TERMS

Artist Proof (AP):
A print outside of the numbered series, usually 1/10 of the edition. The Artist's Proof is sometimes referred to by its French name, epreuve d'artist ( abbreviated E.A.) either AP or E.A. are commonly used in the lower left corner of the piece.

Giclée (pronounced "zhee-clay")
reproductions were originally developed in 1989 as a plate-less method of fine art printing. The word Giclée is French for "to spray " The images are scanned and digitally stored in a computer and sent directly to a high resolution printer. Unlike other printing methods, each image is sent to the printer individually.

Mixed Media:
The use of different materials in the same work.

Signed and numbered:
Authenticated with the artist's signature, the total number of impressions in the edition, and the order in which the impression is signed; "5/20" indicates that the print is the fifth signed of an edition of 20 impressions.

Canvas Print:
A reproduction that is printed directly on canvas instead of paper, giving it the textured look of the canvas surface of an original painting.

Certificate of Authenticity: A document accompanying a limited edition print that verifies its title, edition size, number in the edition, and other pertinent information that is required by law in some states.

Hand-embellished: Describing artwork that, once printed, is enhanced by the artist with textures, color washes and special touches of color highlighting.

Limited Edition: A reproduction of an original work of art that is signed and sequentially numbered by the artist. The total number of prints is fixed by the artist or publisher. Limited editions can be offset reproductions, digital prints, serigraphs, original lithographs, etc. Inspiration Peak Publishing Company is dedicated to keeping its edition sizes small, ensuring a level of uniqueness (and value) for our customers.

Open Edition: A reproduction with an edition size not limited to a specific number. Sometimes signed by the artist, open editions are often printed on more expensive paper and with better quality inks than posters.

Poster: A reproduction with an unlimited edition size that is produced using less expensive inks and papers than limited and open edition prints. Posters are not signed by the artist and they usually contain promotional verbiage that is meant to be exposed when framed.

Remarque: A small drawing, usually in pencil, rendered by the artist on the border of a print which adds value to the print.

Signed-and-numbered (S/N): Describing a limited edition print that has been signed and sequentially numbered by the artist in one of the lower corners of the print. The numbering takes the form of a fraction, with the numerator indicating the number of the print and the denominator identifying the actual number of prints in the edition.


TIPS ON HOW TO COLLECT ART


Buy art because you like it and it moves you, and because it will
enhance your life.

Visit as many art galleries as you can, gallery staff can be helpful guides in your art education.

Get on gallery mailing lists so you'll be invited to openings and special events.

Visit and join your local Art Museums and Non Profit Art centers.
Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art.

Attend National Art Expos and Art Fairs whenever possible.

If you know art collectors, talk to them and find out what they know and what they've learned about collecting.

Read art and art history books or books on collecting art.

Subscribe to a few art magazines.

Read reviews by local and national art critics, but keep in mind that reviews usually just reflect one persons opinion.

Once you've educated yourself and have fallen in love with
a work of art.... buy it, take it home and enjoy it.