paint marker once or twice but they seem to smear or feather. I have used acrylic with a tiny brush but I feel like it sometimes makes a blob. (not easy either) Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Beverly, first sign before sealing or varnishing. Should the painting ever need to be restored, the signature will go away if it is not signed on the paint itself. For signing, try thinning the paint with just enough medium to make it fluid enough to flow smoothly from a brush, then use a tiny pointed brush. Finding the right brush is the trick. I use a Loew-Cornell #1 liner 7350. Also, I do the signature with a pastel pencil first, then trace over it with the brush & paint. My preferred method of signing oil paintings is with quarter inch dowel sharpened with a pencil sharpener, etched into the painting while it's still wet. Hope this helps.
That ends up being a personal choice. I use two methods: if I remember to do so while the paint is still wet, I engrave my signature into the wet paint with a sharpened dowel. If I don't remember to sign before the paint dries, I use a number 000 brush with paint very slightly thinned with Liquin. I don't recommend using acrylic or ink pens over oils as their results are easily removed.
Excellent knowledge of signature and talking in so much of experience made me more cautious while I would paint now, but the signatures I do is very similar as guided by you. As very recently I did a live painting on canvas of size 66"x42" in acrylic colours on stage, in front of 1200 persons watching the show, while India's top singer Mr. Anup Jalota was singing for 20 min. I would like to show the painting as I painted the song which was very popular and had a lot of meaning to it ....
Thank you Dianne. I have a little different question. My style is abstract painting, mostly, but not exclusively. I love to see people see different things and experience different feelings when they turn my paintings. Where should I sign then? Can I sign on the side? Also, my name is Irene Kalantzis, but I don't think anyone can pronounce my last name. Can I sign Irene K, in the front of the none abstract peaces and IK on the sides of the abstract ones?
There are a lot of attitudes about where to sign. Generally, people look in the lower left for a signature which is were we see signatures of most of our historical masters. You should not fret about whether people can pronounce your name. Bouguereau's name is rarely pronounced correctly, but that's not the kind of thing to be concerned about.
Mam while signing an artwork weather to do it in your handwriting or your authentic signature actually mine includes a cut as I write vatsal so the curve of v cuts it and over the top cut of t also cuts v
History has proven that to get yourself professionally recognized as a goal never really works. The best way is to be true to yourself and follow the path that feels right to you.
Question... please show how to get the right consistency of oil paint to write with. I have a long name. The brush runs out and the letters are too fat. I want to do a script but keep reverting to printing. It looks very un-artustic. Can you help with that please? Thanks. Your video tips are great 👍
Joy, add just enough medium to the paint to make it flow. With a long name, you'll most likely need to reload the brush several times. Your best bet there is to practice on scrap to find just how much medium you need and when you'll need to reload.
My paintings tend to be very full, sometimes I found no place to put signature. I will then hide it somewhere (the color of signature is similar to the objects around it) as part of the painting. You will have to look for it, like hide and seek, kind of fun. Regarding date, I always do it for my formal ones. But then I have an idea. Some of my paintings are the idea/conceptual type. I have paintings with the idea conceived 30 yrs before. So I will put two dates. One is the original conceived date, one the completing date, to remind myself how lazy I have been. 😄
I don't trust those pens. One certain way is to sharpen a dowel and use it to scratch your signature in while the painting is still wet. The other is to sign in paint with a pointed brush.
Diane I enjoy your teaching videos and like your 'teacher' style. I've been signing my paintings with a fine indelible felt pen and putting the date on the back only. Does this sound okay to you?
Well, first of all thank you for your instructions. I actually have several questions; first, should or can I use my nickname "my online artist/ gallery name" or my real name on paintings? As I plan to make my own brand in future, so which is better? And I have serious problem signing my name since it is long and also the other problem is I can't sign with brush, is it okay if I use marker or something?, most of my paint/draw are in acrylic and pastel.. Thank you in advance.
If you want folks who don't know you-present and future-to know who did the painting, you should use your real name. In the long run, it's your choice. Don't use markers for two reasons: one, they might fade away and two, if the painting ever needed cleaning, you signature most likely would vanish with the cleaning. You can learn to sign with a brush. Or, as I often do if I can remember while the acrylic paint is still wet, etch you signature into it with a sharpened dowel. But you can learn to sign with a brush. Get a signature brush or tiny round brush, then liquify the paint a bit. enough to flow from the brush. Sign in pencil, then trace over you signature with brush and paint.
@@IntheStudioArtInstruction Thank you so much for your help, Mrs. Dianne. Appreciate it! Well, regading the name; I have tendency to use an artistic name than my real name. That's why I was a bit confused and wondering if its better to use it, especially I wanted to publish my work in farther countries than where I live. I think it is not an easy decision to build a reputation for future. Hope I can. Thank you once again. Love and peace to you. 💜🕊
Suggestion: I see so many painters struggling with paint application, including myself. I think it has a lot to do with the consistency of the paint and the surface texture/compatability. Canvas boards seem to require repeated strokes to apply the paint which seems to ruin the spontaneous effect/edge desired. Any advice ?
For oil paintings, I try to remember to sign after block in while the paint is still wet. In that case, I incise my signature with a sharpened dowel stick. If the paint is still dry, I use a size 0000 signature or detailing brush.
Full name of painter, location, date and name of painting; kind of paint, the material and dimensions of the surface that was used to paint should be written on the back of painting, as the ID of painting... This is an international application, almost a global rule.
K. Calisir - Do you mean to write on the back of the canvas and what would you use to write all that information on the back of your painting? Thank you.
