Signing a painting

Close-up on a recent signature—

"Coast Guard" Osprey
watercolor © Beatrice Bork

The topic of signing a painting comes up occasionally and the reasoning of how people sign paintings can be a personal reflection of the artist as much as the art itself. A signature, initials, symbols only on the back or nothing at all.

The first painting I had some recognition with was done in high school, and was exhibited at the NJ State Museum in Trenton through Teen Arts (which was a great program—it gave me a sense of validation of being a “real” artist). I had signed that painting with a “regular” signature, my full name spelled out in careful cursive script. I don't know exactly when that changed, but shortly after I adapted the signature I still use today. It is something I feel more “identity” with—two overlapping “B”s with my last name spelled out. I have several reasons for this signature. First it’s nod to my father who signs his art with a “G” overlapping a “B.  I like the sentimentality and connection it has for me. Plus, it is clean and simple and recognizable. I am not comfortable with a large signature, and am sometimes even asked where it is—which to me is a good thing. I don’t personally like a signature that distracts from an image I’ve worked so hard to create. I don’t try to hide it, and once you see it is clear, but I try not to be that obvious. It’s even better when I’ve been told that my paintings are recognized as mine even before the signature, which is even more of an affirmation.