Marcus Chen
Artists often include various types of information on the back of their paintings or prints, such as their name, the title of the artwork, the medium used, copyright information, and the year it was created. Some artists also include a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with their artwork, which contains details such as edition size, method of printmaking, type of ink and paper, and other relevant information. This ensures the buyer knows they are purchasing an original work of art. Artists may also choose to include their biography or a sticker with their contact information on the back of the artwork. Ultimately, the information included on the back of a painting can vary depending on the artist's preferences and the buyer's requests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Title | Title of the painting |
| Artist's name | Name of the artist |
| Date | Year of creation |
| Copyright symbol | (c) |
| Signature | Artist's signature |
| Edition number | Number of editions |
| Medium | Type of medium used |
| Location | Location of creation |
| Notes | Any additional notes |
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What You'll Learn
Artist statements: a clear, concise description of what you make and why
An artist statement is a clear, concise, and compelling description of what you make and why you make it. It is not a manifesto, an art history lecture, or a story about discovering art. It should feel authentic and written in your voice. Here are some tips for writing effective artist statements:
Examine Your Art
Look closely at your work and the materials you use. Be specific about your process and materials. For example, "I use multi-layered wax paint to create highly textured, three-dimensional works on canvas."
Consider Your Inspiration
Think about what inspires your work. This could be your personal experiences, emotions, or other artists. For instance, "My work includes found objects, ashes from seemingly valuable things that people have thrown away, inspired by my experience of being homeless for nine years."
Define Your Message
What do you want your art to say to viewers? Are there particular questions or ideas you hope to explore or answer? For example, "My paintings express my wishes and dreams for a better world, they celebrate happy occasions, my sadness, and frustration."
Remember Your Audience
Consider who will be reading your artist statement and what they might want to know about your work. Your statement can help viewers gain a deeper understanding of your art and feel more connected to it.
Write and Edit
Write a first draft and then revise it. Make sure your statement is clear and concise, and don't be afraid to inject your personality into it. You can also include practical information such as the title, medium, and date of your artwork.
Artist statements are a great way to add context to your artwork and help viewers understand your creative process and the intentions behind your work. By following these steps, you can write effective artist statements that enhance the experience of your art.
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Certificates of Authenticity: edition size, method, type of ink and paper, etc
A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) is a document that proves the provenance of a piece of artwork. It is a professional sales receipt that helps build an artist's status and makes their artworks easier to sell. It is also crucial for collectors when insuring their collections.
When creating a CoA, it is important to note that they are not legally binding, and anyone can create one. There are no universal standards for certificates, so it is common to find fraudulent certificates in the art world. To guarantee authenticity, it is recommended to use a thoughtfully worded template. Templates can be purchased or downloaded, and they are useful when immediacy is a top concern.
When creating a CoA from scratch, there are certain things that should be included to make the document valid. Firstly, the name of the piece, the date it was created, and a signature are essential. The signature is preferably that of the artist, hand-signed, not photocopied, and not of a publisher or dealer of the artist. The artist's contact details may also be included and can be helpful when selling online.
If the artwork is a print, additional information is required. The medium of the original artwork and the print should be included, such as the paint or ink type, printing process, type of paper, and any other specific details that may assist in future identification and conservation. If the print is limited edition, the total number of prints made and the unique number of a particular print should be listed. If the print is not limited, this should also be noted. If the printmaker is not the artist of the original piece, their name and signature should be included.
Other optional details that can be included in a CoA are the subject or location of the artwork, information on caring for the artwork, and a photo of the artwork for identification and authentication purposes. The CoA can be placed in a sleeve or envelope attached to the back of the painting, or it can be stored separately in a file for easy retrieval when a work is sold or given to a new owner.
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Title, copyright, name, signature, year
The title of an artwork is an important aspect of the creative process. It can serve as a "bridge to the viewer", enhancing the artwork and providing insight into the artist's mindset. Some artists title their work before creating it, while others wait until the work is almost complete. Titles can be sentimental, numerical, factual, abstract, or mysterious, and can even be used to obfuscate or evoke irony. Untitled works may also be a deliberate artistic choice, as in the case of Donald Judd, who used "Untitled" for many of his works to erase any trace of himself or his decision-making process.
