Originals vs Artist Embellished vs Prints: What’s Best for You

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 an artist embellished 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.

 

Artist Embellished Canvas

Our reworked canvases are printed on high-quality Archival Gloss Canvas stretched over a wood frame that are then hand-embellished by Casey with thick acrylic brushstrokes and texture to create the impression of an original painting. Casey begins each rework by coating the printed canvas in a clear, glossy gel, mimicking the brushwork of the original piece. Then, she selectively adds thick colored paint to accent key elements of the image. 

Each rework is a unique creation and a form of the original piece. This glossy, textured canvas imitates an original painting and elevates any art collection.

Rework Color Emphasis:

When you purchase a Casey Langteau rework, we offer the opportunity for you to request that Casey emphasize certain existing colors in the print. What this means is that when she goes to add in colored paint, she will mostly add paint of your requested color. Casey can only emphasize colors that already exist in the painting. 

One reason to request an emphasis of a certain color would be to help match your new artwork to your home’s interior decor. One suggestion would be to identify one or two of the boldest colors in your room and mirror them in your chosen artwork. For instance, if you have teal-colored curtains in an otherwise neutral tone space, you might ask that Casey bring out the teals in your painting. In this example, we would suggest first looking at Casey’s work that incorporates the color teal. We suggest looking at I’ll Have What They’re Having, Classy Krewe, or Three’s a Crowd.

You also may want to bring out the golds because it is your favorite color or request she emphasizing whites to lighten the overall feel of the work. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just someone looking to spruce up their living space, understanding the interplay of colors can significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal. Before diving into color matching, consider the purpose of the room. Different colors evoke distinct emotions and moods and understanding the interplay of colors can significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal.

Rework Special Customization:

Another significant option available with our reworks is to request the addition of personal touches. For example, we just had a lovely collector request Casey paint in the silhouette of their wedding’s second line party in Big Easy Blessings. This upgrade significantly sets your painting apart as an original of its own!

There are even a few select prints that include an option for minimal customization at no additional charge. In Got The Spins, we offer the option for you to select two drinks of choice to be painted onto the bar. In Crescent City Connections, we offer the option for you to identify up to five locations to have specially .

 

 

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Prints

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!

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, artist embellished 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! 

 

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