Artist Teresa Bernard’s blog about her oil paintings and the inspiration behind them. Every painting has a story. The blog also discusses other topics of interest to all lovers of great art.
Art appreciation is an understanding of the qualities that identify what great art is. It goes beyond the enjoyment of mere aesthetics. Art appreciation also involves having a knowledge of art movements, art history, and art styles or techniques.
Art Movements
An art movement is a distinctive style of art characterized by a group of artists practicing or adhering to the same creative concept, philosophy, purpose, style, or method within a specified time frame or region. Each art movement is subtly or distinctly different from another. Other art movements, however, have influenced some movements as they show obvious similarities, while others seem to defy them. It is fascinating to study the differences between art movements and art periods.
Art History
Art history is the study of the development of artworks in painting, sculpture, drawing, architecture, and other visual arts. The history of art spans from the earliest cave drawings to the present. The two primary goals of art history are to determine (1) who produced a particular work of art and when, and (2) understand the stylistic approach or school of thought that the artists used to create the piece.
Art Styles or Techniques
The style or technique of a particular artist, school, or movement. It is that ‘thing’ that makes you recognize a specific painting as being by a particular artist before you’re close enough to see a signature or to read the image label. A painting style refers to: (1) the technique or brush strokes used to paint; (2) the subject(s) chosen; (3) the range of colors used in a painting; or (4) a specific color used in every painting.
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FROM THE EDITORS: We hope you enjoyed this blog about art appreciation and found it’s information to be useful. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the fine art paintings below too. For more information and details, click or tap the thumbnail link.
Some creative ways to decorate your home with fine art.
Decorating the walls in your home with fine art can significantly elevate its visual appeal and reflect your personal style. Fine art offers the flexibility to create a focal point, add color, or simply express your tastes, making it an adaptable and valuable component in the design of your living space.
Let’s explore 10 creative ways to incorporate fine art into your home’s decor:
1. Create a Gallery Wall
Create a dynamic gallery wall by mixing artwork of different sizes and shapes. Combine large-scale paintings with smaller prints, photographs, and decorative mirrors. Display them in a seemingly spontaneous yet harmonious arrangement to achieve an eclectic and visually interesting look.
2. Experiment with Frames
Integrating various frame styles, such as pairing sleek, modern designs with more ornate ones, creates a dynamic visual contrast that can captivate and add an element of surprise to any space.
3. Fill Awkward Spaces with Art
Odd corners and narrow walls make ideal spots for art displays. They can be used to showcase smaller pieces or to create a mini gallery.
4. Create a Focal Point with Statement Art
Transform a bare wall into a conversation starter with an eye-catching statement piece. A piece of large-scale art can serve as the focal point of a room, drawing the eye and anchoring the decor. Be it a striking painting, an eclectic gallery wall, or an avant-garde sculpture, let it command attention and set the tone for the space.
5. Showcase Fine Art on Easels
Accentuate a distinctive painting by displaying it on an art easel. Easels add a touch of sophistication and highlight specific artworks.
6. Lean It Against a Wall
Leaning large canvases or framed artwork against the wall offers an effortlessly stylish look, infusing your space with a casual, laid-back atmosphere. It’s an ideal choice for those who favor a straightforward and relaxed aesthetic.
7. Display Fine Art Behind a Sofa
Rather than positioning artwork squarely above the sofa, you might opt to set it slightly askew or even position it behind the sofa. Such an unconventional arrangement can introduce an element of surprise and add depth to the room.
8. Layer It on a Bookshelf
Incorporate art into your decor by tucking it behind vases, stacking it atop bookshelves, or allowing it to peek from among your cherished books. This blend of art with different items generates a visually stimulating environment and piques curiosity.
9. StairWay Displays
Maximize the potential of the wall area along your staircase by thoughtfully arranging art pieces at different levels within the stairwell. This approach will craft an engaging visual journey, whether you’re ascending or descending the stairs.
10. Hide Your TV Screen with Art
Hide your television within a bookshelf, ingeniously designed to let a favorite painting slide or swing shut over it. This clever solution seamlessly blends practicality with visual appeal.
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FROM THE EDITORS: We hope you found this blog on decorating with fine art both informative and useful. We believe you will also appreciate the fine art oil paintings featured below. For additional information and details, please click or tap the thumbnail link.