Dorothy Radley, Yes, write clearly the ID of painting on the back of the canvas or other surface that you painted with the paint that you used or use a permanent pen. And also put your signature and then the year (may be last number >>> As Example: .K Calisir'18) at a suitable place (may be a corner-usually right) in front of the painting... You may look at this video,...
K. Calisir Thank you very much for your kind reply. Would it help to gesso a little patch in one of the corners to facilitate easier application of the paint? It's tough painting on rough canvas that is porous.
Dorothy Radley, Yes, it may be a good idea to gesso before writing the ID of painting at the back of canvas. And this action also may protect the painting from unwanted color or tonal damages that may be occured from writing back.... Best regards. :)
Wonderful Video!! Thankyou! I only have 1 Key question..what is that pen looking device that I see some professional artists signing their work with? It looks like You use one as well...What is it? And how may I get one? Hugs Tess in Kansas City
Tess, I don't use such a thing. Those pen signatures most likely will come of if a painting is ever cleaned. I trying to remember to scratch my signature in while the painting is still wet with a sharpened dowel rod.
A friend who paints super nice watercolours signed his painting when he starts - the idea being the paint goes into the depression caused by the sharp hard pencil. I always thought that was cool ( if not seriously smarty pants) because his paintings always came out without any later cropping prior to framing.
This might be a simplistic question but I would very much like an answer. Is it considered acceptable to leave some parts of the canvas exposed i.e. not painted in oil painting. I know in water colours it is encouraged but what of oils?
This is out of my field of expertise. If there is available a permanent acrylic based pen, that would be my guess. You want to sign your paintings with something that won't disappear if the painting is cleaned.
robin Ray Hi there 👋 just jumping in here. I use thinned down acrylic paint. Thin with floating medium (& a bit of water)so the binders don’t thin too much. I’m a believer that the same media & same color used in a painting is needed for our signatures. In my thinking it validates that it’s not a fake - if we become famous someday lol 😆 Also, I write my name with a chalk pencil lightly and then use a script liner brush, or similar to paint over the chalk. My name has a lot of D’s & E’s in it so it requires a few brush strokes her letter. But if I am sparing with the amount of paint on the brush it’s hardly noticeable that it wasn’t consistent all the way thru. I date the signature the same way as well. ✌️✌️✌️ Happy painting!! 🎨
Thanks for this helpful info. My problem is HOW to write it with oils. I've tried every trick, bought several so-called 'signature' brushes, long ones, short ones, to no avail. How do they do it ? Mine ends up looking like a kid learning to write, the paint is too slipery, the brush either makes blobs or doesn't leave the colour on, I've tried on wet and dry painting, thined paint, etc. I always have to erase it. So I got a custom made stamp with archival ink, and I just stamp my signature. Is this acceptable ? No idea, but at least it's clean, neat and inconspicuous.
The only problem I might see with stamping with ink is that it could get removed if a painting were cleaned. One answer to signing a wet painting is to use a sharpened dowel rod and embed the signature. Richard Schmid uses a soft pointed brush with slightly thinned paint. Because we are all so different, I think each artist has to find the way that works. One suggestion I'd make is to allow the tip of the brush to carry the paint. If the painting is dry, dampen the surface with a slight bit of solvent so the signature will flow onto the surface. I thin the paint with a bit of Liquin to help it flow more smoothly.
Thank you Dianne for the suggestions, I will certainly practice this. About my stamp, it's not only archival ink but also permanent, can't be erased once dry. + I put 2 coats of varnish after 6 months of painting drying. I've been looking at the signature tend among young contemporary painters. They seem to go with initials only, even just one letter like David Gray who now uses just an elegant G. Others seem to develop a stylized way to write their names like Jessica Henry. I'm in the process of working out something more personal, more original, yet unobtrusive.
Hello. Well if you have ever watched Bob Ross, he shows a good way to sign. He thinned the oil paint down so it was like ink and then used a really small liner pointed brush to write his name.
Not many do. One of the longest painter's names in history is Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa, He often used an assortment of signatures and monograms. Often he would sign with a monogram that combined his initials, "H.T.L" within a circular shape. Historically, artists have found many creative ways to sign their work.
Thanks, Master. İn addition to that, full name of painter, location, date and name of painting; kind of paint, the material and dimensions of the surface that was used to paint should be written on the back of painting, as the ID of painting... This is an international application, almost a global rule.
Anything on the back of the painting should be archival and acid free.. and not going to bleed through. It would be very sad if the information on the back turned brown and ruined the front of the painting
Are there tricks as to how to do it? When I use oils...it looks very messy. Can you use a permanent pen? You used a pencil on your paper...but that doesn't work on oils. Thank you!
This Tip was answering a specific set of questions that didn't include the "how". I'd stay away from permanent pens because their ink will come off when/if the painting is cleaned. If the painting is still wet, you can sharpen a quarter-inch dowel in a pencil sharpener and etch your signature into the wet paint. That's my favorite way to sign, although I do forget sometimes. Once the painting is dry, you can slightly dampen the area with mineral spirits, then use a thin, pointed brush. I suggest practicing your signature to get a feel for how to make it go on smoothly without the mess.
I love this channel at the first time Can you please tell me '63 on a painting means 1963 or 1863,or 1063? I'm always confused. I have a paint signed RLG '63 Do you know him please? Thank you
Dani, there is no way to know unless you know in which century the artist lived. When artists sign with only their initials and the apostrophe + year for the date, unless you already know the artist, there's not enough information without in-depth research to know any more than just that.
