The art world is full of fancy terms and techniques and you might hear or see some of those words in the gallery. We love a giclée and a bit of sgraffito – but what does it mean?
Never fear, we are here to help. We’ve compiled a list of our most used terms and what they are all about.
Original artwork
This term refers to a piece of art that is created by an artist, or sometimes under their supervision.
It is a unique creation that has not been copied or mass-produced. Indeed, they are often handmade, reflecting the artist’s skill, technique and personality. This exclusivity can add to the value of the piece.
Originals are usually signed by the artist, an important element in verifying the authorship and legitimacy of the piece.
Prints are essentially reproductions of originals: multiple copies created using mechanical means.
Giclée print
You’ll definitely see this one mentioned in the gallery. A giclée print is a high-quality, fine art reproduction method that utilises advanced inkjet printing technology. The term "giclée" (pronounced zhee-clay) originates from the French word "gicler," meaning to spray or squirt.
This process involves spraying microscopic droplets of archival pigment inks onto various surfaces, such as canvas or fine art paper, creating a vibrant and detailed reproduction of the original artwork.
Giclée prints are known for their exceptional colour accuracy, longevity, and the ability to capture intricate details. This contemporary printing technique ensures that each print maintains the essence and integrity of the original.
Angus produces a limited edition of prints of his paintings and the Artea range of animal portraits.
Which leads us onto…
Limited Edition
A limited edition of prints is just that. There will be a limited number of prints of a particular painting. If you look at one of Angus’s Loch Morlich, you’ll notice that there is are some numbers in the bottom. It might say 1/100 – that indicates that there are 100 prints in this run and you are holding the very first!
In printmaking, an artist will create a limited edition of their print. For example, a run of 12 prints from one linocut. Each print will be considered an original in this case.
And what happens when we sell number 100 of 100? Well, that’s it for that painting in that print run - there will be no more. Printmakers often destroy the plate to ensure it can never be recreated.
The opposite of this is an open edition. Here, there will be no numbers. This means the artist can print as many as they like.
Artist’s Proof (AP)
Another special mark you might see is AP, meaning Artist Proof. This is a small, exclusive number of prints, typically produced before the official limited edition run.
These proofs, marked "AP" or "Artist's Proof," serve as a quality check for the artist, allowing them to assess colour, composition, and overall fidelity. Artists may keep these proofs for personal use, gifts, or to commemorate the creation of the edition.
While they are similar to the limited edition prints, artist's proofs are distinct and often considered more valuable due to their limited availability and direct association with the artist's creative process.
Variable Edition
When you're browsing Kitty Watt's original etchings, you'll probably notice V/E after the title on some. It means Variable Edition and, as the name suggests, it means that each print uses the same plate but is different in some way. It could be the colours or the materials. It makes each print unique.
In this example – Sanctuary by Kitty Watt – you can see the main image is the gnarly twisted tree trunks. The version on the left is monochrome and gives the impression of being a pencil drawing.
The print on the right uses the same main plate. You can still see the gnarly trunks but this version incorporates colour. But Kitty has also used pieces of grass to block the ink, leaving beautiful pale shapes in the foreground.
Which do you prefer?
