How can I tell if a painting is hand-painted or just a print on canvas?

Many "paintings" are really prints on canvas, and some have brushed texture added on top to fool the eye. A few simple checks can usually tell you.

Look at the surface at an angle under a bright light. A real oil painting has uneven texture that follows the image, with raised brushstrokes, thicker paint in some areas and thinner in others. A print is usually flat, or it has a uniform clear texture that doesn't match the details underneath.

Use a magnifying glass. Printed images show a regular pattern of tiny dots or fine lines, while paint shows irregular blended color. Check the edges of the canvas; on a print, the image often stops abruptly or has a white border wrapped around the stretcher.

Turn it over. An old painting usually shows age on the back, such as darkened canvas, old tack holes, wooden stretcher keys, labels or inscriptions. A print will often look clean and uniform.

If you're still unsure, a fine art appraiser or an auction company that sells art can tell you quickly.