We recognize that art can sometimes be an intimidating subject when you don't fully understand the language.  At NewfoundlandShop.ca, we continually try to make our clients feel at ease and enjoy their shopping experience.  Understanding what you are buying is of utmost importance to us.

We have listed below some common terms that are frequently used when referring to artwork.  If there are other terms that you would like explained, we would love to hear from you so that we can add them here for the courtesy of other clients who could have the same question or query.

Limited Edition Print
This is a publication which is limited by the number of pieces produced, indicated on the work as a fraction. An artist will sign a limited edition print, number the print and give it an appropriate title.  For example, an artist may write 3/500 on the print next to its name.  This means that the print is number 3 in the series of 500 prints produced and circulated.  You should feel assured that when you purchase this print that only 500 prints have been produced in this series.  Limited Edition Prints become valuable because there are limited amounts in circulation. 

All limited edition prints should come with a Certificate of Authencity which provides the purchaser with a written assurance that the work is limited.  The certificate should be signed and dated by the artist.  We recommend that the certificate be affixed to the back of a framed print or kept in a safe place for future appraisal requirements. 

Artist Proof (A/P)
The artist proof was traditionally used by the artist and the printer to ensure the quality and colour consistency of reproductions as they rolled off the printing press. 

An artist may elect to designate up to 10% of the total edition size as artist proofs.  For example, if there are a total of 500 limited edition prints to be placed in circulation, the artist can designate up to 50 limited edition prints as "artist proofs".  These artist proofs are usually signed in the following naming convention: "1/50 AP" .  In plain english, this can be  translated as "print number 1 of 50 - artist proof".

The proofs typically demand a higher price because there are fewer of them available to the public.  When setting the price for an artist proof, many artists will add a surcharge to the basic cost of a limited edition print.  For example, if a limited edition print sells for $150, and artist proof would typically sell between $170-$180.  All artist proofs should also come with a Certificate of Authencity.

An image set aside from the regular numbered edition for the use of the printer, but otherwise identical to those from the edition. Generally designated by the initials PP.

Remarques

The most expensive form of a limited edition print is a remarque.  The number of remarques produced is usually very low when compared to the edition size of limited edition prints.  The remarque is very distinctive because the artist sketches or paints a piece of the original painting next to his signature. For this reason, remarques are favoured by collectors because each remarque is uniquely personalized by the artist. 

All remarques are numbered and signed by the artist.  They should also come with a Certificate of Authencity.  Remarques usually sell between $60-$100 above the price of a limited edition print.

Etching
A print made by coating a copper plate with an acid-resistant resin and drawing through this ground, exposing the metal with a sharp instrument called a stylus. The plate is bathed in acid, which eats into the lines; it is then heated to remove the resin, and finally inked and printed on paper.

Open Edition
A production of work that is not limited by number of pieces produced. Many people refer to an open edition as a poster. Open editions have limited value because there are no limits to how many reproductions can be produced and circulated.

Giclee Print

A giclee is a high resolution digital print and is a recognized fine art print category like lithographs and serigraphs. Giclee is considered the world's best technique for reproducing original works of art and for printing digitally created art and art photography.

 

Giclee prints look and feel like original art. Prints are made on real artist materials such as watercolour paper and canvas.

 

Image permanence is a concern to artists and collectors. When museum quality lighting is used, this time span increases up to 275 years. Giclees are treated with a UV-inhibitor and all canvases are glazed with the same. The paper used on the watercolour giclee is of high museum quality and acid-free.

 

Certificates of Authenticity

The certificate of authenticity gives authentic fine art and limited editions extensive information about the various factors which intervene in the prints production and edition. The more details the certificate includes the more value it contributes to the print.