Original Watercolor Paintings  •  Limited Edition Giclée Prints  •  Lessons and Workshops  •  Commissions


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Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions.  If you need more information, please don't hesitate to contact the studio. 

 

Original Paintings

I use the finest Artists' watercolor paints available.  They are rated for top permanency and contain the highest percentage of pigment found among the many brands of the media.

Either Arches or Fabriano 140 lb. 100% cotton rag acid free watercolor paper is used.

The Original Paintings are matted in a 4 ply 100% acid free/pH neutral museum quality mat in white or off white, unless otherwise specified. The mat is hinged with with a 2 ply acid fee/ph neutral backing board.

You have the option to select a different color mat.  There would be an extra charge of $15.00 to change the mounting.   See the Mat Color Chart for color choices.

Paintings are backed with foam board,  shrink wrapped, and ready for framing.  Original paintings include a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist and include additional descriptions of subject matter when applicable. (See below for a definition of Certificate of Authenticity)

Limited Edition Prints

Limited Edition Giclée Prints are printed on 100% cotton rag museum archival paper and the printing ink used is Ultrachrome pigmented ink rated for a minimum of 75 year longevity for your enjoyment in the years to come as well as your heirs.  The prints are personally signed and numbered by the artist and include a Certificate of Authenticity.  Artist's bio, Artist's Statement and any further descriptions of the subject matter are also included.

White borders added to the size of the image measure ½", to allow room for the title, pencil signature and print numbers in the white margin. This border is meant to show when matted. Prints are safely packed for shipping protection.  (Optional Mat is available, price depends on size.)

What is a Limited Edition Print?

The limited edition has important commercial significance. Collectors need to be assured that the work they buy is guaranteed by the exclusivity and originality which only a limited edition can provide. Normally, the smaller the edition, (fewer printed),  the more valuable the print.

What do the Numbers Mean?

The system of numbering and documentation of fine-art editions is designed to guarantee the authenticity and originality of prints in the art market. Each print is signed by the artist (usually, but not always) in the lower right-hand corner or margin. In the opposite corner goes the edition numbering, two numbers divided by a slanted stroke. The bottom number represents the total number of prints in the edition; the top one the order in which the artist has signed that particular print.  For example: 1/500 means the artist signed the first print of the 500 printed in the Edition.

What is a Giclée Print?

Giclée (ghee-clay) is French for "to spray".  In short it is a process whereby the original artwork is rendered digitally. Artists at the printer or atelier, work with the image on a high resolution computer screen to get it completely accurate. Then the image is printed onto a substrate of either canvas or paper, which "giclées" the image onto the substrate.   This newer technology is considered to be superior to the older lithograph technique.

What is a Certificate of Authenticity?

The Certificate of Authenticity gives buyers of authentic fine-art original works and limited-edition prints produced by an Artist the opportunity to distinguish their work from posters or reproductions which some dealers would like to pass off as "prints." By offering the extensive information of the Certificate, Artists can not only guarantee the authenticity of their work, but also educate their buyers as to just exactly what they are spending their money on.

A proper Certificate of Authenticity is an additional value added to a fine-art print insofar as it explains to the client in detail the various factors which intervene in its production and edition. The more details the Certificate includes, the more value it contributes to the print.

By giving both the image size and the paper size, the client knows not only the size of the frame he will need, but whether or not the paper has been tampered with. The edition numbers are, of course, essential.

The date of the signing are also essential. Long after the artist is dead (and famous!) they will permit art historians to establish an accurate chronology of his work.

Take Care of Your Art

All Mat materials and backing for framing should always be Acid Free/pH neutral, museum quality, to prevent yellowing and deterioration.   Art Work should never be placed in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Custom Framing

Framing is available  upon request.  Free Estimate is given upon discussion regarding choices of  frame treatments.  Prices vary according to products selected.  Always feel free to discuss your framing ideas with the artist.

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Copyright © 2000 Carolyn Scott Arnold, Artist