You've decided to invest in a beautiful oil painting reproduction. You have an idea of the type of painting you'd like, but you're still unsure about making the purchase. This anxiety is normal when considering a reproduction purchase for the first time. Knowing the right questions to ask will enable you to make a wise purchase.

Unlike machine-generated copies, oil reproductions are hand-painted replicas of original paintings, which are created by an actual skilled artist. You're naturally concerned about getting great quality. Here are four things you should know before buying an oil painting reproduction.

Know Your Artist

The artist is key to getting a fine reproduction that matches the original. You'll want an artist who is both talented and trained. Talent only is not enough. Any good artist can throw together a reproduction that's similar to an original, but formal training is usually necessary to be able to match originals precisely. The artist must be able to study the original artist's hand strokes, style, etc. to get a true grasp on how to recreate the painting. It's best to buy from a company that specializes in reproductions and has experienced artists available at all times.

Know the Techniques

Another important thing you should know about reproductions is how they're created. What materials were used? What methods were used to put the painting together from start to finish? The entire process of creating a reproduction is important - not just the painting. The canvas, oils, brushes, lighting (while painting) each contribute to the finished work.

Know the Important Terms

Here are several terms you'll need to be aware of when considering an art reproduction:

1. Canvas - Find out if the canvas used is of high quality.

2. Oils - The oils used should also be high quality for long-lasting beauty.

3. Stretching - When buying online, your painting might arrive rolled up and unframed. In this case, you or someone will need to stretch the painting onto stretcher bars (wooden bars attached to the back of the stretched painting) before framing. Check with local framing shops to see if they will do this for you.

4. Varnishing - Varnish protects your painting reproduction from light rays and humidity. Find out if the painting has been varnished, or if you will need to do it yourself. If you plan to do it yourself, you'll have to wait about a year for the painting to dry completely. Varnishing is optional.

Know How to Care for Your Reproduction

If you find a great reproduction painting, you'll want to care for it the right way. Before making your purchase, make sure you have a place to store or display the painting that's away from direct sunlight and usually dry. Extreme sunlight or humidity can lead to flaking or cracking over time.

To clean your oil painting, use a soft cloth to dust the frame and a soft bristled brush to dust the actual painting. Feather dusters also work very well. Never apply moisture or chemicals to the painting.

Knowing how to choose a painting and what to expect will help you make an informed decision. The right oil reproduction painting is a prize to be treasured for a lifetime.