The Austrian artist Hundertwasser did not only put his artist name and date within his paintings, but also the name of his painting. So all this information is incorporated within his paintings, sometimes evn in the middle of everything. I don't like that. I always use my pseudonyme together with the year, mostly on the right bottom, and in another hue with just a little contrast than the surrounding.. And I write the name of my painting on the back with pencil, where the canvas is tacked to the wooden frame, when doing acrylics. On aquarells, I sign with pencil on the far right and only sometimes on the left, according to the painting, and I put the name of the painting on the back with a light pencil, usually together with the exact date.
Thanks for that info, Lisa. From my viewpoint the signature does two things: the artist claims the work, and it makes it easier for future archivists to identify it. These days, a lot of time, expense and energy goes into trying to verify artists' works and when they were done, all because the artist failed to sign the piece or had some had some eccentric notion about signing.
Dianne, What's your opinion on not signing your paintings at all. I write the date on the back with a pencil. I don't paint to sell my paintings, I do it just for the fun of painting.
My opinion us that you should always sign your work. It is your way of claiming the work, just as a writer's name appears on the cover of a book or a composer's name appears on a musical composition. AND it is the thoughtful thing to do because your work will most likely survive you and your signature on your art work keeps future generations from wondering who did it--in many cases, going to a lot of effort to determine who did it.
Yes, please do at least sign your work. You never know how long it will last and/or how popular it will become after you're long gone. Your signature may be very important to future generations!
Thank you for sharing this info. Helpful. What do you use to sign? My last name is very long, so I have been using my First & Middle, really what difference does it make as long as I'm consistent? I have tried to use acrylics, acrylic pens. Any suggestions?
TLEE S, I have two methods for signing for signing oils. My favorite it to etch my signature into the wet paint using a sharpened dowel stick. If I forget to do that before the paint dries, I sign with a 6B pencil, then paint over the signature with a Lowe-Cornell 7360 #1 liner. I thin the signing paint with a bit of Liquin or Galkyd. For my watercolor paintings, I sign with pencil. If I paint with acrylics, I use the same method as with oils except thin the paint with a small amount of acrylic medium.
Thank you for the kind response. I use acrylics, I appreciate your methods. I will try the stick or stylist method 1st even a pencil would work. Once I seal the painting it will be safe. So far I only give my paintings away. I just started "seriously" painting on canvas one year ago in March 2017. Although I have painted small watercolor ocean & landscape scenes on cards for years.
A very small round brush with a sharp tip saturated with paint mixed with enough medium to allow it to flow off the brush smoothly. Hold the brush so the tip is doing the work and write your name. It takes a bit of practice.
Hi saw a signiture I've been trying to identify for some years now. I have to paintings by this artist. Think st letter is an S i beleive the last name maybe a P and ends with what I think is a Q. I believe it is french. He or she has done 2 paintings that I have French Paris maybe 1920s/30s it is an olden taking a nap by his news stand in Paris. I saw the signiture straight away can you help me
I have trouble in writing in paint. You said you use your normal signature, so my question is that when you do that in paint do you use a particular brush or what is the best way.
I use two methods for signing oil paintings. If I remember to catch it before the paint dries, I etch my signature in with a sharpened dowel stick. Otherwise, I think a small amount of paint with Liquin and sign with the tip of a #1 Loew-Cornell liner. Takes a little practice, but so does any skill.
Hello thank you for this information, my question is a request if you kindly see my art and tell me it's good enough to sell because to do more I need money which previously I don't sell. If you can I then share the link thanks
Muhammad, I'm sure you can understand that I get many, many requests like yours. If you would like me to review your work, go to diannemize.com/schedule-time-with-dianne/ where you can schedule a Zoom session with me.
Sometimes the signature is the subject. Example Picasso doing it knowing his signature was what some people were paying for because of his fame. Almost a practical joke on buyers that buy for investment.
What if your entire painting is the signature? This always amuses me. 99.9999% of artists working will have their paintings end up in the dumpster, a thrift store or more than likely in a relatives attic. In other words most of us make art for the purpose of self expression, or ego. Signatures are for younger artists who still think they will be famous. Besides if one does end up being famous isn't it more interesting to have people in the future speculate, ponder, or otherwise tear their hair out trying to figure out if a painting is, or isn't to be attributed to so and so. Make'm work for it. Is a Caravaggio, Vermeer, or Cassatt any less beautiful without a signature? As the saying goes, a rose by any other name would be called something else... errr something like that. Artist have enough ego without having to plaster it on their work. And lets face it -- it is just ego.
There's another reason to sign your work and that is to claim it. Ego be-damned! Authors have their names on the cover of their books, composers sign their musical works. Why be so mysterious about it. Why not claim it.
Painting isn't writing. A writer creates a fantasy, a painter is the fantasy. We are singular in that respect. What's wrong with mystery. Are you concerned that no one will know your name if it's pulled from a dumpster?
I'm just going to say it: what a load of absolute nonsense. It seems like you have a real issue & obsession with this idea of ego; thinking all artists are egotistical, like reality TV stars or something! Ridiculous! Artists give the world beautiful work, just the same as writers. Signing pieces is just putting your name to something, and if you've worked hard on it, why shouldn't you? Many/most artists have done this throughout history; the validity of the idea of signing paintings really shouldn't be up for debate! It's also considerate to tell your viewers who did a piece, helping them find you if they want more work by you; this is an important source of promotion for artists trying to make a living from their work. You are against ego, and yet you also want to make other people 'tear their hair out' trying to figure out your special, enigmatic mystery?! Seriously, get over yourself & come back down to earth. And other artists reading this; it's ok to be proud of your work, it doesn't mean you have an ego problem.