Proper care of oil paintings is essential for their preservation.
Oil paintings bring an element of beauty to any living space, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. When you bring home oil paintings, it’s crucial to take good care of them. Often times, people overlook the easy steps needed to maintain their artwork. It’s important to remember that you need to take good care of your oil paintings.
Ways to Care for Your Oil Paintings
Taking good care of your oil paintings involves several key steps to ensure their longevity and beauty. Here are some things you can do to protect the beauty of your oil painting:
HANDLING YOUR PAINTINGS
Oil paintings should be handled with care and individually to prevent damage. Do not stack paintings when moving or storing them, as it may cause damage. Additionally, avoid leaning a painting against any sharp objects or surfaces that could scratch it. Always carry a painting by its frame, and make sure your hands are clean before handling to prevent soiling the artwork. For safe transportation, lift the painting with both hands, placing them securely at the center of each side of the frame.
DISPLAYING YOUR PAINTINGS
When hanging a painting, it’s essential to use hooks specifically made for that purpose and secure them into a wooden stud in your wall. Avoid hanging your painting directly on drywall, even if using wall anchors; a heavy painting might cause the hook to rip out and the painting to crash down. Using the right hooks will help ensure your artwork stays put, protecting both the painting and the wall from damage. Moreover, avoid using just any nail or screw as a hanger, as they could inadvertently damage your painting. Always opt for the appropriate hanging hardware to safeguard your painting from harm.
PRESERVING YOUR PAINTINGS
To preserve the vibrant colors and structure of your oil painting, it’s best to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause the paint pigments to deteriorate over time, leading to fading and a loss of vibrancy.
Position your oil painting away from sources of high heat such as radiators, hot water pipes, or fireplaces to avoid paint cracking and blistering. An ideal room temperature for preserving your artwork is between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius).
Protect your oil painting by keeping it away from areas where there is a lot of humidity and moisture. Areas such as damp basements, attics, bathrooms, or kitchens. Humidity and moisture can lead to mold growth on your artwork, necessitating professional cleaning. Strive to keep indoor humidity levels within the range of 40% to 60%.
CLEANING YOUR PAINTINGS
Dust your painting at least twice a year using a natural-hair or Japanese brush to keep it top condition. Avoid using feather dusters or abrasive cloths, which can scratch the surface. Also, steer clear of water, sprays, and cleansers that could cause damage to the varnish or paint.
In conclusion, if your painting should ever become heavily soiled or damaged, you should have it professionally cleaned and repaired. A professional will be able to restore your artwork to its original beauty without diminishing its value. Additionally, they can provide you with invaluable information on how to properly store or display your paintings at home to preserve their condition.
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FROM THE EDITORS: It is our hope that you found this blog on oil painting care to be both enlightening and beneficial. We believe you will also appreciate the oil paintings displayed below. For additional information and details, click or tap on the thumbnail link.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About the Art I Create.
Here are the top ten most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about my art, along with my responses. I’ve covered many of these topics in greater detail in various blog posts, accessible through the links provided. If your question is not addressed here or in the linked articles, please contact me, and I will gladly provide an answer.
1. “I recently purchased a Southwest painting, and the art dealer told me it was your work. Is that true? Are you the artist? I have attached a photo of it to this email.”
No. I don’t do Southwest paintings; and I never have. This is the most common question I get, and it invariably involves a case of mistaken identity. For more information on this topic, see “Southwest Paintings NOT By Teresa Bernard.”
2. “I believe that I may have one of your paintings, it is signed “Teresa.” Can you tell me more about it?”
That depends. The world is full of artists, and it’s likely that more than one shares my name. Please refer to “My Oil Paintings Index” for a photo reference of all my paintings, both past and present. If you find your painting shown there, then that means I am the artist and I will be delighted to provide more details about it. If not, then it’s not one of mine.
3. “Some of your painting descriptions say, “ready to hang,” what does that mean?”
“Ready to hang” means that the painting arrives at your door ready to hang on the wall. The painting comes with the required hanging hardware already attached, so you can hang it on your wall immediately after unpacking.
4. “I just bought a painting from your website, how soon before it arrives?”
All paintings are shipped within 3-5 business days via USPS Priority Mail. Delivery usually takes 3-4 days after the shipment is dropped off at the post office. Tracking information will be provided to track your painting’s transit from my art studio to your doorstep.
