What’s up, art lovers?
Figuring out if that watercolor is genuine or just a print can be pretty tricky, something we understand all too well from our own experiences.
What our digging around has uncovered is this: the feel of the paper is a big deal in spotting the difference.
Stick with us, and we'll show you how to tell them apart.
Contents
Examine the Surface Texture
To spot an original watercolor, feeling the surface matters. Originals often have a rough touch, while prints might feel too smooth.
Check for roughness or unevenness
We always check the feel of the paper. Original watercolor paintings have a rough touch. This is because artists use thicker, textured paper for watercolors. It absorbs paint well and adds to the painting's look.
Prints feel different. They are smooth and even all over. This happens because prints are made on flat paper with machines. No texture means it's likely a print, not an original painting.
Look for flat, smooth surfaces in prints
Let's take a close look at the surfaces of our artwork. Original watercolor paintings feel rough and uneven when we touch them. The texture often shows paint strokes that continue onto the edges.
In contrast, prints have flat and smooth surfaces. We can easily spot this difference by running our fingers over each piece.
It's important to observe how the light hits the artwork too. If we see shiny, even areas, it's likely a print. But if there are bumps or grooves catching the light differently, it suggests an original watercolor painting.
This tactile difference can reveal so much about whether art is an original or just a reproduction!
Inspect the Edges of the Artwork
When we inspect the edges of the artwork, we can spot important clues. Original watercolors often show paint strokes that extend past the edges, giving them a lively feel.
Observe paint strokes extending past the edges
We can tell a lot from the edges of a painting. An original watercolor often shows paint strokes that go beyond the edge of the artwork. These strokes give it life and depth. They feel like part of the piece, making it unique.
In contrast, prints have sharp and clean edges. The colors stop right at the border without any extension. This is a clear sign we are looking at a reproduction rather than an original painting.
Next, we will use a magnifying glass to look for more details in each piece.
Prints often have sharp, clean edges
Prints usually have sharp, clean edges. We can spot this easily when comparing them to original watercolor paintings. In originals, the paint often extends past the edges of the canvas.
This makes a soft and natural look. On the other hand, prints maintain precise lines that appear very neat.
We should also examine the surface closely. Original watercolors feel rough and uneven when we touch them or look at them from an angle. Prints will feel flat and smooth instead. Noticing these details helps us tell if we're looking at a print or an original artwork!
Use a Magnifying Glass
Using a magnifying glass can help us spot the differences clearly. An original watercolor will show smooth changes in color, while a print often has tiny dots from the printing process.
Look for continuous transitions in original watercolors
We can spot original watercolors by examining their color transitions. In real watercolor paintings, colors blend smoothly into one another. This creates a lovely, soft effect. We see natural shifts from light to dark shades.
It feels alive and dynamic.
Giclee prints do not have this quality. Instead, they often show patterns made of dots. These dots create flat layers of color that lack the depth found in original artwork. Examining these details helps us tell if the piece is an authentic watercolor or just a print hanging on our wall.
Identify dot patterns in prints
A magnifying glass helps us see small details. We can look for dot patterns in prints. These dots come from a printing process. Original watercolors do not have these patterns. Instead, they show smooth color blends.
Inspecting closely reveals the difference between prints and original art. Prints will show distinct rows of dots that make up the image. Originals offer continuous colors without breaks or dots.
Knowing this helps us tell what we are looking at—an original watercolor painting or a print.
Analyze the Paper
To tell if a watercolor is original, we need to study the paper it’s on. Original pieces often use thick, textured watercolor paper that feels absorbent and lumpy. Prints, on the other hand, tend to be on smooth sheets that don’t soak up water like real watercolor does.
Check for absorbent, lumpy, or textured watercolor paper
We need to examine the paper of the artwork. Original watercolor paintings use absorbent, lumpy, or textured paper. This kind of paper feels different under our fingers. We can often sense those bumps and grooves when we touch them.
Prints usually have smooth surfaces that feel flat. They don't absorb water like real watercolor paper does. Sometimes, we may even find pencil sketches underneath an original painting.
These marks show how the artist planned their work. All these features help us tell if we are looking at a true piece of art or a simple print.
Prints may have smoother, non-absorbent surfaces
Next, we can see a big difference in the surface of prints. Prints often feel smooth and flat. They do not absorb water like original watercolor paintings. The paper used for prints is usually non-absorbent, which means it won’t soak up paint or water.
In contrast, an original watercolor painting sits on lumpy, textured paper. This roughness shows that it is made with care by hand. We can also look closely for any pencil sketches underneath the paint; these marks point to authenticity as well.
Every detail matters when we tell an original artwork from a print!
Observe the Color Transitions
Original watercolors show soft blends of color that feel natural. In prints, colors often appear flat or don’t blend well at all.
Originals have natural blending and gradient shifts
Colors in original watercolor paintings blend smoothly. The shift from one hue to another feels soft and gradual. We can see this beautiful movement with our eyes. Paint strokes create these transitions, which are hard to copy in prints.
In a print, colors may appear too uniform or flat. They lack the depth that originals offer. Observing closely reveals the difference—originals show life and richness that prints cannot match.
These signs help us tell what is real art and what is just a reproduction.
Next, we will explore how to analyze the paper used in artwork.
Prints may show artificial or uniform color layers
Originals have natural blending and gradient shifts. Prints, on the other hand, may show artificial or uniform color layers. We can often see that in a reproduction. The colors look flat and even across the surface.
This lack of depth makes prints easier to spot.
We should also note how originals handle color differently. An original watercolor will blend colors smoothly. You might notice soft transitions from one shade to another. In contrast, prints often use dots for shading, which creates distinct lines between colors instead of smooth blends.
Keeping these differences in mind helps us identify what we’re observing more clearly!
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you spot the difference between an original watercolor painting and a print. Use your eyes and touch to feel the textures. Check for paint strokes that go past the edges.
A magnifying glass can reveal hidden details, like pencil sketches under the art. Trust your instincts as you explore each piece!
FAQs
How can I tell if a watercolor painting is original?
To tell if a watercolor painting is original, look for brush strokes and texture. Originals often have unique details that prints lack. Check the paper too; real watercolors use special paper that feels different from regular print paper.
What are some signs of a print?
Signs of a print include smooth surfaces and even colors. If you see dots or patterns when looking closely, it’s likely a print. Prints usually don’t show the artist's hand like an original does.
Is there a way to check for authenticity?
Yes! You can check for signatures or certificates of authenticity from galleries or artists themselves. Also, examine the backing; originals may have labels or tags that prints do not possess.
Can lighting help me distinguish between them?
Absolutely! Good lighting can reveal differences in texture and depth. Shine light on the artwork; originals will reflect light differently than prints due to their unique layers and materials used in creation.