Do You Add a Date to Your Paintings
I paint first and surname on the front, no date. That is added to the back canvas with contact info and medium used, plus my signature.
Do You Put Your Contact Details on the Back
Yes. A definite must if one hopes to become a known name.
Where Do You Sign Your Paintings
I always sign my first and surname in the lower right about 1 1/2" up and 1 1/2" (slightly angled) in oil paint that coordinates with the subject. (Or acrylic on acrylic paintings.) On the back I date (month + year), put the name of the painting, medium used, my name printed (all in oil) and a signed signature using a Sharpie. When dry I seal it with clear acrylic medium. Pre-printed contact info and small biography is glued on with same medium.
How Do You Sign Your Paintings
As a female artist (in hindsight) I wish I had consistently used only my maiden name. Too late now! I am now on my third selling name and will never change it again. I also wish I had included my middle initial (I use just first and surname) as there is another more famous person with the same name as I use. I use paint in a coordinating color with the subject matter.
Advice
- Use a readable format, not too fancy.
- Females -- use your maiden name, even if it is only in the middle such as Mary Coe Newname. That way you can return to it.
- Use an identifying middle initial or full name such as Joseph Thomas Jones, not Joe Jones.
- Use oil paint on oils, acrylic paint on acrylics and seal with a medium when dry.
- Do not use a Sharpie on the front, and be careful on the back.
