With new technologies, it is easier than ever for people to create fake works of art by using printers, scanners, and textured paper. Never buy art if you suspect it is a fake. When discussing and appreciating art at a gallery or museum, you can identify a fake painting by using a few simple steps.
Identify the sale price, appraisal price, and artist name. If the painting is less than $200 but has a high appraisal price, take note. It is likely fake if there is no artist name or the artist is very famous. These conditions do not match what a genuine painting will sell for. If possible, ask where the painting came from. If it was shipped from China, it is probably a reproduction. Southern China mass-produces paintings with elaborate methods, like having art students paint classical works.
Smell the painting if it is oil. Oil paint retains its smell for years, and if the paint smells fresh, it is probably a fake. Don't be embarrassed to smell the paint. It is not uncommon for art enthusiasts to lean in for a whiff.
Take note of who owns the painting. If it came from an estate or individual, it should be easy to trace its history, especially if the owner is affiliated with a museum, university, or large art organization. Don't be afraid to ask questions that challenge the painting's origins during your conversation.
Examine the painting using a 30X illuminated microscope. These microscopes are easy to find on eBay and Amazon. They cost $10 to $15 and operate with AA batteries. Most microscopes have an adjustable focus wheel, making it easy to pinpoint the subject. Look for a series of consistent dots in the colors yellow, blue, and magenta. These are common inks used in printing. It is easier to see the dots under light and on a place with multiple color transitions on the painting. The dots identify that it is a print and not a painting. Fake artists take grand steps to cover their tracks. Some paint over the print to make it look like a real painting.
Examine the canvas texture and identify what it is painted on. Watercolors are painted with specialized paper that varies by grain, usually hot pressed, cold pressed, or rough paper. These papers vary by weight. Fine art watercolors are often painted on 100% cotton paper. Oil and acrylic paints are usually painted on cotton canvas or linen canvas. Some pieces are painted on stretched canvas. This means it is stretched over a frame to determine its size. This is another clue to spotting a fake. If you see a famous work presented on stretched canvas when you know the original was not painted on stretched canvas, it is definitely fake.