5. “Is my painting insured during shipment?”
Yes. Your painting will be insured just prior to shipping because it is a one-of-a-kind item that cannot be easily replaced if damaged or lost in shipping. This insurance safeguards both you and me against any financial loss due to damage while in transit. Additionally, to deter potential theft at your doorstep, the delivery will require a signature upon arrival. Someone will need to be on hand to receive the painting and sign for it. For more information on this subject, see “Company Policies and Other Important Stuff.”
6. “What sort of canvas do you create your paintings on?”
I use three different types of canvases for my paintings: gallery-wrapped canvas, stretched canvas, and canvas board. For more information and descriptions on each type of canvas, see “Three Types of Oil Painting Canvas.”
7. “How long does it take you do a painting?”
That’s a good question. It varies depending upon the size of the canvas I’m working on. Smaller paintings take much less time than larger ones because there is less surface to cover with paint. A small painting, for instance measuring 6×6 inches, can typically be completed in just a few hours, while a larger canvas, such as 24×36 inches, may take several months to finish. After completion, an oil painting requires sufficient drying time before it can leave my studio, typically a minimum of six months. For more information on this, see “A Painting in The Making.”
8. “I want to commission you to do a painting for me. What do I need to do?”
To commission a custom painting, you will need to provide me with the details about the desired artwork, such as size, style, subject, and any specific preferences you may have. See “How to Commission a Painting” for more information.
9. “Do your paintings come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?”
Yes! When you purchase a painting directly from me, it is accompanied by a custom-designed Certificate of Authenticity. The COA is hand-signed by me and embossed with my personal seal. It is your assurance that you are receiving authentic, original artwork. For more information on this topic, see “Certificate of Authenticity Information.”
10. “I notice that the paintings on your website all have ‘@teresabernardart.com’. Does this appear on the actual painting?”
FROM THE EDITORS: We trust you found this blog, on the frequently asked questions Teresa has received regarding her art, to be informative and helpful. We believe you will also appreciate the paintings featured below. For additional information and details, please click or tap on the thumbnail link.
You can discover more about this subject and many others by exploring My Artist Blog Index.
Have a question?
I hope you found the frequently asked questions about my art to be useful. If you have a question please contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Fine art represents the visual manifestation of human creativity, encompassing both the technical expertise (skill or know-how) and the innovative imagination required for the conception of new ideas.
It’s important to understand that the term “fine” does not refer to the quality of the artwork but rather the purity of the discipline. Thus, fine art encompasses practices like calligraphy, drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, distinguishing itself from applied art, decorative arts, and crafts.
Types of Fine Art
Drawings—chalk, charcoal, colored wax pencil, crayon, graphite pencil, inked brush, marker, pen and ink, pastel, stylus, or various metals like silverpoint.
Paintings—acrylic, aerosol paint, enamel, fresco, gouache, hot wax, inks, oils, pastel, tempera, or watercolor.
Sculpture—clay, glass, metal, plastic, stone, or wood.
Calligraphy—the art of beautiful handwriting or fancy lettering. (See Calligraphy for more information.)
Fine Art Skills
The creation of fine artworks requires an understanding of art theory, a mastery of design techniques, and proficiency in the use of the tools of the trade necessary for the creation of fine works of art. The essential skills can be honed through various methods. These include, but are not limited to:
Undertaking apprenticeships with accomplished fine artists.
Attending college courses at all levels.
Participating in workshops and classes led by fellow artists.
Becoming a member of artists’ collectives.
Studying the works of the Old Masters as well as contemporary fine artists.
Creative Imagination
Creative thinking is the ability to form a mental image of new ideas or concepts not previously conceived or encountered. It involves: (1) visualizing familiar objects or notions in a new light; (2) digging down beneath the surface to discover previously overlooked patterns; and (3) finding connections between seemingly unrelated attributes.
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FROM THE EDITORS: We hope you enjoyed this blog about what fine art is and found it’s information to be useful. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the paintings below too. For more information and details, click or tap the thumbnail link.
More information about this topic and many others can be found in My Artist Blog Index. Check it out!
Your Feedback
“I think you should be complimented for the definition [of fine art] you came up with – it reads as thorough and yet completely understandable to readers who don’t have much experience with fine art. Based on all the sources I checked prior to, and after finding, your website that is quite an achievement. “ — Robert (RA) May, Berkeley CA
Have a question?