Thanks, Dianne, I would only add a tip to your tip and that is - make sure your signature isn't obscured by the frame, since I've had to repaint my signature on more than one occasion because it was too low. So check the frame to make sure it's going to work.
Good point, Joani. Thanks for adding that.
Yes I learned that early on to always check that it is going to fit inside the mat before signing. Because when it is showing halfway you can't exactly repaint a new signature at least not in watercolor (my medium) .
It’s 2023 and newbies like me appreciate your wisdom and education on signing paintings Ty
It's a pleasure doing these. Thanks for watching.
I would like to thank you a lot for this Quick Tip, all the other Quick Tips and the Full-Length Videos you offer for a more than fair price to us. Highly appreciate your work!
It's a pleasure doing both.
I just saw the video and I’m so thankful for your thoughts about signatures and the date. I truly appreciate it. Great info to remember after finishing a painting. Blessings and be safe.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
The best advice I’ve heard yet. Good taste. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This tip is very useful and interesting. It's a non-issue much discussed, but important. Congratulations on the video
Thank you very much.
Thanks.
I just started painting and find your videos very easy to understand. Thank you for your efforts.
Always a pleasure.
Thank you Dianne love your videos. I always sign the back as well and include materials used ( because I sometimes use mixed media).
I love learning about the different ways artists handling signing.
So useful Dianne...thanks once again.
You bet.
I agree that an artist's signature should remain consistent so that people can recognize it, but I recently made the decision to change my signature, and I'll tell you all why, It's because my signature was in cursive. I have switched to a very similar looking, but printed signature since watching my child go to school and learning a bit of hand writing and then never using again, my youngest child was never taught hand writing at all. Keyboarding has taken over. When they have children of their own one day, they won't be able to read cursive. I can foresee at time when nobody will be left that can read cursive, so now I print mine. Something to thing about.
Personally, I regret that today's kids are learning cursive because to my eye, handwriting reveals something of a person's identity. About signatures, it's fun to look at a collection of master artists chronologically and study their handling of signature. You can get an idea of that by going to www.the-athenaeum.org/
I regret it as well, and do agree that it does show a lot of personality. Hand writing can be beautiful and artistic in and of itself. My husband is talented at calligraphy and it is amazing what he can do with his fancy pen and ink.
Your subjects are always interesting!
Thanks for watching.
Thank you! I’ve been looking for this info and your video has been super helpful 🎉
Great! Thanks for watching.
Great information. Thank you for sharing. Another consideration is if you are framing the work, make sure there is room between the edge of the canvas and the signature. As a new artist, I tended to place my signature too close to the edge and the frame covered it up.
Good point. Thanks for pointing this out.
Thank you for your quick tip on signing paintings. My art teacher has told me, if I am copying an old master, to add his name after my name, with the word after before it. So it will read "after Rembrandt" or whatever. In other words you are acknowledging who the genius was! (Not me!)
Your art teacher is absolutely right.
Would you do the same, if you're copying a newer, or still alive, painter?
Thank you so much for your tutorials, I learn a lot all the time!
My pleasure.
This was very informative. On very heavy textured oil, when and how would you suggest to sign your painting. I thought of etching name with knife while wet.
Upon reading more questions, I found your answer to my question. The sharpened dowel in the wet paint I like. Thank you!
My pleasure. Glad you found it.
03.2023 Thank you, Dianne. I am signing my very first acrylic painting.
Bravo!
Interesting tips but perhaps when signing in oils with a brush the letters need to be a bit larger. Those with a longer name will find it more difficult. Also if Framing your painting, make sure you leave sufficient margin for the depth of the frame. Before signing anything I would practice first and then lightly pencil mark the position of the proposed signature.
Thanks for adding this.
Great video as always 🙏 I’m a new artist and I have around 20 paintings which I signed already! I signed with my first name initial and my surname, but I want to change that to my full name and surname!!! My question is: is it okay to have paintings on my website with my old and my new signature? Or I must change the old one, and how to change it on a varnished oil paintings?
Thank you in advance 🙏🙏
No problem there, Hoda. Master artist signatures vary as well.
@@IntheStudioArtInstruction great 👍🏻 thank you so much 🙏
I also sign on the back i.e. on the inside of the canvas frame with full name, full date, and location of scenery...
... İn addition to full name of painter, location, date and name of painting; kind of paint, the material and dimensions of the surface that was used to paint should be written on the back of painting, as the ID of painting... This is an international application, almost a global rule.
Ordnung muss sein Kazim Bey! If it is a UN or NWO requirement we must either comply or rebel.
i am a novice. to me,, the sig date and other info should b the back and include as much or as little as the artist wants. i find sigs egotistical and gross on a piece of art. we all know who the artist is if we care
@Chevy4x4: I agree, signatures in bright colour or large signatures detracts from the painting. I my opinion it is distasteful but to each his own.
@@chevy4x466 "We know who the artist is if we care" Really? How would we know? You'll continue to remain a novice if that's actually your belief. I don't buy unsigned paintings. You can buy unsigned paintings at a dollar store or Walmart if that's your preference.
