Your Signature Is Important

Signatures are an old tradition and date back to 176 BC. They were originally enforced to accept a marriage. In legal terms, the definition is “a mark or sign made by an individual on an instrument or document to signify knowledge, approval, acceptance, or obligation”.

Artists are still very much keeping the signature tradition alive by signing their work. The signature on your painting has always been, and always will be, an important item in the assessment of art. However, the amount of artists I meet, both professional, and amateur, who create the most beautiful work, but struggle with their signature is astounding. Unfortunately, many artists see a signature as an after thought, some don’t even use a signature any more. I urge you to reconsider. When someone sees your art for the first time, you want them to recognise the work. Undoubtedly over time your work will change, move direction, improve. Your signature is a record that you created that piece.

As an artist, you may have spent hours trying to think of a unique, yet simple signature to sign your paintings. From experience, the more simple your signature, the more consistent you will be, but also it will remain looking stylish for years to come.

Why struggle signing your work when there’s plenty of brushes available to help you? For watercolours, try a small pointed round; Series 33 or Series 301. For Oils and Acrylics, look at the Ivory and Shiraz ranges. The riggers are popular as you don’t have to re-load your brush so often. The Series 46 are good for all mediums, as the sable tip gives you control, but the squirrel allows a greater carrying capacity. Try using a shorter handle too. Your signature doesn’t necessarily have to spell out your name. For example, Vermeer signed some of his work with a characteristic monogram or different combinations of the letters in his name.

Tops Tips on Signatures:

1. Sign your art as soon as it’s finished.
2. Don’t sign on top of a varnished painting.
3. Date your art. If not on the front, on the back.
4. Sign your art in the same medium which you create it.
5. Be unique, but be literate whether that be with a monogram, or name.
6. Remember, your signature stands for your identity and also for your works authenticity.

To view our signature brushes, please click here.