Forging the Path to Abstraction Wassily Kandinsky’s woodcuts represent far more than a subsidiary aspect of his artistic production. These remarkable works served as an experimental laboratory where the Russian-born artist worked through fundamental questions about form, space, and perception that would ultimately revolutionise modern art. Whilst Kandinsky is justly celebrated for his groundbreaking abstract … Continued
The emergence of Impressionism in the 1860s fundamentally transformed artistic expression, and printmaking became a crucial medium for exploring and disseminating these revolutionary ideas. Impressionist printmakers, led by figures such as Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, and Camille Pissarro, embraced the medium’s inherent qualities to capture fleeting moments and atmospheric effects. Unlike traditional printmaking, which emphasised … Continued
The world of art print publishing is a fascinating blend of creativity and commerce, where artistic vision meets market forces in an eternal dance of supply and demand. From humble beginnings with woodcuts and engravings to today’s digital revolution, the print market has weathered countless storms whilst continuously reinventing itself. Understanding this complex landscape requires … Continued
Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press emerged from a unique convergence of his background, professional expertise, and the social circumstances of 15th-century Mainz. Born around 1400 into a patrician family involved in the cloth trade and ecclesiastical mint, Gutenberg possessed both the social connections and financial resources necessary for such an ambitious undertaking. His … Continued
1. Confusing Original Prints with Reproductions When collecting fine prints, one of the biggest mistakes is not understanding the difference between original prints and reproductions. An original print is created by the artist as part of the printmaking process itself – think etchings, lithographs, or screen prints where the artist directly works on the printing … Continued
The history of papermaking for fine art prints is a fascinating journey that spans over two millennia, beginning with the invention of paper in ancient China around 105 CE by Cai Lun, a court official during the Han Dynasty. This early paper was made from mulberry bark, hemp, rags, and fishing nets, creating a surface … Continued
Caring for prints properly will significantly extend their lifespan and preserve their value. For Framed Prints on Display Use archival-quality materials throughout. Mount prints with acid-free matting and backing boards, and ensure the frame has UV-filtering glazing – either museum glass or conservation-grade acrylic. Never let the print touch the glazing directly, as condensation can … Continued
The Foundation: Meticulous Documentation When insuring your print collection, the cornerstone of any successful insurance claim for your print collection lies in comprehensive documentation. Every piece in your collection should have a detailed record that includes the artist’s name, the complete title of the work, creation date, edition size and number, dimensions, medium specifications, and … Continued
The limited edition print size is determined by several interconnected factors that reflect both artistic intent and market considerations. The artist typically makes the primary decision about edition size based on their vision for the work’s exclusivity and their desire to maintain the piece’s collectible value, with smaller editions generally commanding higher prices per print. … Continued
A lithograph is a printmaking technique invented in the late 18th century by German author Alois Senefelder, based on the fundamental principle that oil and water repel each other. The process involves drawing or painting directly onto a smooth limestone surface (or specially prepared metal plate) using greasy materials like lithographic crayons, pencils, or tusche … Continued
An original print is a work of art created through a printmaking process where the artist directly participates in making the printing matrix and oversees the production of the edition. This distinguishes it from mechanical reproductions of paintings or drawings, as the print itself is the original artwork rather than a copy of something else. … Continued
The Revolution of Reproducibility The history of art is fundamentally transformed by a single revolutionary concept: reproducibility. While painting and sculpture remained the exclusive domain of wealthy patrons and institutions for centuries, printmaking emerged as the great democratizer of visual culture. From the earliest woodcuts of medieval Europe to the screen prints of contemporary artists, … Continued
Restoration vs. Conservation? As a collector of fine art prints, you’ll eventually face a difficult decision: what to do when one of your prized pieces shows signs of damage or aging. Perhaps you’ve noticed brown spots appearing on a vintage lithograph, or the colors in your contemporary screenprint are starting to fade. Maybe you’ve inherited … Continued