Thanks for the info. Can you please tell me what is the best thing to use for signing? I paint with acrylic then seal afterwards. I have tried to use a paint marker once or twice but they seem to smear or feather. I have used acrylic with a tiny brush but I feel like it sometimes makes a blob. (not easy either) Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Beverly, first sign before sealing or varnishing. Should the painting ever need to be restored, the signature will go away if it is not signed on the paint itself. For signing, try thinning the paint with just enough medium to make it fluid enough to flow smoothly from a brush, then use a tiny pointed brush. Finding the right brush is the trick. I use a Loew-Cornell #1 liner 7350. Also, I do the signature with a pastel pencil first, then trace over it with the brush & paint.
My preferred method of signing oil paintings is with quarter inch dowel sharpened with a pencil sharpener, etched into the painting while it's still wet. Hope this helps.
What tool/method do you recommend for writing the signature on a painting? Paintbrush, acrylic pen, ink pen, etc?
That ends up being a personal choice. I use two methods: if I remember to do so while the paint is still wet, I engrave my signature into the wet paint with a sharpened dowel. If I don't remember to sign before the paint dries, I use a number 000 brush with paint very slightly thinned with Liquin. I don't recommend using acrylic or ink pens over oils as their results are easily removed.
Excellent knowledge of signature and talking in so much of experience made me more cautious while I would paint now, but the signatures I do is very similar as guided by you. As very recently I did a live painting on canvas of size 66"x42" in acrylic colours on stage, in front of 1200 persons watching the show, while
India's top singer Mr. Anup Jalota was singing for 20 min. I would like to show the painting as I painted the song which was very popular and had a lot of meaning to it ....
Perhaps the best way to show it would be to post it on Facebook. A lot of painters are doing that these days.
Thank you Dianne. I have a little different question. My style is abstract painting, mostly, but not exclusively. I love to see people see different things and experience different feelings when they turn my paintings. Where should I sign then? Can I sign on the side? Also, my name is Irene Kalantzis, but I don't think anyone can pronounce my last name. Can I sign Irene K, in the front of the none abstract peaces and IK on the sides of the abstract ones?
There are a lot of attitudes about where to sign. Generally, people look in the lower left for a signature which is were we see signatures of most of our historical masters. You should not fret about whether people can pronounce your name. Bouguereau's name is rarely pronounced correctly, but that's not the kind of thing to be concerned about.
Mam while signing an artwork weather to do it in your handwriting or your authentic signature actually mine includes a cut as I write vatsal so the curve of v cuts it and over the top cut of t also cuts v
Artists over the centuries have signed using a number ways, so it doesn't matter.
Beautifully done, thanks. How an artist is professionally recognized? Is there a specific process, entity to be part of, etc.?
History has proven that to get yourself professionally recognized as a goal never really works. The best way is to be true to yourself and follow the path that feels right to you.
Question... please show how to get the right consistency of oil paint to write with. I have a long name. The brush runs out and the letters are too fat. I want to do a script but keep reverting to printing. It looks very un-artustic. Can you help with that please? Thanks. Your video tips are great 👍
Joy, add just enough medium to the paint to make it flow. With a long name, you'll most likely need to reload the brush several times. Your best bet there is to practice on scrap to find just how much medium you need and when you'll need to reload.
I just read your bio ---- you are an inspiration!
Thanks!
I’d like to use my initials as my signature is that ok? I was going to date on the back of the frame. Thank you for the great information!
Some people use their initials, but initials don't tell us anything if we don't already know your work.
Thank you! Ill rethink it 😊
Thank you
Tony...West Hills, California USA
Thank you, I’ve always wondered if I was doing it correctly ❤️
:)
My paintings tend to be very full, sometimes I found no place to put signature. I will then hide it somewhere (the color of signature is similar to the objects around it) as part of the painting. You will have to look for it, like hide and seek, kind of fun. Regarding date, I always do it for my formal ones. But then I have an idea. Some of my paintings are the idea/conceptual type. I have paintings with the idea conceived 30 yrs before. So I will put two dates. One is the original conceived date, one the completing date, to remind myself how lazy I have been. 😄
Thanks for that share.
Whats the best way to sign my painting, pen?
I don't trust those pens. One certain way is to sharpen a dowel and use it to scratch your signature in while the painting is still wet. The other is to sign in paint with a pointed brush.
@@IntheStudioArtInstruction u mean Liner Brush.?
I have a question. Why did the masters sign in orange? Thank you for your tips.
D L , which masters are you referring to? If you go to wikiart.org , you will see that masters sign in a variety of colors.
Diane I enjoy your teaching videos and like your 'teacher' style.
I've been signing my paintings with a fine indelible felt pen and putting the date on the back only. Does this sound okay to you?
Not really, Rod. If your paintings have to be cleaned, that signature will come right off with the cleaning.
@@IntheStudioArtInstruction Thanks for your honest reply. I'll change my method of signing by using some of your tips. Rod
Well, first of all thank you for your instructions.
I actually have several questions; first, should or can I use my nickname "my online artist/ gallery name" or my real name on paintings? As I plan to make my own brand in future, so which is better?
And I have serious problem signing my name since it is long and also the other problem is I can't sign with brush, is it okay if I use marker or something?, most of my paint/draw are in acrylic and pastel..
Thank you in advance.
If you want folks who don't know you-present and future-to know who did the painting, you should use your real name. In the long run, it's your choice.
Don't use markers for two reasons: one, they might fade away and two, if the painting ever needed cleaning, you signature most likely would vanish with the cleaning.
You can learn to sign with a brush. Or, as I often do if I can remember while the acrylic paint is still wet, etch you signature into it with a sharpened dowel. But you can learn to sign with a brush. Get a signature brush or tiny round brush, then liquify the paint a bit. enough to flow from the brush. Sign in pencil, then trace over you signature with brush and paint.
