Originals vs Prints: What’s best for you
Hi Friend!
Let’s talk artwork options! Have you ever found yourself in love with a piece of art and then totally confused when a gallery tells you they have the original, but also a print, but also a canvas print, but also a reworked version? How are you supposed to choose?
Not to worry, we’re here to clarify what some of these expressions mean so you can decide which option is best for you!
Originals
This is a one of a kind painting created by the artist. You should be able to see the brushstrokes and texture of the paints on the canvas. Original paintings are always signed by the artist! You will find artist offer originals two ways: as a commission or in a collection.
Commissioned Painting:
The artist and collector work one-on-one to create a new, custom panting. The client can choose the color, size, and subject for the artwork. Commissioned paintings start with a 50% deposit before the planning period. Once completed, artwork can take 1 month - 1 year to be completed depending on the artist. See more about Casey’s commission process here.
Collection Painting:
This is a grouping of original paintings planned by the artist alone. The paintings (typically) relate in subject mater or theme. The artist chooses a day to release the paintings to the public, which is when collectors can purchase the artwork. Artist also can create and release one painting at a time. You can view Casey’s past collections here.
Framing for Originals: You can add a floating frame (see lamppost painting), but it is definitely not necessary. Casey paints the side of her canvases for a seamless, professional look.
Built by Ruppert Design BuildPrints
Canvas print:
First things first, this is a print! It’s created using a high quality picture of the original and then produced using Archival Gloss canvas. Casey’s canvas prints are then stretched on a wood frame, which means your print is not flat. In fact, the image wraps around the 1 ½” edge so there is no need to get it framed - you can hang it right on the wall as soon as you get home!
Reworked Canvas print:
Imagine this as a middle ground between a canvas print and an original. A reworked canvas print is an embellished version of a canvas print; the artist will go back to a print and add hand-painted brushstrokes and texture. This means that no two reworked canvas prints are exactly alike! They arrive ready to hang on the wall and often are mistaken as originals.
Paper print:
This term is usually used to refer to a print produced on an archival quality paper or on flat canvas. There will be a thin (usually white) border around the image to make it easier to frame/mat the print. Prints need a frame, which is a great opportunity to add in your home’s accent color (see gold frame below).
Giclée
Giclée is a commonly used word in art to speak about prints. This term was coined in the 1980s and referred to fine art prints created on specific inkjet printers - the term has expanded since then and you’ll often hear people use it to describe a variety of prints created using an inkjet process. All of Casey’s prints and canvas prints are created with this technique. You can view all of Casey’s prints here.
Which one should i choose?
Which option is right for you can depend on a lot of things.
An original painting is almost always going to come with a higher price tag than a print. Original paintings also tend to increase in value over time - these are an investment!
Prints have advantages beyond their lower price tag though. Say you love an original painting but it’s just too huge to fit in your home - Casey’s prints and canvas prints come in a variety of sizes!
The canvas prints are going to imitate the feel of an original because they are stretched on to a wooden frame - they’ve got a presence. And if you get a reworked canvas this vibe is even more prominent as the texture from the original brushstrokes will make your artwork pop! Like originals, reworked canvas prints will increase in value over time.
Paper prints are a great option, especially if you are starting your collection! You will definitely want to get these framed but choosing a mat/frame lets you put your own personal stamp on your piece.
There is no wrong choice when you’re buying a piece of art that you want to see every day!