subject: Signed, Limited Edition Prints Of Renowned British Artists. [print this page] An artist's print was originally a 'checking' print for the artist to examine, and upon giving his seal of approval, the edition would then be published. Some publishers use this as an excuse to increase the edition size, and even charge more for an artist's proof, which in reality is of no exra value.
In early days, artists used their hands to produce a print. Several types of methods were adopted such as etching, engraving, embossing, block printing, silkscreen, lithography etc. These were adopted with the sole aim of producing multiple impressions of the same painting. Several editions of the painting were sometimes created. The order of the prints was written as a fraction of the editions and the artists signed these copies of paintings and they were sold as signed limited edition prints. Though these paintings were originally in oil, pencil, watercolour or any other medium, the art of printing became a genre by itself. The type of printing was often chosen to give the best possiblr reproduction available at the time.
With the use of digital photography and giclee printing, very realistic results can be achieved. These involve a new set of operations like dye sublimation, gicl etc. With proper care, these reproductions will have the exact colors and can be produced to have a larger size or a smaller size. And even a whole new range of substrates can be used. Though these signed prints lack the actual texture, an illusion of the said texture can be easily generated.
Signed prints can be bought at a lesser price that of the original painting, but one cannot find much difference (apart from the texture) between the original and the signed reprints. The original paintings that use the medium of pastels, watercolours and drawings are well suited for reproduction.
L.S. Lowry's Work:
Some drawings by L.S. Lowry have white backgrounds, which lend themselves beautifully to be reproduced. Some of his pencil sketches have been reprinted and make excellent collectible items for art enthusiasts.
David Shepherd's Work:
A small percentage of David Shepherd's works are reproduced specifically to provide funds for endangered species. Providing funds that can be used to save endangered species throughout the world. Sometimes even being reproduced as table mats, tea coasters, and posters and in various other formats.
William Russell Flint's Work:
William Russell Flint mainly concentrated on illustrations of myths and historical events that make his signed prints very much in demand among the connoisseurs of art. The older Signed prints of William Russell Flint are very collectible and sought after.
Should you be conemplating on making an investment of a signed, limited edition print by a well known artist, always bear in mind that any apparent 'bargains' are far and few, and often a work is cheap because it is faded or the surface has been damaged in some way, making it very difficult to resell. Always buy from a reputable dealer who has specialist knowledge of the artist in which you are interested. Though it's a fraction of the original, the print is an investment nevertheless. If displayed under glass with proper framing, one can create a stunning illusion of originality and look very similar to the original painting.