@@IntheStudioArtInstruction
Thank you so much for your help, Mrs. Dianne. Appreciate it!
Well, regading the name; I have tendency to use an artistic name than my real name. That's why I was a bit confused and wondering if its better to use it, especially I wanted to publish my work in farther countries than where I live.
I think it is not an easy decision to build a reputation for future. Hope I can.
Thank you once again. Love and peace to you. 💜🕊
Thank you, Dianne , a further question on same subject ; what do you use to sign your paiting - a brush, a pen? Thanks.
Lolita, I use a 000 round brush.
@@IntheStudioArtInstruction Thank you, Dianne, and thank you for enriching my 2020 - wishing you a Happy New Year. Y
Suggestion: I see so many painters struggling with paint application, including myself. I think it has a lot to do with the consistency of the paint and the surface texture/compatability. Canvas boards seem to require repeated strokes to apply the paint which seems to ruin the spontaneous effect/edge desired. Any advice ?
I will do a Quick Tip about this. Look for it at the beginning of February. Thanks for the suggestion.
What tool can you use to sign your painting?
For oil paintings, I try to remember to sign after block in while the paint is still wet. In that case, I incise my signature with a sharpened dowel stick. If the paint is still dry, I use a size 0000 signature or detailing brush.
I have heard that putting the date on the back is another option. Your thoughts on that?
Full name of painter, location, date and name of painting; kind of paint, the material and dimensions of the surface that was used to paint should be written on the back of painting, as the ID of painting... This is an international application, almost a global rule.
K. Calisir - Do you mean to write on the back of the canvas and what would you use to write all that information on the back of your painting? Thank you.
Dorothy Radley,
Yes, write clearly the ID of painting on the back of the canvas or other surface that you painted with the paint that you used or use a permanent pen. And also put your signature and then the year (may be last number >>> As Example: .K Calisir'18) at a suitable place (may be a corner-usually right) in front of the painting...
You may look at this video,...
K. Calisir Thank you very much for your kind reply. Would it help to gesso a little patch in one of the corners to facilitate easier application of the paint? It's tough painting on rough canvas that is porous.
Dorothy Radley,
Yes, it may be a good idea to gesso before writing the ID of painting at the back of canvas. And this action also may protect the painting from unwanted color or tonal damages that may be occured from writing back.... Best regards. :)
Wonderful Video!! Thankyou! I only have 1 Key question..what is that pen looking device that I see some professional artists signing their work with? It looks like You use one as well...What is it? And how may I get one?
Hugs Tess in Kansas City
Tess, I don't use such a thing. Those pen signatures most likely will come of if a painting is ever cleaned. I trying to remember to scratch my signature in while the painting is still wet with a sharpened dowel rod.
@@IntheStudioArtInstruction THANK YOU Dear! 😊
A friend who paints super nice watercolours signed his painting when he starts - the idea being the paint goes into the depression caused by the sharp hard pencil. I always thought that was cool ( if not seriously smarty pants) because his paintings always came out without any later cropping prior to framing.
Thanks for sharing that - yet another way to sign a watercolor painting.
This might be a simplistic question but I would very much like an answer. Is it considered acceptable to leave some parts of the canvas exposed i.e. not painted in oil painting. I know in water colours it is encouraged but what of oils?
Can you tell me which pen or Marker is best for signature the acrylic painting I really wanted to knw m searching tht for a long time..
I hesitate to make a recommendation for that since I don't use acrylics. Perhaps, Google to find an acrylic painter who has an answer for you.
Hi I paint with acrylic paint and was wondering what type of paint pen would you recommend for signing
This is out of my field of expertise. If there is available a permanent acrylic based pen, that would be my guess. You want to sign your paintings with something that won't disappear if the painting is cleaned.
robin Ray Hi there 👋 just jumping in here. I use thinned down acrylic paint. Thin with floating medium (& a bit of water)so the binders don’t thin too much. I’m a believer that the same media & same color used in a painting is needed for our signatures. In my thinking it validates that it’s not a fake - if we become famous someday lol 😆
Also, I write my name with a chalk pencil lightly and then use a script liner brush, or similar to paint over the chalk. My name has a lot of D’s & E’s in it so it requires a few brush strokes her letter. But if I am sparing with the amount of paint on the brush it’s hardly noticeable that it wasn’t consistent all the way thru. I date the signature the same way as well. ✌️✌️✌️ Happy painting!! 🎨
Ma'am ...does it okay if i do no use my original name in signature?
Yes indeed.
@@IntheStudioArtInstruction thank you ma'am
Didn’t Vincent put his signature near his subject at times?
Van Gogh didn't really have a system for signing. Sometimes his signature appears within the subject itself.
Thanks for this helpful info. My problem is HOW to write it with oils. I've tried every trick, bought several so-called 'signature' brushes, long ones, short ones, to no avail. How do they do it ? Mine ends up looking like a kid learning to write, the paint is too slipery, the brush either makes blobs or doesn't leave the colour on, I've tried on wet and dry painting, thined paint, etc. I always have to erase it. So I got a custom made stamp with archival ink, and I just stamp my signature. Is this acceptable ? No idea, but at least it's clean, neat and inconspicuous.