If you have a question about this blog, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.
Our affection for animals is what makes wildlife art so popular. Everyone has some type of fondness for animals, and even if they don’t love all types, there’s usually at least one favorite animal on everyone’s list. People from all walks of life find joy in the variety of creatures, great and small, that grace our planet—a gift from God to both the Earth and humanity.
Some are drawn to the exotic wildlife of distant lands, others by the wide array of birds flying overhead, while many have a deep appreciation for fish and other marine life that live in our waters. And of course, we mustn’t forget our beloved farm animals and pets! Our endearment for animals is what fuels the popularity of wildlife art.
Wildlife art appeals to everyone because it:
1. Connects Us with Nature: Wildlife art connects people with the natural world, evoking emotions and fostering a sense of wonder. Whether it’s a painting of a majestic tiger, a soaring eagle, or an endangered aquatic species, wildlife art resonates with our shared love for the planet’s diverse creatures.
2. Enhances Living Spaces: Animal paintings add a touch of nature to your home or office, complementing nearly any décor. They offer a beautiful way to bring the outdoors inside, especially for those who can’t venture outside as much as they’d like. These artworks provide a sense of being in nature, even from the comfort of your own space.
3. Spark Conversations: Paintings of the animal kingdom can be a great way to start a conversation. Animals are so interesting and there is such a variety of life in the animal kingdom that you will never lack something to discuss. When visitors come calling, your animal art can be a great way to get a good conversation going and keeping it going for hours. What a great way to pass the time!
4. Relive Adventures: For nature enthusiasts, wildlife art offers a wonderful opportunity to reminisce about memorable trips to the zoo, safaris, or other outdoor adventures. It allows you to relive those cherished moments spent among wildlife.
5. Diverse Artistic Expressions: Nature offers a vast array of creatures to depict in wildlife paintings, from mammals and birds to fish and insects. And domestic animals like pets or livestock are portrayed too. Artistic depictions of animals can vary from realistic to abstract, to whimsical, or anything in between, catering to any décor style or personal taste.
Conclusion
Wildlife art provides a unique opportunity to admire the natural beauty of animals and their environments. It appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds, offering something for every enthusiast to enjoy. So, the next time you’re searching for a gift for someone (or even yourself), consider the timeless charm of wildlife art.
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FROM THE EDITORS: We trust you found this blog on wildlife art to be informative and helpful. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the animal and wildlife paintings below too. For more information and details, click or tap the thumbnail link.
I had the privilege of being interviewed by an art student attending college in California. His assignment was to pick an artist, interview that person, and write a paper about the experience. His questions were intelligent and well thought out. I thoroughly enjoyed answering Eric’s questions and was delighted to read his essay. I have it posted below, with his permission, for you to read.
—Teresa Bernard
Artist Interview: Teresa Bernard
By Eric Pott, May 8, 2007
For my artist interview project, I was fortunate in my Internet search to find the website of Teresa Bernard, a Texas painter. Teresa is an accomplished artist with a wide variety of skills and experience; she has an interesting background and has had the opportunity to express her creative abilities within her career as well as for her personal enjoyment. Teresa is primarily an oil painter; she showcases and sells her art on her web page while at the same time pursuing web design professionally. After seeing her paintings, I decided to contact Teresa and was delighted when she e-mailed me back to say that she would be honored to be the subject of my interview.
I was initially drawn to Teresa’s website, which I found while browsing the “Yahoo!” artist directory by category; I was interested in talking with a painter, and I found that she painted with a number of different types of subject matter, including religious paintings. I noticed that her website contained a great deal of information already, and I guessed that there was a great deal of interesting thought that she could elaborate on in terms of some of her early influences and her knowledge of art within the context of her career. I also wanted to learn her opinions of the art world and of its business aspects. I contacted her via e-mail in late April, and we communicated for about a week or so, during which I submitted to her my interview questions about her art, background, career, and her opinions of the art world in general.
