Are Art Prints Copies of Painted Artwork?
Good day to you, dear art enthusiast! Today is the day we are going to share something that might be quite controversial: prints. Have you ever stopped in front of some beautiful art print and asked yourself what relation it had with the real thing? Or perhaps you're looking to buy some art for your house, and the question goes: original or print? Do not fear; let's explore this amazing issue together!
What Are Art Prints?
First, let's sing the muse to explain what is art print. In simpler words, a print of art is a was duplication of a piece created by an artist. Normally one will use a good printing process and techniques to duplicate the color, texture, and details of the original work as closely as possible. This would be an oversimplification of the whole issue because, frankly, the world of art prints is a lot more complicated than that!
Types of Art Prints
Let's look at a few well-known types of art prints:
1. Reproduction Prints: They are very common art prints and are an exact copy of original artwork.
2. Limited Edition Prints: The artist decides on a specific amount for the number of prints, each numbered and signed.
3. Lithographs: Specific printmaking technique used for the production of special kinds of textural effects.
4. Digital Art Prints: Original digital art printed directly.
5. Giclée Prints: These high-quality art prints are made from top-end inkjet printers.
One being its uniqueness, wherein every type has its own special characteristics worth a lot, and the choice depends on the personal tastes and liking of the piece plus the budget, of course.
Art Prints: Copies or Artworks?
This has been the question in question since the very beginning. Some argue that the prints in art have little value and are mere copied prints of the original artwork. I find this view too innocent probably.
Many artists work in the process of, or explicitly in, the printing of their works. It can be a very careful selection of paper, color adjustment, and at times even adding some details hand-finished onto prints. Such kinds of engagement make these art prints more than simple copies but as much an extension of the creative process with which the artist engages.
The second area is that some art forms are made to be reproduced from their very nature—for instance, photography and digital art. In fact, for such artists, prints are an original artwork.
I remember going to a photography exhibition where the artist was talking about how he had spent hours balancing the color and contrast of every print such that it would now be an expression of perfection in his mind. That hit me like a bolt of realization that art prints can as well be part and parcel of an artist's creative process.
Value of Art Prints
So, where does the value in art prints lie? Well, in my actual opinion, it lies in:
1. Accessibility: Prints make art more accessible to more people, allowing them to have a greater appreciation for art. Not everybody is able to purchase an original piece of art, but prints sure do contribute to the democratization of .art.
2. Discovering New Artists: The fact that you have an inexpensive art print helps you to open up new dimensions, to walk through new artistic avenues, and to explore different artistic styles and creators without having to invest a fortune.
3. Decorative Choices: Art prints offer an abundant choice in decoration, in other words, allowing you to easily change your home's style.
4. Supporting Artists: Through buying art prints, artists—the upcoming lot more—can be supported.
5. For Collectible Value: Some of the limited edition arts at the very high end can be considered to appreciate over time.
How to Choose Art Prints
In case you decide on art printing, a few pointers are mentioned below to guide you in making the right choices:1. Know the Techniques in Printing: Different printing techniques offer different effects. For instance, reproduction from Giclée is mostly taken as the best quality.
2. Check out for Edition Information: If it's a limited edition, there should be a number of how many is it out of altogether and a hand signature of the artist on the artwork print.
3. Check the Paper Quality: Papers of good quality add to a great effect and life expectancy of the artwork print itself.
4. A Little Bit of Research on the Artist: Knowing a bit more about the background and creative philosophy of the artist will actually help you appreciate the work he or she creates.
5. Trust Your Eye: Above all, choose work you genuinely like, whether it's an original or a print.
After all, I at one time erred by procuring an arts print simply because it was of a limited edition—only to realize that I disliked the arts. Since then, I have realized the value of first believing in my aesthetic judgment.
Caring for Your Art Prints
When you have finally acquired an art print, proper care will keep it in appropriate shape:
1. Direct Sunlight: Avoid placing your print under direct sunlight since this results in fading.
2. Humidity: Paper's enemy is extreme humidity.
3. Acid-Free Materials: Acid-free framing materials should be used since acid will cause the artwork to turn yellow.
4. Handle with Care: Art prints should be handled with care at all times. Wear clean cotton gloves whenever possible.
5. Regular Cleaning: Dust should be removed from the print, periodically, with the help of a soft brush.
Art Prints in the Digital Age
Art prints are also evolving as a concept in the present digital era. With digital art or NFTs (meaning Non-Fungible Tokens), the concepts related to art prints got new dimensions. Some artists create digital artwork these days and then sell very limited edition digital art prints. This also pushes us to think what is an original.
Q1: Do limited edition art prints appreciate in value?
A1: Yes, if the artist gains prominence, scarcity of the work, etc. are elements that come into play. Although, when buying art prints, the central concern should be your love for the artwork, rather than investing in them.
Q2: How can I discern whether an art print is of good quality?
A2: Check if the details are clear and the color saturation is alright. Rich colors and clear details are the hallmarks of good-high art prints. Also, check the quality of the paper used and the printing technique used.
Q3: Are there prints for digital art?
A3: Yes, a great number of the digital artists make physical prints of their work. These are often called Giclée prints.
Q4: Does buying art prints really support artists?
A4: Absolutely, if you buy straight from the artist or their official channels, that gives them a little bit of extra value—sets them up so they can do even more.
Whether you are a collector or simply a person looking to enhance your home with an artistic sense, art prints could be the best bet. They make it possible for art to be available for lots of people and to own something beautiful. Personal preference is the major factor in selecting art prints to a great extent. You should choose works that resonate with you and you wish to look at daily.
Ultimately, whether it be original pieces or art prints, the important thing is to appreciate art, help the artists out, and further beautify our lives with it. Happy exploring in the art world!
