FAQ – hand-painted images | Barbara Puto

I know that choosing a painting – especially online – sometimes raises questions and doubts. I’ve gathered answers to the questions I hear most often. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here – feel free to write to me. I’ll be happy to respond.

📩 painting@barbaraputo.pl

🖼️ Are all the paintings original?

Yes. Every piece presented on the website has been hand-painted by me – using watercolors or acrylic paints. I do not sell reproductions.

📏 Can I order a painting in a different size?

For commissioned works – yes. Write to me, and we will decide together on the theme, format, and mood of the painting that will be created specifically for you.

🛒 How can I buy a painting?

You can find a detailed description of the purchasing process under the button"How to buy a painting". I encourage you to check it out – I explain step by step how the purchase process works.

🎁 Can I order a painting as a gift?

Of course. Upon request, I can prepare the painting as a gift – with a delicate card, packaging, and shipping without a receipt inside.

🖼️ Do you sell framed paintings?

As a rule, I sell watercolors and acrylics without frames. In special cases, I can take on framing, but then we need to agree on the details together. Please contact me if this is necessary.

✍️ Is the painting signed?

Yes. Each painting is signed by me – on the painting itself and on the back, depending on the composition.

📜 What does the certificate of authenticity look like?

At your request, I will include acertificate of authenticity – it contains the title of the work, the date of creation, the technique, the format, and my signature. This is confirmation that the painting is original and made by me.

🔖 What is the purpose of the certificate of authenticity?

The certificate is a document confirming the origin and originality of the artwork. It is useful, for example, when giving the painting as a gift, for resale, or for insuring the work.

💧 How durable is watercolor?

Watercolor is a subtle technique but very durable – provided it is properly protected. All my watercolors are painted on high-quality paper. I recommend framing with a passe-partout and glass to protect against UV radiation. Their durability is estimated to be the same (or more) as oil paintings, as long as we protect them from light, moisture, and pollution. The oldest watercolors are thousands of years old and date back to the Paleolithic era when scenes of hunting and daily life were painted in caves using natural pigments. Watercolors as a standalone artistic medium began developing in the Renaissance, and their popularity increased especially in the 18th century in Europe. In Poland, watercolors have been known since the times of manuscript illumination, and the oldest Polish watercolor manufactory is the Karmański company, founded in 1894.

🎨 Can I order a watercolor painting as an acrylic?

Yes, it is possible to create a version of a watercolor painting in acrylic technique. The final effect will differ due to the different properties of the paints, but the mood of the work can be preserved. Therefore, it is important to refer this question to a specific painting. Write to me – we will determine the details together.

❓ What is a cycle of paintings?

A cycle of paintings is a series of artistic works connected by a common theme, style, or mood. Each painting is a standalone piece, but together they create a coherent story – in the case of my paintings, for example, about nature, light, silence, and emotions. The cycle allows the viewer to dive deeper into the author's world and trace the development of ideas or moods through several works.

💬 Is there a discount for purchasing several paintings from a cycle?

Yes – when purchasing two or more paintings from the same cycle, individual pricing conditions are possible. I encourage you to contact me via email:malarstwo@barbaraputo.pl – I will be happy to prepare a discount proposal and a shipping package tailored to your order.

🖼️ How to frame a watercolor? – Important information

1. Passe-partout – for display and protection

Watercolors look best framed with apasse-partout, which creates an elegant margin around the work, giving it depth and visual breathing space. The choice of color should be thoughtful – neutral colors often work well,neutral shades (ecru, beige, gray), which gently transition into the frame without disrupting the perception of the painting.

2. Acid-free materials – protection for years

To preserve the durability of watercolors, it is extremely important to useacid-free passe-partout. Acidic products can causeyellowing, paper cracking and fading of pigments over time. Workshops like Galeria Norland offer a wide selection of professional, acid-free materials.

3. Distance from the glass – a necessity, not an option

Passe-partout also serves a protective function: it creates the distance between the image and the glass, which prevents condensation of vapor and warping of the paper. It also protects against the sticking of the artwork to the glass – particularly important with pastels and watercolors.

4. Choice of glass – regular or museum quality?

The glass protects the watercolor from dust, moisture, and contaminants.

Regular glass – more budget-friendly, but reflects light and may hinder the perception of the artwork.
Museum glass (anti-reflective, UV) – almost completely eliminates reflections, has ideal clarity, and protects the image from UV rays. It is more expensive, but significantly enhances the quality of display and durability of the artwork.

💡 Why is it worth buying directly from the artist?

When you purchase a painting on the site barbaraputo.pl:

– you receive it without intermediaries and commissions from third parties,

– the prices of the paintings aligned with those listed on other gallery websites will be cleaned of commissions in direct contact,

– you can consult the framing and shipping method,

– you have contact with the author and access to the history of the work's creation,

– you support creativity directly, in its purest form.

📬 Do you have another question?

If you want to ask about something that's not here – feel free to write. There are no stupid questions, only conversations from which everything begins.