Copyright
Copyright is a legal concept that protects the creator of a work from unlawful use or distribution by others. In the case of visual art, the artist who creates the work generally holds the copyright. However, there are exceptions, such as when the artwork is created as a "work made for hire", in which case the copyright is typically owned by the employer or commissioning party. Artists can register their work with a copyright office to make a public record of their ownership and gain additional legal benefits.
Name and Signature
The artist's name and signature on a painting serve as a form of branding and a stamp of authenticity. A recognisable signature can add cohesion to an artist's body of work and help distinguish it from imitators. While some artists have distinctive signatures, others may choose not to sign their work at all. Artists can sign their work on the front or the reverse, depending on their preference and the impact they want the signature to have on the overall composition.
Year
Including the year in the signature of an artwork is a personal preference. It can be helpful for art historians and auction houses to understand the context of the piece and track its creation. Some artists may choose to incorporate the date subtly within the composition, such as by painting it within a tree trunk or a set of leaves. For digital art, the creation date is typically tracked through metadata, making it less necessary to include the date in the signature.
The title, copyright, name, signature, and year are all important considerations for artists when presenting their work. These elements can impact the perception, protection, and historical context of the artwork. While some artists may choose to include all of this information, others may opt for a more subtle approach, depending on their personal style and the message they want to convey.
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Artist biography
An artist biography, or artist statement, is a description of what you make and why you make it. It is a way for the artist to connect with their audience and provide additional context to their work. Artist biographies are often included with art pieces to fulfil portfolio requirements for educational or professional opportunities.
An artist biography should be written in the artist's voice and be clear, concise, and compelling. It should not be a manifesto, an art history lecture, or self-psychoanalysis. Instead, it should be a description of the art and the artist's process and inspiration. For example, an artist may write about their use of colour and shape, and how their work has developed through the process of painting.
An artist biography can also include specific details about the artwork, such as the medium, the date it was created, and the artist's name and signature. Some artists also include a Certificate of Authenticity, which includes edition size, method of creation, type of materials used, and other pertinent information.
Artist biographies can vary greatly as they are subjective and personal. Some artists may choose to include their biography on the back of their artwork, while others may provide it separately to the buyer. The length and content of an artist biography can depend on the artist's preferences and the requirements of the platform or gallery where the artwork is being displayed.
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Artist inspiration
Artists often include writing on their paintings to provide additional context to their work. This can take the form of an artist statement, which briefly describes what the artist has created and why they have created it. Artist statements can help viewers gain a deeper understanding of the artwork and feel more connected to it. They can also be a way for artists to promote their work and provide information to buyers.
When creating an artist statement, it is important to be clear, concise, and compelling. The statement should feel like it is written by the artist and not by a critical theorist or art historian. It should include specific details about the artwork, such as the materials used and the techniques employed. It can also be helpful to include the artist's inspiration and the message they are trying to convey.
Some artists choose to include more personal information in their artist statements, such as their experiences or emotions that influenced their work. For example, an artist might discuss how their experiences of homelessness led to an innovative style that elevates discarded and overlooked objects to the avant-garde. Another artist might explain how their landscape paintings subvert the viewer's expectations by capturing the comfort and vastness of nature.
In addition to artist statements, some artists choose to include writing directly on their paintings. This can include the title of the work, the date it was created, the artist's name or signature, and a copyright symbol. Some artists also include this information on a sticker or label attached to the back of the painting or frame. Other information that may be included on the back of a painting includes the medium, the edition number, and the location where it was created.
Overall, the writing that artists put on their paintings can vary depending on their personal style and preferences. It can be a way to provide context and promote their work, as well as connect with viewers and potential buyers.
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Frequently asked questions
Artists may include the following information on the back of their paintings: title, medium, year, name, signature, edition number, copyright symbol, and location. Some artists also include stickers or labels with this information on the back of the painting or frame.
Some artists include a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), which may be in the form of a sticker or label. This includes pertinent information such as edition size, method of printmaking, type of ink and paper, etc. Artists may also include their biography or a picture of themselves.
It depends on the artist and the buyer. Some artists may choose to include less information on the back of their paintings and instead provide additional details to the buyer after the sale, such as through email or a hard copy packet.
