Southwest Art Co.

You're in college longer, and it is time to take the posters and replace them with original artwork. But you do not have the money for oils or watercolors. Art Prints are an affordable alternative, but can also be expensive. How can you tell if it is an art print that has attracted your attention is more than just another pretty face?

Art prints are works of art themselves, and may be handmade by the artist-engravers (art), digital printing (giclee), or photomechanical reproduction (offset lithography).
Artist prints are handmade and there are reproductions of paintings: the print is a unique work of art. The term covers a wide range of printmaking techniques such as etching, woodcut, etching, linocut and screen printing. Publications tend to be less than 200, partly because the materials used to make the prints wear out. This type of printing is sometimes called "original print".

limited edition prints are multiple copies of the same image but produced in limited numbers guaranteed. This makes the image more exclusive. The purchase price may increase with time, if demand exceeds supply. Edition sizes vary but are limited by market forces, not by the physical limitations of the method of combustion. Most limited editions signed and numbered in pencil by the artist with a commitment that no other reproduction of the image will be.

An open edition reproduction print can be produced in quantity and the image can be used in other ways, such as tableware. Open editions tend to cost less than limited editions and are much less likely to increase in value.

Giclées are using digital printing technology, printers are usually inkjet. The technology allows users to produce small series of prints. It also allows retailers to "print on demand services, where buyers can select a picture and printed there and then.

Several factors affect the price of art prints:

Artist and rarity
Of course, the artist's name is an important contribution to the value. But art prints, and even the same artist can have very different values. This added value due to scarcity.The perception of greater value may be part of a limited edition of only a few copies, while the most affordable way for greater foreign processing. But it is as authentic works of art by the same artist. It's a good idea to be familiar with the works of the artist and his classmates as well. Looking at an artist in the world of art will help to ensure you a good price.

Publications, signatures and seals
Before the artists of the twentieth century was not always signed their number or block prints. A signature may arise from the plate, but not really a value. What counts is an individual artist's signature on the print, often with a pencil (ink fading). Modern art prints are often numbered by the artist himself is, "34/100" (number 34 on an edition of 100).

Condition
It is not uncommon for art prints old to have some flaws. If not, check again! It could be a reproduction. Though slight defects, such as minor soiling are considered normal, according to age, other defects, such as cutting the image in color or too faded, can reduce the value of a significant impression.

Print Quality
Prints at the start of the plate or timber is accurate and detailed reviews of the lines later. In the technique, a block / plate is exhausted after a certain number of impressions. Just over 2,000 views could be taken from a woodcut, but the deterioration of sight. Look at the numbers (ie 15/450) to determine which position in the race felt.

Size
Larger prints tend to cost more than smaller ones. The basic rule is less valid for older than for modern prints.

Provenance
Source, or ownership history of the object can affect the price. Printing from a famous collection will usually give a bonus.

Subject
Although a matter of opinion and personal preference, the subject of a draw was a big influence on price. We pay more for the cute animals, beautiful women, beautiful landscapes, portraits interesting. Commercial non-appeal matters are ugly, dark, or related to war, regardless of the classical work is important. After all, is to buy to put on the wall. People will pay more if they like the picture.

Ultimately, what is your opinion about the value of print is more important. I would be happier with a circulation of art that you like personally. Although art prints can sometimes be a good investment, the best way to get the most for your money is to enjoy every day with the graces of your home. The value of this? Invaluable.