Twelve FAQs About the Art I Create
Below are twelve of the 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. “Do your paintings come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?”
Yes! Every painting purchased directly from me includes a custom-designed Certificate of Authenticity. The COA is hand-signed 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.”
2. “I notice that the painting images on your website have ‘@teresabernardart.com’. Does this appear on the actual painting?”
No. The copyright watermark ©️ teresabernardart.com is only for online protection. It never appears on the physical painting.
3. “Do you sign your paintings?”
Yes. I sign each painting “Teresa” on the front, either in the lower right or lower left corner. This signature is your assurance that the artwork is an original Teresa Bernard oil painting.
4. “How long does it take you to finish 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 6×6-inch painting can be completed in a few hours, while a larger 24×36-inch canvas may take several months. 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, visit “My Oil Painting Process: From Blank Canvas to Finished Work.”
5. “Do your paintings come framed, or is that something I need to handle?”
My paintings do not arrive with a frame. I leave that decision to the buyer, as framing should reflect your personal taste and the character of your home. Each piece is painted on gallery-wrapped canvas, with the image extending around the sides. This gives the artwork a clean, finished look right out of the box — no frame required. If you prefer a more formal presentation, framing is entirely optional and can be tailored to your individual style.
6. “How do you decide what to paint? I’m asking because your subjects feel personal, and I wonder what sparks that kind of connection.”
That’s a great question, and there’s no single answer. Sometimes it’s something I’ve seen or experienced that stays with me. Other times, it’s a quiet moment or a certain kind of light that makes me stop and take notice. I don’t paint based on trends or what’s popular — I paint what feels honest to me. If a subject stirs something in me, I trust it might do the same for someone else. That’s where it starts.
7. “Where do the stories you share about your paintings come from?”
Each story is drawn from my own life — places I’ve lived, things I’ve seen, and moments that shaped me. I include them so collectors can connect with the meaning behind the artwork, not just the image, and understand the personal experiences that inspired each piece.
8. “What defines your signature realism style — what gives it that unmistakable presence when someone sees it across the room?”
My style is grounded in classical realism, shaped by decades of experience in both fine art and graphic design. I focus on clarity, composition, and emotional truth — bringing everyday subjects to life with precision and warmth. If you’d like to explore this further, see “My Artistic Style: How Realism Became My Signature.”
9. Do you ever revisit or revise a painting after you’ve finished it?
Yes. If a painting needs a touch‑up or something doesn’t look the way I want it to, I’ll go back and fix it. That might mean tightening a line, adjusting a color, or correcting a small flaw. I want every painting leaving my studio to look its best.
10. Do you ever paint the same subject more than once?
I do. A subject can hold my interest in different ways, and that keeps me working with it. Some subjects inspire more than one idea. Others have a personal meaning that pulls me back. And sometimes one painting just isn’t enough to say everything I want to say about it.
11. “If I love a painting that has already sold, can you create another version of it?”
Yes. I can create a new painting inspired by one that has already sold, but it won’t be an identical copy. The composition and details will be different, and the new piece will have its own look and feel. Every painting I do is a one‑of‑a‑kind original.
12. “How do I commission a painting from you?”
To commission a custom painting, you will need to provide me with the details about the artwork you want — size, style, subject, and any specific preferences. See “How to Commission a Painting” for more information.
Art Gallery Quick Links
Animals | Flowers | Landscapes | Marine
People | Space Art | Still Life
Additional Reading
Why Owning a Teresa Bernard Oil Painting is So Special
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.
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