Frequently Asked Questions
What does CPF mean?
CPF means "certified picture framer". The Professional Picture Framers Association certifies individuals after extensive testing. This certification gives the consumer an assurance that the framer they've chosen has some background and knowledge in the art of custom framing. So look for the "CPF" behind your framer's name. Oh, and by the way, the Professional Picture Framers Association DOES NOT certify a gallery or frame shop...only the individual that takes the exam.
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What does SN mean?
SN means signed and number.
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What does Limited Edition mean?
Limited edition means that
the artist allows a certain number of prints, lithographs, etc. to be
published. That number establishes the edition size and the artist signs
and numbers each piece. Example: 222/1000. 222 is the
individual print number and 1000 is how many are in the edition.
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Will
Limited Editions Increase in Value?
The value of a limited edition print is
unpredictable and based upon the public's demand for this image. Since it is a
limited edition and only so many prints will be sold, when the print is sold out
the value may increase if additional people desire to purchase it. Limited
editions and all other art work should be purchased because you love it and want
to enjoy it everyday. If a print increases in value, then you have an added
bonus.
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What does AP or Artist Proof mean?
An Artist's Proof is a smaller edition of an image that also has a
regular edition size. It is usually no more than 10 percent of the regular
edition size. It will be consecutively numbered and be accompanied by a
certificate of authenticity.
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What
is the Secondary Market?
Secondary
Market is one source for obtaining prints or canvases after the edition is sold
out from the publisher. The value and availability are based upon supply and
demand. The secondary market can be extremely unpredictable as price is
determined by the value of the print to the individual consumer and may differ
from one geographic area to another.
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What
is a Serigraph?
Serigraph:
Serigraphy is a silk screening process. This process can produce prints of
startling clarity or subdued elegance depending upon the artist's wishes. To
make a serigraph from an original piece of art, every color in the original must
be identified and separated. After the separation has been made, a screen is
made for each individual color. Those areas that are not to be printed are
blocked out to prevent the transfer of ink or paint to paper or canvas. The
paper or canvas is then placed under the screen and the ink is forced through
the open mesh. This process is repeated for each individual color. Serigraphs
can have up to hundreds of separate colors. Although this high quality process
is extremely time consuming, it creates an image that is not only luxurious,
vibrant and often-textured but also affordable.
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What
is a Giclee?
Giclee
(pronounced zgee-clay)
is a French term meaning "spraying of ink." Printing directly from
information obtained from the original painting, Iris printers spray microscopic
drops of color on to a fine art paper or canvas. Displaying the full color
spectrum, these artworks have vibrant colors and a velvety texture.
More details:
With the advent of giclee, (pronounced zgee-clay by the French) the art of fine printing has
become even more precise. Because no screens are used, the prints have a higher
apparent resolution than lithographs. The dynamic color range is like
serigraphy. In the giclee process, a fine stream of ink, more than four
million droplets per second, is sprayed onto a specially treated canvas. The
effect is similar to an airbrush technique but much finer. Each piece is
carefully hand-mounted onto a drum which rotates during printing. Exact
calculations of hue, value and density direct the ink of 6 nozzles. This
produces a combination of 512 chromatic changes, (with over3 million color
possibilities) of saturated, nontoxic water based ink. The artist's color
approval and input are essential for creating the final custom setting for the
edition.
The latest advancements in the giclee process have been in the higher resolution
machines, more colorful and light resistant inks, and protective coatings for
canvas art. The inks that are normally used are rated to undergo no
less than 20 years of normal exposure to light without any measurable fading.
Finally, each canvas is applied with a special UV coating varnish. This coating
insures UV light protection and protects the surface from scratching and other
normal hazards.
Displaying a full color spectrum, giclee prints on canvas have the ability to
capture minute nuances in original painting in which other processes fall short.
The highlights are brighter, contrasts are better defined, and the colors are
more exact than any comparable reproduction process. Simply, this is as close to
an original work of art as can be reproduced.
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What
is an Offset Lithograph?
Offset Lithography is the process of taking an original piece of art and
separating the colors using a scanner or digital camera which feeds the image
directly into a computer. Using this information and utilizing the photo offset
printing process the press recreates all the colors in the original artwork.
Additional tints or touch plates may be added to produce a print that is an exact
match to the original painting.
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How
do I find out how much my older prints are worth?
There
are a few sources for finding value on older prints. InformArt is an excellent
one and they can be found online. To subscribe, you can call
203-262-9220.
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How can I get art framed in my colors?
Two ways! Use the method that makes you most comfortable.
You can email me and give me detailed information on the room, the colors and the wall space that you have to work with and I'll do my best to please you.
OR.... you can give me a call at 1-228-832-3177. I'll be happy to work with you on color and design that fits your needs.
References are
available upon request!
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Do you ship?
Indeed we do! My hubby oversees the shipping end of this business so let me sing his praises for a moment. Since we've successfully shipped to every part of the U.S. without claim of damage, my hat's off to his wonderful capability in safe packing.
We try to be fair on pricing so each piece is handled individually, weighed and insured and priced accordingly. We will quote you a price before shipping either by email or phone...whichever you prefer.
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If you have any further questions,
please feel free to email me:
artkeep@aol.com