landonlee

Should I give my painting a name and write it right on the bottom of the canvas?
Should I give my painting a name and write it right on the bottom of the piece. Something short like: "A day in Paris" or "Lonely bird" or "Winter in Summerland City" or "Sunshine of hope" etc. I will make it real small and nice so it does not distract the painting. I will try to sell my arts for a living. I don't know if that is apropriate to write a few small words on the painting. Because in many of my paintings, if I don't put the name of the the place, people won't know where it took place. Futher more, some people told me that writting a short title like that will give potential buyers a sentimental reason to buy the piece.If it really help to sell my arts, I don't mind to bend the traditional rule a litle bit to survive. However, If it is totally wrong to write a few words right on the painting beside the signature, If the majority of you guys against it for good reasons, then I won't. Please give me some advise, any ideas are apprecitated. Landon

John

Doing that is not very common -- most often the title would be written on the back. But you're the artist, so if you think it enhances the painting then go ahead.

Try it on a few paintings, maybe. If these turn out to be the ones people want to buy, then nobody could blame you for doing this regularly.

Home Witch

Hi,
Signiture should be on bottom of painting -I always put mine on bottom right hand side. As for title for your work - Its a good idea to have a title for your work for future reference. If you keep records of all your paintings (which is a good idea - along with a photo of your painting) Titles will help everyone to keep track. But put the title on the back of the painting. When your work is being displayed in an exhibition or shop etc everyone will know what the painting is called because a small card or plack is put at base of painting for this purpose.
Go to any Art Gallery and have a look at how the works are displayed - it may help you.
As for writing title onto painting itself - I have neve seen it done personally and i believe it would be too distracting.

baysis

I would give my painting a title, often times while searching for art there is no title. when you can not find the artist you can search for the title.
I write a title on my art on the back and sign it on the front because if it is long ,you do not want to write a long title on the front- a short one yes.
have fun