Artist's Proof
These are prints traditionally intended for the artists personal use. It is common practise to reserve approximately 10% of an edition for .Ap's (Artist Proof)
Canvas EditionsArt reproduction on canvas, created by photo-mechanical lithography or transfer. These canvases emulate the look and also the feel of the original painting
Conservation Framing
The name given to the various methods used to protect artwork, in which no materials are used which will affect the artwork in any way. ALL processes used must be reversible without damage to the artwork. Conservation framing is the minimum standard used in our workshops.
Edition
When an original painting or drawing is reproduced as an print, they are called editions. These can be open editions or limited editions.
Engravings and Etchings
(often known as intaglio prints)
These are copper or steel plates which are engraved or etched. This is the coasted with a highly viscous ink, which is worked into the plate with the excess being removed.. The plates, together with a special paper is put through a press which creates an impression.
Engraving - Carved into metal
Etching - Chemically done with acids.
For some images once the ink is dried the process stops and they are sold as monochrome images. The majority of images are hand coloured.
Intaglio
These prints are made from copper or steel plates, also known as engravings or etchings.
Limited Edition
This is a set of identical prints, numbered in succession and often signed by the artist. The total number of prints is called an edition, and is fixed by the artist, who inspects each print before signing his or her name. A print which has been produced as a limited edition should never be reprinted, or reproduced in any way once the edition is created.
Low Inventory
Total number of prints available when a edition falls below 10% that are still available from the publishers for the trade to purchase
Mat
this is another name for the window mount or passe-partout which surrounds the artwork, protecting it from touching the glass. The Mat is also used as part of the colour scheme for the overall effect, colours can be used to enhance or complement the image.
Monochrome
An image produced in a single colour, traditionally used to describe black and white photographs
Mount
Commonly used term to describe the border around an image ( See Mat ). More properly used to denote the backing or under mount to which artwork should be hinged
Museum Boards
The purest quality boards used for making the mat. Almost always made from 100% cotton because of its totally acid free qualities, in that there is no naturally occurring acid in cotton and none is introduced during the manufacturing process. Traditionally, Museum boards are solid colour all the way through. although any of the CRESCENT rag mats would be of museum quality
Museum Quality Framing
The highest standard of framing practice, using only acid free materials, quite often in conjunction with mylar pockets and UV blocking glass.
New Release
A print or canvas published within the previous twelve months
Open Edition
These editions are of an unlimited number of prints produced and reproduced by the publishers
Original Artwork
Art work which has been originated by the artist in person, or artwork which has been finished or embellished by the artist
Out of Print
When a printed image is no longer available from the publishers. It may still be available from retail outlets, or may be found on the secondary market.
Rag Mats
Unflattering term used to describe the finest quality mat boards made from 100% cotton.
Remarques
Small original sketch done in pencil of colour on a fine art print by the artist. These are usually found on the bottom of the print underneath the image adjacent to the artist signature.
Signatures
Artist signed edition are usually signed in pencil, which does not fade with age. Some images are signed in other ways but are generally in a fade resistant ink
Signed Edition
An open edition of unlimited number which has been inspected and signed by the artist