“Is this a print or a painting?” While both can be beautiful and valuable, the distinction matters—especially when you're investing in original artwork. Knowing how to tell the difference can save you from costly mistakes.

The most reliable way to tell a painting from a print is by looking at the surface. An original painting—whether oil, acrylic, or watercolor—will typically show texture where the brush touched the canvas or paper. You might see ridges, raised areas, or small inconsistencies where paint was applied by hand. That’s a good sign it’s a painting.

❗BE AWARE: Some prints are deliberately altered to look like paintings. One common trick is the addition of fake brush strokes—usually a clear, textured varnish or gel medium is applied on top of the print to mimic the feel of hand-painted brushwork. This technique, often called a "textured print" or “giclée on canvas,” can fool the eye at first glance, especially when framed behind glass or viewed from a distance.

Another method involves printing directly onto canvas to mimic the look and weight of a real painting. While these may still be decorative and pleasant, they’re not hand-painted originals.

If you're unsure, tilt the piece in the light to see whether the "brush strokes" match the image underneath—if the texture doesn't line up with the colors or contours of the artwork, it's likely an added effect.