About Mark Beach Expertise I can answer any questions about custom picture framing or any one of custom picture framing components, i.e. matting, glass, mounting and wood or metal frames. I can answer questions about proper framing techniques to preserve artwork. I can not answer questions about restoring artwork or the value of artwork.
Experience I have over eleven years experience in custom picture framing and nine years experience managing a frame shop. I have worked in every retail area of custom picture framing.
Education/Credentials I've trained under 3 indiviuals that have more than fifty years of combined expierence. I have attended several PPFA (Profestional Picture Framers Association) certified workshops.
Expert: Mark Beach Date: 11/25/2007 Subject: question about paper on back of paintings
Question Good Evening!
I am very curious to know how I would go about finding the name of an artist on a painting I have. I have been given several paintings, some have the name of the artist penciled in, but one does not. I am not sure if it a print or a real one. There is brown paper on the back of it, so I am afraid to peel it back to see if it has a name on it. The only thing I did see, was a price of 44.95 written in pencil, along with the initials of BSL..... and a large black ink stamp with the numbers, 4435. I used a bright light with a magnifying glass to see if I could find anything, nothing so far........ if you can help me in any way at all, I would be so grateful and happy! Thank you very much for reading this, I look forward to hearing from you soon! ALSO< IS IT OK TO REMOVE THE PAPER FROM THE BACK OF A PAINTING OR WILL THAT DESTROY THE PAINTING?? again, thanks!!
Karen L. Bradley
Answer Hi Karen,
I am afraid I can't be of much help in finding the name of the artist for your painting. There are occasions when for some reason artists do not sign their artwork. Sometimes it is almost impossible to find out who painted the artwork unless they have a very well known and unique style. There is no problem with taking off the brown paper. I would recommend taking it to a frameshop and having a professional open the artwork to see if the artist's signature is some how just covered. The reason I say take it to a professional is because they can put it back exactly as it was. I wish I could be of more help. I do wish you the best with your artwork.