The only problem I might see with stamping with ink is that it could get removed if a painting were cleaned. One answer to signing a wet painting is to use a sharpened dowel rod and embed the signature. Richard Schmid uses a soft pointed brush with slightly thinned paint. Because we are all so different, I think each artist has to find the way that works. One suggestion I'd make is to allow the tip of the brush to carry the paint. If the painting is dry, dampen the surface with a slight bit of solvent so the signature will flow onto the surface. I thin the paint with a bit of Liquin to help it flow more smoothly.
Montreal Artlive I have the same problem!
Thank you Dianne for the suggestions, I will certainly practice this. About my stamp, it's not only archival ink but also permanent, can't be erased once dry. + I put 2 coats of varnish after 6 months of painting drying. I've been looking at the signature tend among young contemporary painters. They seem to go with initials only, even just one letter like David Gray who now uses just an elegant G. Others seem to develop a stylized way to write their names like Jessica Henry. I'm in the process of working out something more personal, more original, yet unobtrusive.
How do you decide your signature when you're married?
It's a personal choice. Just be consistent on whatever you decide.
Thank you so much 😊
I find it difficult to neatly sign with oil paint. Any tips? when you say 'date' is the year sufficient?
Hello. Well if you have ever watched Bob Ross, he shows a good way to sign. He thinned the oil paint down so it was like ink and then used a really small liner pointed brush to write his name.
Use the the point of the handle and do it sgraffito style
Thank you Dianne! I sign with my initials because I think my first and last name are too long! Do you know painters that do the same?
Not many do. One of the longest painter's names in history is Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa, He often used an assortment of signatures and monograms. Often he would sign with a monogram that combined his initials, "H.T.L" within a circular shape. Historically, artists have found many creative ways to sign their work.
Thanks, Master. İn addition to that, full name of painter, location, date and name of painting; kind of paint, the material and dimensions of the surface that was used to paint should be written on the back of painting, as the ID of painting... This is an international application, almost a global rule.
Right, K. Calisir. Thanks for adding that info.
Anything on the back of the painting should be archival and acid free.. and not going to bleed through. It would be very sad if the information on the back turned brown and ruined the front of the painting
Thank you for the info.
You bet!
good information thank you,
My pleasure.
I appreciate your guidance but am puzzled by the fact that Claude Monet sometimes used his full name and sometimes not. Is this more the exception?
Are there tricks as to how to do it? When I use oils...it looks very messy. Can you use a permanent pen? You used a pencil on your paper...but that doesn't work on oils. Thank you!
This Tip was answering a specific set of questions that didn't include the "how". I'd stay away from permanent pens because their ink will come off when/if the painting is cleaned. If the painting is still wet, you can sharpen a quarter-inch dowel in a pencil sharpener and etch your signature into the wet paint. That's my favorite way to sign, although I do forget sometimes. Once the painting is dry, you can slightly dampen the area with mineral spirits, then use a thin, pointed brush. I suggest practicing your signature to get a feel for how to make it go on smoothly without the mess.
I love this channel at the first time
Can you please tell me '63 on a painting means 1963 or 1863,or 1063? I'm always confused.
I have a paint signed RLG '63
Do you know him please?
Thank you
Dani, there is no way to know unless you know in which century the artist lived. When artists sign with only their initials and the apostrophe + year for the date, unless you already know the artist, there's not enough information without in-depth research to know any more than just that.
Very nice video.
Thanks
CAN A SHORTHAND STAMP BE ACCEPTABLE INSTEAD OF YOUR NAME, LIKR ARTIST IN JAPAN USE
I think it's the artist's choice as to how she/he claims their work.
Thank you. Very well done.
Thanks.
I was taught to always print your signature plain or fancy but always print...is this true?
No. Look at signatures of artists throughout history and you will see both print and cursive, some clear and some difficult to read.
The Austrian artist Hundertwasser did not only put his artist name and date within his paintings, but also the name of his painting. So all this information is incorporated within his paintings, sometimes evn in the middle of everything. I don't like that.
I always use my pseudonyme together with the year, mostly on the right bottom, and in another hue with just a little contrast than the surrounding.. And I write the name of my painting on the back with pencil, where the canvas is tacked to the wooden frame, when doing acrylics. On aquarells, I sign with pencil on the far right and only sometimes on the left, according to the painting, and I put the name of the painting on the back with a light pencil, usually together with the exact date.
Thanks for that info, Lisa. From my viewpoint the signature does two things: the artist claims the work, and it makes it easier for future archivists to identify it.
These days, a lot of time, expense and energy goes into trying to verify artists' works and when they were done, all because the artist failed to sign the piece or had some had some eccentric notion about signing.
Dianne, What's your opinion on not signing your paintings at all. I write the date on the back with a pencil. I don't paint to sell my paintings, I do it just for the fun of painting.
My opinion us that you should always sign your work. It is your way of claiming the work, just as a writer's name appears on the cover of a book or a composer's name appears on a musical composition. AND it is the thoughtful thing to do because your work will most likely survive you and your signature on your art work keeps future generations from wondering who did it--in many cases, going to a lot of effort to determine who did it.
Yes, please do at least sign your work. You never know how long it will last and/or how popular it will become after you're long gone. Your signature may be very important to future generations!
I put the date on the back.
As do many artists. The only down side to that is if something happens causing the painting to need relining.
Pleas help my identify this signature
Do you need a nap?
hi,did you use your maiden name and then changed to your married name ?
Barry, I have never married.
You say "lower left" while pointing to the lower right. Confusing.
So sorry. I often confuse left with right. Actually, either side works.
