The Color of Light: An Artist's Blog

Artists have many different opinions on signing their work - do you sign at all, and if you do sign, how and where? 

In general I like to sign my work. However a signature can add or take away from the piece, depending on placement. It is part of the painting and needs to fit in, not stick out like a sore thumb. Over time I've found I'm keeping my signature quite small and unobtrusive. Sometimes, if I don't think there is a place I can sign within the painting that will blend in well, I sign on the back. 

My signature has evolved over the years but these days I am simply using my last name. I only add the year if I'm signing a portrait. Even when I do sign a painting, I find that lately I also sign the back. I can write the date there and any other information I find relevant. This has the added benefit that if there is ever a copyright issue I have the original piece and it's clear I created it, as signatures within a painting can be digitally edited. Additionally, some juried contests don't allow signatures on a painting.