Glossary

Original

An original work of art is the source from which all copies, reproductions, or translations are made. It is the physical piece of artwork which was created from the hand of the artist.

Artist Proof

Traditionally, when limited editions are published by a gallery, the edition is sold exclusively by the gallery. However, the artist is given a small number of prints for his own personal use, usually 10% of the number of limited editions. Thus, this edition is labeled "Artist's Proofs".

Limited Edition Reproduction

A limited edition print is one in which a limit is placed on the number of impressions pulled in order to create a scarcity of the print. Limited editions are usually numbered and are often signed.

Open Edition

An open edition print is one in which there is no limit placed on the number of impressions pulled of the reproduction.

Remarqué

Remarqué limited edition prints have an original small hand-drawn sketch or painting by the artist in the margin, usually positioned next to the signature or edition number. This feature increases the value of the edition.

Canvas Prints

Owning a canvas print or canvas transfer may be the next best thing to owning an original work of art. Many of the canvas prints on the market today qualify as true reproductions because they were produced directly on canvas either with offset lithography or digital printing (description follows). Canvas transfers are the result of technology that has been around for about three decades, but only became commercially acceptable in the 1990's. In a nutshell, through the use of several chemicals, the ink on a limited-edition offset reproduction is literally transferred to the canvas. The result is a reproduction with a lustrous finish like oil on canvas.

Canvas transfers have been recognized over the past decade as an elegant alternative to glass framed lithograph images. Canvas transfers give the look and texture of an original oil painting to paper art by simply transferring color onto an artist canvas. First, a lithograph on paper is coated with acrylic emulsion containing the highest recommended amount of UV inhibitors. Then when the acrylic is dry, the print is covered with a solution that helps to separate the image from the paper it was printed on. The image is now bonded to the acrylic and free of paper. This film is then carefully bonded to the highest quality wrap-around artist canvas. Finally, the image undergoes a series of rigorous inspections that insure our work is of superior quality. The result is a beautifully unique reproduction that maintains the integrity of the lithograph while increasing its appeal and value.

Canvas images score other bonus points with collectors as well. For one thing, artists can hand-embellish canvas prints by adding oil or acrylic paint highlights. Another factor is that canvas prints and transfers can be framed like originals because they don’t need to be covered with protective glazing.