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ART & PRINTS

ORIGINAL ART...

The "original" is the artwork that was actually created by the artist's hand. Paintings can be created with a variety of mediums, such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, etc. Originals are beautiful to look at, and often, quite valuable, as they are one-of-a-kind.

OIL PAINT... Paint made of pigment mixed with usually linseed oil, which helps keep the paint fluid for a time, and later serves as a drying agent.

ACRYLIC PAINT... Synthetic base paint with working properties similar to oil paint, except that acrylic dries more quickly and forms a somewhat glossier surface.

DIPTYCH... Painting done in two separate panels. Each is a complete work in itself, but together, they also form a larger work. When 3 panels are used, it is called a triptych.

FRAMING ORIGINALS... Paintings in oil or acrylic are framed as is, while watercolors, pastels, and pencil originals are framed under glass, just like prints,

MAKING PRINTS OF THE ART...

An original piece of art can be replicated so that it's image will be available to more people, at a lower price. The number of copies made is determined, and each print is numbered and hand-signed by the artist, which adds value to the prints. Prints are produced by either the artist, or their publisher, who's business it is to produce and market prints, as well as represent the artists, in some cases. Prints are sold on the retail market through galleries, publishers and from artists themselves.

How the Process goes...
1. Artist paints original, which can take several weeks or even months.

2. Original is carefully photographed by highly-trained experts, who match colors and prepare for printing.

3. The set number of prints are reproduced, using top quality paper, fade-resistant inks, and state of the art equipment and technicians.

4. Artist signs and numbers each print, inspecting them for quality. Both the original and the prints can be sold.

OFFSET LITHOGRAPHY... Most popular contemporary method of reproducing prints. The image is photographically applied to a metal plate that is mounted onto the roller of a printing press. High quality, colorfast ink, first applied to the plate, transfers to a rubber roller, called a blanket and then onto the paper. The older method of printing brought paper and plate into direct contact, which resulted in a certain degree of wear as each copy was pulled. This is the reason that lower numbered prints and artists proofs traditionally have been the most desirable. With today's modern printing methods, there's no longer any visible difference between the first and last print in an edition, but lower numbered prints and artist proofs continue to hold more value.

PRINTS...

Each print is labeled with two numbers, separated by a slash mark. The first number identifies that copy; the second indicates the number of copies made, or "edition size" As a limited edition, there will never be more prints made thereby guaranteeing that only a certain number of collectors will own prints of that image.

The artist hand signs every copy, usually in the bottom right corner, either on the margin or up on the image, using pencil, black fine-point marker of gold pen.
When an artists does not sign and number or limit the amount of prints made, this referred to as an "open edition", and has a lower price value.

ARTIST PROOF OR A/P...
Originally"Artist proofs" were the first copies off the press, inspected by the artists, and prized as the best quality. As part of the printmaking tradition, they are regarded as more desirable and valuable by some collectors. Artist Proofs are numbered separately and comprise a much smaller edition size (typically 10% of the regular edition.) Example... if an edition size is 750, then there will likely be 75 artist proofs also. They are numbered separately, with "AP" written after the edition size, and are often available from the artist directly.

VALUE...

REMARQUE... A small original sketch, drawing or painting done by the artist in the margin of the print. Because this is a personal touch by the artist, it adds considerable value to the print. In framing, the mat is cut around the remarque, enhancing it.

ISSUE PRICE... The original retail price of a limited edition print when first offered for sale. Each print, regardless of its number, is sold for this set price until the edition is sold out.

SECONDARY MARKET VALUE... A print's value after all copies of an edition are sold at the original issue price. Many factors influence this ever-changing price, such as having a low number, supply & demand, popularity of the artist, etc. People who purchased a print at issue price, may decide to sell it on the secondary market, to another collector at a much higher price than originally paid.

SOLD OUT... Once a print is no longer available at the original retail issue price, and is then bought and sold on the secondary market by collectors.

CARE...

Prints are framed under glass, and when choosing a framer, make sure they practice "Conservation Framing". This method of mounting and framing keeps your print preserved in mint condition. All materials that come in contact with the print should be "acid free", containing no chemicals that can eventually damage or break down the paper or ink. The print is sealed from moisture and dust under glass, and matted so as not to touch the glass, held securely by acid free envelopes... suspended freely, and not glued down or dry-mounted.

Before and after framing, keep your limited edition print away from excessive heat, direct sunlight and high humidity, as these can severely damage artwork. This enhances longevity, providing the best possible protection from elements and circumstances beyond your control for the longest period of time. Proper care will result in a piece of artwork that you are proud to display now, and your family will treasure for generations to come.

Note: All artwork may not be available at published, Retail prices in that some pieces of art
are sold out editions. Availability and actual price of such artwork will be obtained from a secondary market.

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