Thank you for sharing this info. Helpful. What do you use to sign? My last name is very long, so I have been using my First & Middle, really what difference does it make as long as I'm consistent? I have tried to use acrylics, acrylic pens. Any suggestions?
TLEE S, I have two methods for signing for signing oils. My favorite it to etch my signature into the wet paint using a sharpened dowel stick. If I forget to do that before the paint dries, I sign with a 6B pencil, then paint over the signature with a Lowe-Cornell 7360 #1 liner. I thin the signing paint with a bit of Liquin or Galkyd. For my watercolor paintings, I sign with pencil. If I paint with acrylics, I use the same method as with oils except thin the paint with a small amount of acrylic medium.
Thank you for the kind response. I use acrylics, I appreciate your methods. I will try the stick or stylist method 1st even a pencil would work. Once I seal the painting it will be safe. So far I only give my paintings away. I just started "seriously" painting on canvas one year ago in March 2017. Although I have painted small watercolor ocean & landscape scenes on cards for years.
And how to add paint brush in my signature
A very small round brush with a sharp tip saturated with paint mixed with enough medium to allow it to flow off the brush smoothly. Hold the brush so the tip is doing the work and write your name. It takes a bit of practice.
Thank you.
You bet.
What about maiden vs husband name?
That's always the artist's choice. The important thing is to make a decision, then be consistent.
What if your first and last name are LONG like mine?
Doesn't matter how long your name is. It's your name so use it.
I've noticed that many old masters signed with the red colour, why is that?
I have no idea.
Hi saw a signiture I've been trying to identify for some years now. I have to paintings by this artist. Think st letter is an S i beleive the last name maybe a P and ends with what I think is a Q. I believe it is french. He or she has done 2 paintings that I have French Paris maybe 1920s/30s it is an olden taking a nap by his news stand in Paris. I saw the signiture straight away can you help me
Could it be Renoir? Go to www.wikiart.org/en/pierre-auguste-renoir and see if you can spot your paintings.
Was just wondering...……..Are paintings or your signature ever copyrighted? The thought just hit me.
In the US, Congress has granted artists an automatic copyright provided the work is signed. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Artists_Rights_Act
Thanks so much for your answer.
So nice video
I have trouble in writing in paint. You said you use your normal signature, so my question is that when you do that in paint do you use a particular brush or what is the best way.
I use two methods for signing oil paintings. If I remember to catch it before the paint dries, I etch my signature in with a sharpened dowel stick. Otherwise, I think a small amount of paint with Liquin and sign with the tip of a #1 Loew-Cornell liner. Takes a little practice, but so does any skill.
Thank you!
☺
I can’t put my full name, it has 17 letters. Seems way to long.
No name is too long to claim your work.
I use just my initials but maybe I need to use mu full name and last name
Maybe that is worth rethinking. Why not totally claim your work.
I’d love to sign with my full name but it’s 24 characters long..
Do it anyway.
Hello thank you for this information, my question is a request if you kindly see my art and tell me it's good enough to sell because to do more I need money which previously I don't sell. If you can I then share the link thanks
Muhammad, I'm sure you can understand that I get many, many requests like yours. If you would like me to review your work, go to diannemize.com/schedule-time-with-dianne/ where you can schedule a Zoom session with me.
Sometimes the signature is the subject. Example Picasso doing it knowing his signature was what some people were paying for because of his fame. Almost a practical joke on buyers that buy for investment.
Yep.
Herbert
Contryversyal 🤣
🙃
You are harsh and judgemental with your views when judging shows then. lol
I suppose that's the impression I gave. :)
What if your entire painting is the signature? This always amuses me. 99.9999% of artists working will have their paintings end up in the dumpster, a thrift store or more than likely in a relatives attic. In other words most of us make art for the purpose of self expression, or ego. Signatures are for younger artists who still think they will be famous. Besides if one does end up being famous isn't it more interesting to have people in the future speculate, ponder, or otherwise tear their hair out trying to figure out if a painting is, or isn't to be attributed to so and so. Make'm work for it. Is a Caravaggio, Vermeer, or Cassatt any less beautiful without a signature? As the saying goes, a rose by any other name would be called something else... errr something like that. Artist have enough ego without having to plaster it on their work. And lets face it -- it is just ego.
There's another reason to sign your work and that is to claim it. Ego be-damned! Authors have their names on the cover of their books, composers sign their musical works. Why be so mysterious about it. Why not claim it.
Painting isn't writing. A writer creates a fantasy, a painter is the fantasy. We are singular in that respect. What's wrong with mystery. Are you concerned that no one will know your name if it's pulled from a dumpster?
I'm just going to say it: what a load of absolute nonsense. It seems like you have a real issue & obsession with this idea of ego; thinking all artists are egotistical, like reality TV stars or something! Ridiculous! Artists give the world beautiful work, just the same as writers. Signing pieces is just putting your name to something, and if you've worked hard on it, why shouldn't you? Many/most artists have done this throughout history; the validity of the idea of signing paintings really shouldn't be up for debate!
It's also considerate to tell your viewers who did a piece, helping them find you if they want more work by you; this is an important source of promotion for artists trying to make a living from their work. You are against ego, and yet you also want to make other people 'tear their hair out' trying to figure out your special, enigmatic mystery?! Seriously, get over yourself & come back down to earth. And other artists reading this; it's ok to be proud of your work, it doesn't mean you have an ego problem.
Thanks for your thoughts.
I will add that most people are more interested in attack than discussion. So who has the ego? Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
Boaring talk
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm
Rude.
Thank you ❤
You're welcome 😊
Thank you
My pleasure!