What is an original fine art print?
Printmaking is the process of making artworks by printing, normally on paper. Printmaking normally covers only the process of creating prints with an element of originality, rather than just being a photographic reproduction of a painting. Except in the case of monotyping, the process is capable of producing multiples of the same piece, which is called a 'print'. Each piece produced is not a copy but considered an original since it is not a reproduction of another work of art and is technically (more correctly) known as an 'impression'. Printmaking is not chosen only for its ability to produce multiple copies, but rather for the unique qualities that each of the printmaking processes lends itself to.
How are original prints produced?
Prints are created from a single original surface, known technically as a matrix. Common types of matrices include: plates of metal, usually copper or zinc for engraving or etching., limestone or aluminum plates used for lithography; cardboard, wood, or metal surfaces, onto which other materials have been affixed, producing a type of collage-matrix, used for collographs.
Monoprints. printed directly from painting and/or drawing on a smooth surface, such as unblemished copper, glass, or masonite. The resulting image is then transferred to paper using a press, culminating in a single, unrepeatable piece. Louise works in all of the aforementioned print media. All of these printing methods require a press.
What is an edition?
Works printed from a single plate create an edition, each one signed and numbered to form a limited edition. Prints may also be published in book form, as artist's books. A single print could be the product of one or multiple techniques.
In what category is the digital print?
Recently, digital prints on archival (acid free) paper have been included as a formal category of printmaking. Digital prints refers to editions of images printed using a digital printer instead of a traditional printing press. These images can be printed to a variety of substrates including paper and cloth or plastic canvas. High quality digital prints typically are reproduced with very high-resolution data files with very high-precision prints. Combinations of digital and hand printed media are currently more common, enlarging the scope of the artist's vocabulary. (see here Working Drawings: Notebooks)
Collecting hand made prints can be both a passion and an investment. To enquire about works on this site write to Louise Bloom at louisebloom@me.com. Mailing and shipping are at the expense of the purchaser. All packages will be insured at this end. Please include your telephone number in the e-mail and the subject of your request. All commissions require a telephone interview.
For enquiries abut the work on this site,
About collecting prints
www.art-collecting.com/prints.htm#fgalleries
Links to Louise Bloom
C Louise Bloom 2010
