How to Identify a Hand-Painted Oil Painting vs. a Giclée Print

1. Surface Texture

A hand-painted oil painting has visible brushstrokes and textured layers of paint. When viewed from the side or under angled light, the surface appears uneven and tactile.
A giclée print, even on textured canvas, has a relatively flat surface because the image is printed rather than painted.

2. Brushwork and Detail

In a hand-painted oil painting, brushstrokes vary naturally in direction, thickness, and pressure. Subtle imperfections and expressive marks are signs of human craftsmanship.
Giclée prints reproduce brushstrokes visually, but they repeat uniformly and lack depth when examined closely.

3. Edge and Back Inspection

Hand-painted oil paintings often show paint extending onto the edges of the canvas, especially in gallery-wrapped works. On the back, you may see paint penetration or slight staining from oil or acrylic.
Printed canvases typically have clean, unpainted edges and no paint marks on the reverse side.

4. Color Depth and Variation

Hand-painted artworks display slight color variations and layered tones created during the painting process. Colors may appear richer and more dynamic.
Printed artworks rely on ink layering, resulting in consistent but flatter color transitions.

5. Uniqueness

Every hand-painted oil painting is one of a kind. Even repeated designs will show small differences.
Giclée prints are identical reproductions, often produced in multiples or limited editions.

Conclusion

While giclée prints offer high-resolution reproduction and affordability, hand-painted oil paintings provide texture, depth, and individuality that only handcrafted art can deliver.