- What is a print, is it an original work of art?
- The prints sold at the Brodsksy Center are original works of art, created by the artists who are invited to participate in our residency program. Artist prints are different than mass-produced prints because they are made in limited editions, which means there are a set amount of copies, or “impressions” that are created, which raises their value in many collectors’ eyes. Additionally, most artist prints are made using high-quality materials and take a high skill level and a long time to complete. This is why the artists who come to the Brodsky Center collaborate with our master printmakers to complete their editions.
- What are the different types?
- There are a number of different techniques used in printmaking, each with many variations in process. Intaglio printmaking comprises techniques using tools or acid to create lines and texture on a plate, such as etching or aquatint. In lithography, the work is created using a large stone tablet that is drawn on with water repellant materials. Screen printers squeeze ink onto a surface through a stretched mesh stencil. For relief prints, such as wood and linocuts, artists dig into the material with tools, cutting out sections to create a design. Monoprints are made when a plate is painted with ink and transferred directly to the final surface, allowing for only one print to be made. A technique that has become more popular with technological advances is the Inkjet print, in which an image is scanned and printed from a specialized computer using high quality paper and ink.
- What significance does the number have? Is #1 better than #100?
- Printmaking lends itself well to the creation of multiples. Many prints are made as editions, which means there are a limited amount of copies or “impressions” created. Depending on the technique and the artist’s desires, the prints in an edition can be completely identical or have some purposeful differences. Some printing surfaces, such as metal plates and mesh screens, can be worn down in the printing process, creating small differences in the lower and higher numbered prints, especially in larger editions. If an artist signs an impression it means that the artist recognized that impression as an equally very best work. Therefore, impression numbers do not reflect on aesthetic or commercial value.
- What is an artist’s proof?
- An artist proof or working proof is a print that is created as the artist is still working on the final product, so that they can see what it will look like. These impressions may have different colors or missing elements that the artist decided to change in the final version. While many proofs of an edition are discarded, artists my sign a few proofs to be put on the market because they recognize these proofs as equally very best works.
- Is choosing from a small edition run better than a larger run?
- As mentioned above, the plates used can often become worn down and the design eroded through the process of printing. Therefore, the larger the edition number, the more likely it is that the higher-numbered prints are further from what the artist first imagined (this does depend on the technique used, however.) Additionally, many art lovers are more excited about owning a print that is rarer and not found in many other collections. The Brodsky Center has recently focused on publishing smaller editions than we have in past years, so many of our most recent editions only include 10 numbered impressions.
- Are prints less expensive than paintings?
- The cost of a print depends on a variety of factors. Generally, an editioned print is less expensive than a painting or sculpture by the same artist. This difference is because of the idea that the print is not a unique piece of artwork and multiple people can own an impression from the same edition. The cost of an artwork often depends on the market for the artist’s work, which can fluctuate depending on name recognition and notoriety, current trends, and the economy. For this reason, some prints by well known artists can be priced much higher than a painting by an artist who has not gained a lot of attention in their practice.
- Are all artists experienced to printmaking?
- Some artists focus their practice on printmaking and some don’t. Many Brodsky Center artists in residence are not printmakers, but work very closely with an onsite Master Printmaker who we consider a collaborator. The Master Printmaker, who is highly trained in technique and artistry, assists the resident in the artistic and technical planning of the edition and carries out much of the physical labor of creating the edition.
- How do I check to make sure a print is authentic? Are certificates of authenticity commonly used with prints?
- Before you purchase a print you can ask the gallery, dealer or publisher for a certificate of documentation or documentation sheet that will give you all the details about the edition, including the number of impressions in the edition, the materials and processes used, and the location of the signature.
- Where can I learn more about prints and printmaking? (PAFA/Brodsky, Print fairs, IFPDA, auctions)
- You can check out the Brodsky Center website for more information about our inventory, as well as upcoming workshops and events focused on printmaking and papermaking. There are a number of galleries that focus on prints, and you can attend printmaking fairs, such as IFPDA or E/AB. Additionally, there are a number of educational programs that focus on printmaking, such as at PAFA School of Fine Arts or Continuing Education, or the Tamarind Institute.
- How do you price a print at the Brodsky Center?
- We price our editions in cooperation with the artist, based on research into the current market value of the artist’s work, and consider other factors including size and material.
- How should I care for my print?
- When you purchase a print, take it out of the packaging immediately to check for damage that might have occurred in transport, and to avoid damage from exposure to any non-acidic materials used in packing. In framing, a good option is to purchase UV protectant glass, and have it framed by a professional who will use the correct type of hinging and matting material. You do not want your print touching any material that is not non-acidic, and certain types of tape can irreversibly damage the print. After the print is framed, always keep it upright, as it is possible to damage the place where it is hinged on the back if rotated. Handle the print with care and hang it away from sunlight and high-traffic areas.
The Brodsky Center at PAFAThe Brodsky Center at PAFA