Art Workshop with Cy: Signatures
Why, When, How and Where does a fine artist sign his or her artwork?
“By any chance are you left handed? An observant friend of mine made the comment that most painters sign on the right side of the portrait because they are right handed. You, however, signed it on the left corner leaving us debating whether you were right or left handed:)” – Owner of Whimsey, above right.
This is the Question that inspired me to write the first, in this series of Blog Posts titled “Art Workshop By Cy”.
WHY:
There are 3 main reasons why we sign a piece of art (and I will say now that EVERY piece of art created by anyone should be signed).
#1 The signing by me, of one of my Pet Portraits or any work of art that anyone completes, indicates that the piece has been finished, work has stopped. Simple as that. collectors, critics the public etc… want a finished piece. This signature tells everyone that no more work or revision is necessary in the eyes of the artist.
#2 Pride, yes pride! Being proud of what you do is a must. ANY art ANYONE creates is unique, special and important. Art moves people, someone out there will always be moved by what you do, and they want to know that you approve of what you do as well! Stand up and shout it out with your signature! This is very important.
#3 The signature on a piece of art shows everyone who owns it. Once anything is created and is signed it is protected under copyright law and cannot be used by others without the signers permission. Now this is simply put, and copyright issues can take up another whole Blog post, but for now just realize that your signature protects your ownership of the images you create.
WHEN:
Sign your piece when it is finished. When you are done revising and touching up. I know sometimes this part of a painting is never ending but when the time comes…Sign it! Then move on!!
HOW:
I believe in finding a signature that is unique, readable and recognizable. I use my full last name (Unique), I print it very simply,(Readable) and it is ALWAYS the same (Recognized). People know there is only one “Hundley” That was created by me.
WHERE:
This is my response to the initial question leading to this Blog Post:
“Interesting observation. I am right handed. The location of my signature on a piece is dependent on where it best suits the composition of the artwork. If you look at former paintings or especially charcoals of mine you will see I have signed them in many different places. And in some cases at an angle. I believe my signature is important but should not stick out to much. To put it simply I sign every piece where it fits in the best. I do not concern myself as to where I will sign, until I am finished. The piece itself will let me know the appropriate spot. The signature however, basically has remained unchanged since the late 1980’s
In Whimsey’s Portrait we had that space to the left …The perfect spot to sign, which in fact works with the rest of the composition to balance out the darkness and shadow on the right.”
Sign your piece where ever you want, just do not let it take away from what you are trying to say with your art work. Maybe where you sign can be the “Uniqueness” in your signature!
I hope this has been informative, interesting and useful to you. Do you
have more Questions? Is there another Art Workshop subject you would like me to Blog about? Please comment here, You do not need to fill any info out, just start Commenting! Or check out this Post on my Facebook fan page and comment there. And as usual, please feel free to email me anytime! Check back soon for more Art Workshop with Cy!
Thank you , Cy
