Fine Art Prints: About This Medium

True fine art prints are unique when compared with commercial prints of fine art. They are usually artist signed, limited editions, printed on quality fine art paper. More than mere decorative pieces, each type of fine art print has a different relative value.

Fine art relief prints (see woodblocks and linocuts) are valued for their "hands on" connection to the artist. I personally produce this type of fine art print because it is more authentic than works done for hire.

Etchings and mezzotints are considered fine art prints when the artist engraves the print plate. These processes are too mechanical for my taste, as are the Giclee' (inkjet) and lithographic "art print" methods that are so often mass produced. Some consider them fine art prints, but opinion varies.

Another type of contemporary fine art print is called a serigraph (see serigraph). I have adopted this process because it produces fine art prints of colors layered in a direct, painterly fashion. Texture gives a fine art print a valued dimension over prints of fine art that are flat reproductions.

Originality is another consideration when evaluating fine art prints. Limited edition fine art print runs that have compositions created exclusively for each edition are valued over reproductions of work from another medium. All my prints are limited edition, original fine art prints, designed only for each edition. I know that the means of production is an important to those who value art. I produce my fine art prints with these high standards in mind.