| Artist Proof: |
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 (see Bon a Tier below.)
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| Bon a Tirer: |
Also called a B.A.T. or Printers Proof. Bona a Tier is a French term used for printer's proof meaning "good to print." Traditionally, this is the first good impression an artist approves for the master printer to use as the standard for the edition. Small amounts are usually available. Before the press is ready to roll on an approved edition, the printer must run several prints to verify that his proofs match the approved artist’s proof (see A/P above). This is very important, for it is the final approval of the entire edition. After these printer proofs are approved by both the artist and the printer, the final limited edition is printed.
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| Embellished |
A print is embellished when the artist adds to the finished print using an art medium such as pastel, pen, acrylic, etc. As each print is individually done, no two will be alike. The artist may just add a few strokes, or actually change the look of the original piece. Embellished prints are more expensive because, in effect, the artist is actually creating an original piece of art from each print.
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| Giclée: |
Very percise reproduction of fine art that has very high resolution and the dynamic color range, much more than that available in serigraphs or lithographs. In the giclée process, a micro stream of ink — more than four million droplets per second — is sprayed onto archival art paper or canvas. The effect is similar to an airbrush technique, but much finer. Each piece of paper or canvas is carefully hand-mounted onto a drum which rotates at high speed during printing. Exact calculations of hue, value and density direct the ink from four nozzles. This produces a combination of 512 chromatic changes (with over 3 million colors possible) of highly saturated, non-toxic, water-based, archival quality ink. The artist’s input and color approval are essential for creating the final custom setting for the edition.
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| Hors dé Commerce: |
Also known as "H.C." Prints not equal in quality to the edition
that may have minor flaws. These usually aren't signed and are canceled
in some way, such as a hole in a corner or a stamp indicating they are
not for sale. These prints are used by sales people to show the potential
clients.
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Impression
Number
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The number assigned to an Edition |
Limited
Edition Print: |
A print from a predetermined number of impressions made from a plate, after which no more impressions are to be taken. This guarantees that only a given number of an image or sculpture will be created in the size, style and medium indicated. It is signed and numbered in pencil by the artist and usually printed on better paper. A "Limited Edition Print" simply means that the print was made in an edition that is limited to a certain number, and that no more will be produced. The artist, who owns the copyright, certifies to this. |
| Lithography: |
Printing technique in which image areas on a lithographic stone or
metal plate are chemically treated to accept ink and repel water, while
non-image areas repel ink and retain water. Because the printing surface
is flat, lithography is sometimes referred to as a "piano-graphic
technique."
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| Litho Serigraphs: |
A mixed media reproduction usuing four-color process separations as
a base, with hand drawn silkscreen touch colors added. |
| Poster: |
Four-color lithographic reproduction of a painting, usually with type
on or around the image to advertise an artist, show, or event.
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| Serigraphy: |
Or Serigraph - Also called silk screen printing, but in its finest form. This is generally considered to be the highest quality of hand pulled reproduction. A series of screens are produced, one for each color or shade being used. This can sometimes involve as many as 100 screens each of which must be hand applied individually to each sheet of paper. Originally, the screens were made of silk, hence the name by which this process is also known – silkscreening. Sometimes an artist will finish the work by hand painting some areas (see embellish above). The price for these prints is generally substantially higher than prints that are mechanically reproduced, however the vibrancy of the colors and the overall beauty warrants the additional cost.
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| Signed & Numbered : |
The artist may sign and number in the border on on the piece itself. When the artist signs and numbers a piece of art, they certify the number in the edition and that it has been approved by the artist. This is an progonal artists signature that is in addition to the sognature that shows in the artwork that was part of the orignal piece.
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