Oil paintings are organic works of art, and require the proper care so there aren't damaged. Never hang an oil or watercolor painting where it will receive direct sun, as this can fade the painting over time, and ruin the color. Never clean the painting with anything but a soft brush or dusting cloth, and never touch it with your hands; the oils in your hands can damage the painting.

If your inspirational paintings need heavy cleaning or restoration, leave it to professional cleaners. Make sure the canvas is stretched and attached to the frame correctly so the painting does not stretch or shrink with time.

Finally, try to maintain the proper environment for your inspirational paintings. The best environment is climate controlled, where the humidity is as close to 50 percent as possible, and the temperature remains between 50 and 80 degrees. Caring for your inspirational paintings isn't difficult, and with proper care your inspirational painting should last for decades.

When you invest in collectible inspirational plates, there are a few ways to tell if the plates are authentic. First, they should have a limited number of firing days to ensure there are not too many plates on the market. They should also be numbered, with a mark on the back of the plate. This number, usually done by hand, should match the number of the Certificate of Authenticity that comes with the plate.

If you purchase your inspirational plates from a well-known and respected dealer, such as the Bradford Exchange or the Hamilton Collection, you can be assured of the quality and authenticity of your inspirational plates. Avoid purchasing from unknown dealers, and do not accept any numbered plate without a Certificate of Authenticity along with it.