One of the most commonly asked questions about fine art prints today is the question of what is real Fine Art, usually in the form of "is this a poster?" "what's the difference between a lithograph and serigraph?" or "what is a serigraph?" or "is this a good reproduction?" etc..
There are a few things you must know when buying Fine Art Prints and if you are in the market then this article is of grave importance to you!
5 Things you must be aware of when buying Fine Art Prints!
Current Techniques
A. Lithographs are produced by drawing and/or painting onto the surface of a flat surface (limestone or, now, metal plates) with grease. The surface is then treated with various chemicals to stabilize the image. Once the image is stabilized, water is sponged onto the surface, and ink is rolled onto the image. The areas where the grease image is are the only areas that will accept the ink. Paper is then placed on the surface and run through the press. In most cases, each color requires a different stone or plate. Quite often 40 or more stones or plates are used. The surface of a lithograph has only the texture of the paper.
B. Serigraphs or screen prints are produced by creating a stencil on thin fabric (originally silk, now man-made fabric) that is stretched across a frame. These screens are then placed on the paper or any other surface to be printed on and a squeegee with ink is then pulled across the screen leaving ink on the paper where the stencil is open. A new screen is used for each color. As opposed to lithography, serigraphs can have texture, and quite often opaque inks are used thus giving the serigraph the feel of an original oil or acrylic painting. Quite often serigraphs are done on canvas for this effect.
#1. In the process of these techniques the artists participates fully. The artists will work sometimes with a Master Printmaker until a proof is pulled that the artist is satisfied with. Also known as A/P. Prints outside the numbered edition that are equal in quality to the edition and signed as Artist Proof or A/P. They are traditionally the property of the artist and are usually limited to 10% of the edition. The first step in creating a limited edition print is the creation of one or more “artist proofs”. The artist must approve these as being the acceptable for the final print rendition. After approval of the artist proofs, the printer prepares to print the limited edition
If you are the owner of a print that is marked with A/P and not a number ie. 23/50, then you own one of the prints originally approved by the artists!
Art Facts