Art Terms

Originals:
A piece of artwork created by hand from a vision or an original concept on canvas, paper, wood, cloth, metal, cardboard or any other source.

Open Edition:
An unlimited number of identical prints of an image are produced from a master plate or other method. Can be signed or unsigned, but not numbered.

Limited Edition: (LE)
A pre-determined number of identical prints of an image are produced from a master plate, stone, or other method, after which no more impressions are allowed. The size of the edition is the sum of all numbered pieces and proofs, that are signed by the artist.

Giclee`: (ghee-clay)
A french word meaning "spray of ink". In the giclee process, a fine stream of ink (more that four million droplets per second) is sprayed onto archival art paper or canvas. Each piece of paper or canvas is carefully handmounted onto a drum which rotates during printing. An extensive proofing process is done to make sure each image is exceptable to the artist, and then the correct setting are stored digitally. The giclee printing process provides better color accuracy than other means of reproduction.

Artist Proof or A/P:
Common practice is that 10 to 15 percent of an edition is reserved for the artist when that edition is published by a gallery. Thus, this edition is labeled "Artist's Proofs" (A/P). By art market standards Artist's Proofs usually rank higher in value to S/N's of an edition. All prints are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Certificate of Authenticity:
A certificate issued by the publisher stating the total quantity of prints issued in the edition, confirming authenticity of the signatures, and in the case of a limited edition, inscribed with the matching unique number inscribed on the individual print. Collectors are advised to keep certificates safely as a future means of provenance.

Sold or Sold Out:
When an original piece of artwork is Sold it is listed in the collection of it's owner. When a limited edition is no longer available it is termed "Sold Out". Our site will desiginate a Red Sold sign to denote that a piece of original art has been sold and is no longer available.

Figurative:
A term used to describe art which is based on the figure, usually in realistic or semi-realistic terms; also loosely used to describe an artist who paints or sculpts representationally, as opposed to painting or sculpting in an abstract or non-objective manner.

Medium:
Material or technique an artist works in; also, the (usually liquid or semi-liquid) vehicle in which pigments are carried or mixed (e.g., oil, egg yolk, water, refined linseed oil).

Secondary Market:
A market, largely operated by retail galleries, where limited edition prints are bought and sold by collectors after the edition is sold out at the publisher. Generally prints offered for sale on the secondary market are at values above the original published price. Prices are governed by supply and demand on the open market, and are not set by the publisher. Prints in strong demand can change hands at many times the original published price.