Teresa was very fortunate to have learned many artistic elements and principles early in life. Her father was an art teacher who studied under the instruction of a successive line of artists; he taught classes in her town, as well as in some of the surrounding communities. In our interview, she placed a tremendous amount of emphasis on the artistic fundamentals and principles of design that he taught her: “….shading, lighting, composing, design, proportion, perspective, balance….all the elements that go into good composition.” Mrs. Bernard had attended college here in California, and she described in the interview that she had not originally intended to become an art student but instead initially studied Bible and communications courses. She attended Ambassador College (which she later mentioned was right across the street from the Norton Simon Museum) in Pasadena until it lost its funding; she then transferred to Pasadena Community College. There she began significant studies in the school’s substantial fine arts program, where she was required (among other things) to compose and paint artworks using styles from each major period of thought. “It was during [these] classes,” she said, “that I gained my appreciation of various art techniques and styles.”
I was interested in how she applied her artistic style in her career, and she described some of her experience as a graphic designer. She found much of her work on newspaper layouts, advertisement designs, and art design for a collector car magazine to be very rewarding. “I was doing what I love to do,” she said, especially with “complex pieces,” but she did not recommend a career in graphic design unless one was very determined. Easy access to desktop software and other tools have reduced the demand for graphic artists, she explained, and it is difficult to earn a very good salary in such a field – which was one reason why she was prompted to move into the area of web design. Designing web pages is a task that suits her personal style as a realist; she feels that often web pages are, in substance, a form of advertisement or brochure meant to advertise a product that requires a very direct approach to the viewer. “Realism in art conveys the message in a straightforward manner,” she expressed, “What better way is there than to use realism in designing a website?”
This realistic approach is evident in many of her paintings. “I paint what I see in a realistic way” is how she illustrates her personal style. Covered Bridge in Lane County, Oregon, one of her landscape paintings, is an excellent example of this. Colorful fall hues, deep shadows, and well-composed single-point perspective provide depth and space to this painting, which conveys a simple and rustic virtue that is implied in the aged white bridge and natural surroundings. Strong command of perspective is important in many of her paintings; to her, this technique is largely what gives a subject depth. “Without good perspective, the entire painting can be thrown off, and proportions are wrong,” she notes. She uses layered paint and careful application of color with a dry brush to achieve a sense of texture in her compositions as well. It is with these techniques that she often communicates a very Christian message within her paintings; her desire seems to be to represent God’s handiwork in nature, honoring the “beauty and majesty of all creation” through realism.
Mrs. Bernard has some experience within the art world in terms of shows and exhibitions, and she listed several types in which she has entered her paintings: judged art shows, gallery fundraisers, and online auctions. She seems to prefer displaying her work within these types of exhibits rather than in privately owned art galleries; oftentimes, these galleries show multiple artists’ work, and she feels that much of the time, artists do not receive as much individual promotion because of this. “I have much more interest in promoting my work than the gallery owner does,” she observes. “Their interest is making money no matter whose work they sell.” Additionally, in her experience, she has seen galleries often charge outrageous commissions, about forty to fifty percent. Teresa hopes to eventually be able to paint and show her work full-time in art shows.
I enjoyed my interview with Mrs. Bernard; it was interesting and informative. As a student of art, it was intriguing for me to be able to ask real questions and receive good practical insights into the techniques that a professional artist uses and to learn about the business end of the art world. The most important thing that I took away from the interview, however, was that to have a career in art, it is important to love what you do. “Most people work in jobs they do not like, but that has never been the case for me,” she stated. “I’ve never not loved what I do for a living.”
About The Author
At the time of the artist interview, Eric Pott was an art student attending Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, CA. Eric reported to me that he received an A on this assignment.
Canvas paintings are among the most popular forms of art whether they are composed using acrylic, oils, or some other medium.
Oil paintings on canvas are classic and have been around for centuries. Artists the world over have used a variety of surfaces for their works of art, however, canvas still remains the most often used surface, and it is what I compose all of my paintings on. There are three types of oil painting canvas that I paint on, let me describe each of them.
Gallery Wrap Stretched Canvas
Some artists call this type of canvas “gallery-wrapped”, while others call it “gallery wrap”. The terms are often used interchangeably, and I have used both myself.
Gallery-wrap canvas is a painting support surface in which a closely woven canvas fabric completely covers the stretcher bars and is then “wrapped” around the frame and attached with fasteners on the back. Unlike traditional canvas, gallery wrapped canvases have no visible fasteners (such as staples or spline) on the front surface. This method of construction means the artist can paint on the profile (edges) of the canvas, thus allowing the artwork to be the focal point from every angle. It also means the finished painting will not have to be framed before being put on display.
