A painting is an original work that has had paint applied to canvas or board using a brush or pallet knife. It can be an oil painting or an acrylic painting. Acrylic paint was not in use until the 1950s. Some pieces of art have been created by applying a photographic image to card or canvas and then varnishing over the top to make it look like a painting. These are not original works. Have a close look to make sure that you can see the individual brush marks. The artist usually signs the work on one of the bottom corners, with possibly a date.
Julian Twigg, oil on board Heading Off St Kilda, 2007 |
A drawing is an artwork that has been created by an artist using a "graphic" technique. Pen and pencil or brush are usually used for a drawing, but it is now accepted that many mediums can be used as long as the result has a "graphic" or line quality. Most drawings are done on paper, but many other surfaces can be used. As with a painting, the drawing is usually signed.
Debra Luccio, pencil on paper, Dance rehersal I, 2007 |
A watercolour is a painting done on paper using a brush. Watercolour paint differs from oils or acrylics in that it can be mixed with water and has a translucent appearance - in other words, you can see the paper through the paint. White is not used in a water- colour, instead the white of the paper is used to create light and contrast.
attributed to William Bennett, 1811-1859 Signed watercolour |
An original print is a work created by the artist using such techniques as etching, lithography, screen printing, or relief printing such as linocuts and wood block prints. They are handprinted by either the artist or a printmaker in small editions of usually no more than 300, but usually less. An original print does not exist in any other form and is not a reproduction of a painting or other work. You can tell if your work is an etching from the "plate marks" made by the plate when it was put through the etching press. Other works such as screen prints and lithographs are not as easy to determine. If you are not sure if your work is an original print, you can email us at info@swapart.com.au. Original prints are signed by the artist and an edition number such as 70/99. Other prints may have a/p or other combination of letters which tell a particular story about the work you own. |
A sculpture is a three dimentional work of art created in almost any medium, but often brass wood, marble, stone, plaster or metal. Often but not always, the artist has signed the work. Sculptures can also be editioned, often in a very small number. This can only be done with works that are "cast" such as bronze or plaster.
Dennis Nona, Gubuka, Cast Bronz and Cast Aluminium with Pearl Shell Inlay, Edition of 12 |
Ceramic art was once called pottery. It is basically the same thing but more emphasis is put on the individual art work and artist who creates it. Ceramics are made from various types of clay and can be glazed or unglazed. Glass art is crafted from glass and often other material. Collectable ceramics and glass art are usually one off pieces, and are signed by the artist.
|
Not all photography is collectable. The most important element in collectable or valuable photography is the artist or the age of the work. Historical content is also important.
|
Mixed Media is, as the name suggests, a work of art that is created by the artist, using a variety of materials. Collage is a form of art that is often combined with painting or drawing. When two or more diffent "mediums" are used the work is referred to as mixed media.
Elwyn Lynn, Hooray,
Mixed Media - paint, ink, collage on paper, 1986 |
