Repairing Artwork?

[ksn]

Hey guys, I have this piece and it has a small hole in it as you can see. It was there when I purchased but my nephew put his finger on the hole and now the immediate area around it seems to be a bit dull. I don't know what it is that's rubbed off, varnish or something similar? Can this be something I repair myself?

[Deleted]

Hi Ksn,

I am sorry to hear about your painting. My two cents: Is it possible to contact the artist or even the gallery where you purchased it? If so, the artist may be able to touch up the area or at least let you know what type of varnish they used. If the hole is small, there may be an archival bonding or filling material you could use to avoid the hole getting any larger over time. If you can't get a hold of the artist or gallery you could take the painting to a professional conservator or find an area of the painting on the side or edge and do a careful test of varnishes to get a match. If its oil it could be any number of varnishes or mediums. You could try using a gloss or matte varnish or try a satin if its in between. I would use a small brush or Q-tip or other soft implement and add very small amounts until you achieve the desired result. If this is a valuable piece and may be something you would like to sell or list in the future then contacting a professional conservator might be an option. A local museum or good standing gallery might know someone.

Last and in jest, If you wish to give it a "contemporary" vibe, have your nephew do what he did but over the entire surface, perhaps in reference to a celestial, cosmological chart.

I wish you luck, and from the detail it must be a stunning painting.
Best,
Josh

[ksn]

Thanks a lot for the tips, Josh. Since the artist is in Australia, I will contact him and see what he thinks. You mentioned something about the hole getting larger, but this piece is on wood, so there's probably nothing to worry about, right?

Piece is by Matt Martin: img545.imageshack.us/img545/1028/gfz3.jpg