Customers who purchase my paintings on this type of canvas prefer the contemporary look of gallery wrap canvas paintings without a frame. However, I have many customers who love the classic look of framed artwork and will have their paintings mounted in a frame before display. It all depends on what you prefer. Framed or not, paintings on gallery wrap canvas look great either way.
Features of Gallery Wrap Canvas Paintings
Trendy, stylish
Back stapled
Painted edges
Does not require a frame but can be framed if desired.
Arrives at your door ready to hang on the wall.
Improves the visual appeal and atmosphere of any room.
The majority of my paintings are created on gallery-wrapped canvases and are available for purchase on this website.
Traditional Stretched Canvas
There was a time not too long ago when traditional stretched canvas was the only option available when an artist wanted to paint on stretched canvas. This style of canvas is classic, having been around for over 500 years. Today most artists prefer to use gallery wrap canvas, however, you can still find paintings composed on the traditional type of painting surface.
In this type, the canvas material is stretched over a wooden frame called a stretcher and secured with staples or tacks on the sides (rather than the back). The sides are usually left raw or unpainted, reminiscent of way paintings were done by the Old Masters. Paintings composed on traditional stretched canvas require a frame before display.
While some artists like to construct their own stretched canvases, I prefer to purchase my artist-grade canvas in bulk, pre-stretched by the manufacturer, and commercially primed. When the canvases arrive at my studio, they’re ready to receive my paint.
Stretched canvases can be very expensive, and that cost is often reflected in the price artists charge for their work. However, there is an excellent alternative to stretched canvas that is less expensive, and that is canvas board.
Canvas board is a rigid, lightweight, and sturdy painting surface constructed of a 1/8-inch-thick cardboard panel covered with thick canvas material. This canvas type is durable, resistant to warping, and easier to frame than stretched canvas. Canvas board paintings will require framing before hanging on the wall.
Paintings composed on a canvas board are not inferior to artwork on a stretched canvas. Many highly skilled artists enjoy painting on canvas board, and I’m one of them. Plein air (outdoor) artists prefer these lightweight canvases as they are easier to manage when they go on location to paint.
There are many types of oil painting canvas available to the artist to compose art on, and one is not better than the other. It’s simply a matter of preference. What’s important is the quality of the composition, the skill of the artist, and the durability of the painting to last for years.
Once framed (or not) and hung on your wall, canvas paintings can bring any room to life. With proper care, canvas oil paintings will last for many years to come providing you with lots of viewing enjoyment.
Announcing Affordably Priced Oil Paintings by Teresa Bernard
ATTENTION all art lovers and collectors on a budget!
I am pleased to announce a line of hand-painted fine art designed especially for budget-conscious art enthusiasts. These unique, one-of-a-kind affordable oil paintings on canvas are perfect for adorning homes or workspaces without breaking the bank. Now anyone can own one or more of my original oil paintings.
This line of budget-friendly artwork is a standard size of 9×12 inches. Each painting is skillfully composed on a premium heavy-duty canvas board made of primed canvas over a sturdy lightweight cardboard, ensuring durability and affordability without compromising on design or quality. In addition, every painting comes with a custom Certificate of Authenticity, as well as FREE shipping and handling inside the United States.
Be sure to bookmark this webpage so you can return here often, as more paintings will be added to this line as they become available.
Affordable Oil Paintings for Sale
Flowers
Click or tap on the thumbnail link for more information and to purchase.
I’m fed up! I can’t begin to express the frustration I’m experiencing with having my name misused by others. Individuals who are using my name, Teresa Bernard, to promote a line of southwest paintings I did not paint. It’s fraud, it’s a scam, and it has been going on for over a decade.
Art Buyers Beware!
You should know that the southwest painting you have just purchased is NOT an authentic Teresa Bernard painting. Contrary to what some unscrupulous art dealers tell their unsuspecting customers, I’m not the artist of the southwest-style paintings they are trying to sell. Let me repeat, I am not a southwest painter, and I have never been.
Southwest paintings NOT by Teresa Bernard
These so-called “southwest paintings by Teresa Bernard” are being sold on eBay, Offer Up, Let Go, Fine Art America, and other places. I’ve even found them sold on a few auction websites as well. The listings say, “Teresa Bernard painted them,” but they are not mine. I did not paint any of those paintings. Also, the listing agent uses excerpts of my own bio without permission, which is an infringement of copyright. They use my bio in their descriptions to make these paintings seem more legit when they in fact are not.
