What is a fine art print?
Not all prints are the same.
It takes skill and talent to create a museum-class original fine art print.
I use my technical know how, knowledge of color theory and various technologies, archival materials, long-lasting pigment inks, and the art, of course, for masterful results.
Let me describe the process of creating original fine art prints on paper that provides clarity for new art collectors or even seasoned patrons to make informed decisions.
Note: You may also wonder what is fine art. See my informative essay here.
I’ve put together a description with pertinent terminology of my golden standard for preparing a fine art original print.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE: ORIGINAL ART OR REPRODUCTIONS
Not all prints are created equal.
Original: My fine art prints and limited edition fine art prints are original art and not reproductions of other artworks.
My fine art prints are made exclusively as prints. Original art prints are unique works of art, a distinction that adds to their value and price. Fine art signed prints and limited editions sell from hundreds to many thousands of dollars.
Original one of a kind prints and limited edition signed prints are as valuable as other artworks; established prints have gone for up to eight-figures at fine art auctions.
Reproductions: Mass-produced open edition prints (reproduced in any quantity) representing copies often of famous artworks are labeled as reproductions. It’s important to know what you are acquiring. Discerning patrons collect original signed works.
“My ongoing advice to collectors is this: support living artists.”
PRINTS HAVE THEIR CHARM
Printmaking has been around for centuries; fine art prints are highly valued. Today, instead of working with an old school manual printmaking press, many artists make excellent use of new digital technologies in the fine art printing process.
My original digital (print of only one) and original limited edition signed prints come with pertinent details on how the print was made and matted using museum best practices archival materials.
GICLEE
You may have come across the word giclee associated with prints on paper—and even printed works on canvas.
Giclee (zhe-clay) is a French term (to spray) used by galleries, museums, and printing services to describe a technology for fine art or photograph reproductions using a high-quality inkjet printer with premium inks and papers to make individual copies.
Although I rarely use the term, giclee is often synonymous with inkjet printing for artists who demand the highest reproduction standards for their digital works.
MY STUDIO PROCESS
I print with rich Epson UltraChrome K3 pigment-based inks in my studio for deep long-lasting colors, ensuring exhibition quality fine art prints worthy of my standards for signing. I don’t farm out my prints to commercial printers.
For a professional presentation, my fine art prints are printed on museum-quality archival paper made using refined 100% cotton. The acid-free paper contains no optical brighteners, ensuring that the paper will remain in its original stable state.
NON-DESTRUCTIVE MATTING
I mat my artwork with the finest quality 4-ply acid and lignin-free archival mats and backboards. I hinge-mount my artwork to the backboard in a non-destructive conservation-safe manner. No tape, even acid-free tape, is used on the artwork itself, as it is difficult to remove from the mat if needed, and often damages the art.
Once matted, I sign the mat including the title and date, and edition number on limited edition prints.
My fine art original limited editions: only 25 prints of each signed artwork will be published by the artist.
READY FOR FRAMING
The fine art print is then stored in an acid-free sleeve with my Certificate of Authenticity document that’s embossed with my artist’s seal; pertinent information plus archival framing suggestions to protect the art print are also included.
THERE IS MORE
Now that you have an understanding of fine art original prints, you will feel confident when acquiring your next or first print. My Digital vs Traditional Art article explains an essential understanding of art-making: It’s not the medium; it’s where the art comes from that matters.
CONNECTING ON A DEEPER INTUITIVE LEVEL
My art-making is based on the physical flow of spontaneous intuition, which involves a remarkable journey. Impulses of energy and information surge down my arm and, through improvisation, I compose visual jazz with line and color. If the art-making is magic, then the art is magic.
What does my paintings Emelia’s Starry Night and Sonata Veritas reveal to you? There is no right or wrong answer. Trust your feelings, not the opinion of others, including art critics and so-called experts. Remember, if you see it, then it’s there. Enjoy. Click on the painting for more details.
To get a better feel for the scope and range of my art, please visit my collection of original Fine Art prints: each signed print features museum-quality materials, permanent pigment inks, plus acid-free matting that I attach to the artwork using conservation best practices.
To further connect with you, I share more of the inner workings and depth of my art and exclusive personal insights in my newsletter. Subscribe below and receive a free valuable gift: Ten Tips for Building Self-Confidence.
What is a fine art print? Emelia’s Starry Night | original limited edition fine art print | Eden Maxwell
What is a fine art print? Sonata Veritas | original fine art print | Eden Maxwell