 PRINT DEFINITIONS
Giclee:
An ink jet or sprayed ink print. These prints are done from digital files made from an artists’ original drawing. The inks are archival in quality and are printed on acid free heavy art paper’s which give the print a look, feel and quality of an original piece. This format allows the artist to do one print at a time as opposed to doing a large press run.
Limited Edition Print:
A reproduction which is signed and numbered by the artist in a predetermined quantity, after which no further reproductions of that image are made. eg: 50/250 which means # 50 of 250 printed in the Limited Edition
Offset Lithograph:
Often referred to specifically as photo-mechanical offset printing, this is a process by which an image is transferred to a printing plate by photographic or digital files from scanned artwork; the image is then transferred to a roller (or series of rollers) which print the image on the paper. Used mostly for multiple copies or “Open Edition “ prints, it is usually done on a commercial printing press.
Remarque:
An additional original drawing or mark ( alteration ) made on a print by the artist after the edition has been printed. The remarque may be made on either a standard edition print, an artist proof or a special remarque print edition.
Serigraph:
Also known as a silk-screen print. It is created using a stencil on a screen made of polyester, nylon or silk. A design is blocked off by an opaque material and the remaining open screen allows ink to pass through to deposit an image on paper. The ink is forced through the screen using a squeegee. The process is repeated, using different stencils and color until the print is completed.
Artist Proof:
Also known as A/P. These prints are outside the regular edition and are equal in quality to the edition. The prints are signed by the Artist as an Artist Proof or A/P. They are traditionally retained by the artist and usually limited to no more than 10% of the edition. Originally, artist proofs were the first prints that came off of the print medium for the artist to “proof” or approve before printing the full edition. With the advent of Giclee printing, AP’s can still be 10% of the limited edition run with the artist using the AP’s to proof before starting the actual limited edition numbering. Once colour proofing and size have been determined, the files will be saved to ensure that the first print in the edition will be the same as the last one in the edition.
Printers Proof:
It is customary that the printer selects a small percentage of the print run for themselves. These are designated as P/P or Printer’s Proof on the print.
Archival:
Refers to materials that meet certain criteria for permanence such as lignin-free, pH neutral, alkaline-buffered, stable in light, etc. A quality level for art materials, such as ink or paper, that has a neutral or slightly alkaline pH, resulting in high-level aging properties. A non-technical term used to denote material that will last over long periods (several decades) with minimal deterioration because of its chemical stability and physical durability. In reference to inks, many different manufacturers have different lengths of time or Archival ratings that they use. Archival in no way means that products will never fade or deteriorate at some point in time.
Documentation:
A certificate of authenticity identifying the process, techniques and materials used to create a Limited Edition Print. It also specifies the number of prints created including artist proofs, remarques and printers proofs. These documents are signed by the artist, publisher, and/or printer.
Relief Printing:
In making a relief print, a block of material, often wood or linoleum, is used
instead of a metal plate. The artist uses sharp tools to cut his design into the
surface of the block, removing all the undesired surface and leaving his
original design on the block. The design is then inked and applied to paper.
Etching:
Here the medium is a copper or zinc plate coated with acid-resistant varnish.
The artist draws the design through the varnish coating. The plate is then
immersed in acid and the lines are etched in the metal plate. When inked and
placed in a press, a print impression of the design results.
Atelier Stamp :
A stamp put on an artist's work by his/her estate at the time of the sale of the
works in the studio after his/her death.
Bon a tirer : (RTP, Ready to Print)
A French term meaning "good to be printed". This is a special proof which is
generally signed in pencil and designated to advise the printer of the artist's
approval. This is the go-ahead to proceed and print the edition. Such a proof
is naturally rare, and would be a desirable acquisition to knowledgeable
collectors.
Cancelled Plate:
When the edition is fully printed, the plate is either destroyed or cancelled by
the artist. Most artists mark or deface their plate in some way to show that the
edition is completed. Sometimes, the artist will donate or sell the plate to a
museum ,where the plate serves to instruct the amateur and professional alike.
Some plates, being in excellent condition, have been reprinted with the
canceling lines indicated.
Provenance:
The history of previous ownership of a work of art. If available, the provenance
aids in establishing authentication and value.
Original:
One of a kind !
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