Why it Matters
When you compare the southwest paintings to mine, you will find my artistic style is entirely different from those paintings. There is no mistaking that fact. One look around my website confirms this. I’ve studied a large sampling of photos of these so-called “Teresa Bernard southwest paintings,” and there is a lack of consistency in artistic style from one painting to the next. It looks like they are the works of multiple artists. There are also variations in the signatures from one painting to the next. And none of those signatures look anything like mine.
Signatures vary from painting to painting and do not match.
Why it Should Matter to You
I receive emails all the time from individuals wanting verification that a particular southwest painting they have in their possession, or one they’re thinking of purchasing, is one of mine. They even attach a photo for me to look at. You can imagine their confusion when they learn I don’t do southwest paintings and that I’m not the artist of their painting. Still, others become quite indignant to learn their art dealer lied to them and fraudulently used my name to sell them a painting I didn’t paint. I feel bad for these individuals because they have fallen for a scam. All I can do is tell them to do their research; know what they are buying and whom they are buying from.
Who is this Teresa Bernard, Artist of Southwest Paintings?
At first, I thought it was a case of mistaken identity—that there is another artist in the world with the same name as me, and these must be her paintings. So, I didn’t give too much thought to the seriousness of this situation until the emails started coming in on a regular basis.
So, I did some research to see if I could discover who this southwest artist is. After searching on the internet, I quickly found out that I’m the only artist with the name Teresa Bernard who comes up in the “SERPS” (Search Engine Results Pages). There is no other artist with my name; I’m the only one. Go ahead; try a search yourself to see what you come up with. I’ll wait.
Don’t you think it bizarre that there is absolutely NO information on the internet regarding this artist of southwest paintings? Why is it, if she is such a famous artist and her paintings are highly sought after, that she is nowhere to be found?
You won’t find a website for her or the location of her art studio. There are no art shows, exhibitions, or gallery announcements for her work. And you won’t find any press releases, news articles, or magazine articles either. There is absolutely no information whatsoever about this southwest painting artist. Therefore, I am convinced she doesn’t exist anywhere or anyhow. Please prove me wrong if you can. I welcome it.
Proof of Authenticity
Furthermore, I provide a custom-designed Certificate of Authenticity for each of my paintings. This is something you won’t get with any of the southwest paintings by the imposter.
The art dealers trying to pass their paintings off as authentic originals by Teresa Bernard have no proof whatsoever of who painted them. All you have is their word for it. Can you really believe 100% of what they say? When you ask them for proof, they tell you to search the internet for the artist and compare the artwork and signatures. Well, we already know what happens when we do that, don’t we?
The truth is, they have absolutely no proof at all. You just have to take their word for it. They end the conversation when you question them about the matter too. This is further evidence that something is amiss, and they know it but don’t care. They just want to make a buck at someone else’s expense.
Made in China
I believe these southwest paintings are created in China. Then they are shipped to the U.S., and the Chinese tell their buyers that I am the artist. They exploit my name because I am all over the internet. If this isn’t the case, why can’t this other so-called artist, “Teresa Bernard,” be found? Why doesn’t she show herself? Or step up to make a public appearance and make herself known to the world? I’d be happy to send the individuals who email me to her website if only she had one.
I’m Not the Only One
Joanna Gaines
This scam isn’t an isolated incident either. Joanna Gaines of “Fixer Upper” has also had her name misused in much the same way I’m experiencing. It was even rumored that she was leaving her show to promote a line of skincare products. According to Joanna, this is simply not true. You can read her story here.
See For Yourself
If you are still convinced that I am the artist of your painting after reading this blog post, then before you send me an email with a photo attached, check out My Oil Paintings Index. It is a visual list of just about all my paintings. If your painting isn’t there, then it isn’t one of mine. However, if you find it pictured, I’m happy to answer your questions.
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FROM THE EDITORS: We hope you enjoyed this blog about southwest paintings by Teresa Bernard and found it’s information to be useful. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the fine art oil paintings below too. For more information and details, click or tap the thumbnail link.
Furthermore, I provide a custom-designed 
