Understanding the Process

Artist's Proof 

This may be penciled in at the bottom of the print and appear as "AP."  Prints outside the standard edition are intended for the artist's private collection and use as part of the original artist-publisher agreement. It is common practice to reserve approximately ten percent of an edition as artist's proofs, although this figure can be higher. 

Limited Edition 

A set of identical prints numbered in succession and signed by the artist. The total number of prints is "fixed" or "limited" by the artist who supervises the printing. All additional prints are destroyed. 

Lithograph 

A printing technique using a planographic process in which prints are produced on a special press from a flat stone or metal surface that has been chemically sensitized so that ink sticks only to the design areas and is repelled by the non-image areas. To create a lithograph with a number of different colors, multiple plates must be prepared, and the paper must go through the press each time a new color is added. Lithographs are usually printed in editions of several hundred. Each print is considered a "multiple originals" because the artist pulled each one from the press or closely supervised the press operator.

Monoprint 

A one-of-a-kind print conceived by the artist and printed under the artist's supervision. 

Collage

An artwork consists of different images, such as photographs or prints, and arranged, so they join, overlap, or blend to create a new image. 

Open Edition 

A series of prints or objects in an edition that has an unlimited number of copies. 

Original Art 

Art that has been created by the artist on his or her medium of choice using ink, chalk pen, etc.

Printer's Proof 

Print is retained by the printer as a reference. Artists often sign these prints as a gesture of appreciation. 

Remarque 

A small sketch in the margin of an art print or additional enhancements by the artist on some or all of the final prints within the edition. 

Restrike 

Additional prints made from a master plate, block, lithograph stone, etc. after the original edition has been exhausted. 

Signed and Numbered 

At the bottom of each print in an edition, the artist pencils in his signature and numbers the print. The numbering appears as one number over another, for example, 15/30. This indicates the 15th print  signed, from a total 30 prints.

Trial Proof 

Pre-cursor to a limited edition series. These initial prints are pulled so the artist may examine, refine and perfect the prints to the desired final state. Trial proofs are generally not signed.

Visit us in person to to see examples of these techniques!