What Is a Catalogue Raisonné? A catalogue raisonné is a scholarly publication that attempts to list every known work by a particular artist. For printmakers, this means every etching, lithograph, woodcut, or screen print they ever created. Each entry includes detailed information about the artwork: when it was made, what technique was used, how many … Continued
What is Printmaking in Art? Printmaking is a traditional art form that involves creating multiple copies of an artwork through various printing techniques. This artistic process allows artists to produce identical or similar images on paper, fabric, or other materials using methods like woodcut, etching, lithography, and screen printing. Unlike painting or drawing, printmaking enables … Continued
The Digital Revolution in Printmaking: A Transformation of Traditional Practice The intersection of digital technologies and traditional printmaking has ushered in a revolutionary era in artistic practice, fundamentally altering how artists conceive, create, and produce printed works. This transformation extends far beyond simple digital reproduction, encompassing new hybrid techniques that merge centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge … Continued
The Practice of Print Exchange in Times of Political Distance Throughout history, printmaking has served as a unique medium for artistic exchange, capable of traversing geographical and political boundaries even when diplomatic relations were strained. The portable, reproducible nature of prints made them ideal vehicles for cultural dialogue, allowing artists to share ideas and aesthetic … Continued
The Influence of Japanese Woodblock Prints on European Impressionism The intersection of Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) and European Impressionism represents one of the most fascinating examples of cross-cultural artistic exchange in the history of art. Following Japan’s opening to the West in the 1850s, a flood of Japanese artifacts, particularly woodblock prints, reached European shores, … Continued
The Evolution from Technical Process to Creative Medium The Rise of Printmaking as an Original Art Form: the journey of printmaking from a purely reproductive technique to a celebrated form of original artistic expression represents one of the most fascinating transformations in art history. Initially developed as a means of duplicating images and texts, printmaking … Continued
The economics of prints: The relationship between artists and printmaking represents one of the most fascinating intersections of creativity and commerce in art history. While paintings often capture headlines with their astronomical prices, print editions have quietly served as the financial backbone for countless artists’ careers, providing steady income streams and broader market access. The … Continued
In the bustling streets of Paris during the late 1800s, a quiet artistic revolution was unfolding—not on canvas, but through a remarkable printing technique that would fundamentally reshape how art was created, distributed, and consumed. Lithography, a revolutionary printing method invented at the turn of the 19th century, emerged as a transformative force that democratised … Continued
In the quiet workshops of 15th century Europe, a technological revolution was brewing that would transform human communication forever. Long before smartphones and digital screens, printmaking emerged as the world’s first mass communication technology, democratising visual information in ways that would fundamentally reshape how knowledge and art were shared. The World Before Prints Imagine a … Continued
What is a print? A print is a work of art created through the transfer of an image from one surface (called a matrix) to another (typically paper) using a variety of specialised techniques. Unlike a simple reproduction, a fine art print is an original artwork where the artist directly participates in the creation process, … Continued
Helen Frankenthaler’s Game-Changing Print Techniques Helen Frankenthaler wasn’t just a painter – she was a printmaking revolutionary who transformed the medium with her audacious approach to color and technique. Her “soak-stain” method, which she first developed in painting, would become a watershed moment in printmaking, challenging every conventional understanding of how prints could be created. … Continued
Pablo Picasso The Revolutionary Printmaker Pablo Picasso the revolutionary printmaker transformed the medium through relentless experimentation. While many collectors focus on his paintings, Picasso’s prints reveal his most daring technical innovations. Let’s explore five groundbreaking techniques that changed printmaking forever. Grand tête de femme au chapeau orné, 1962, Pablo Picasso The Sugar-Lift Aquatint Revolution In … Continued
The journey of building a print collection presents collectors with a fundamental decision: whether to focus on a specific theme, historical period, or artist. This choice will shape not only the collection’s development but also its potential value and cultural significance. Understanding these different approaches can help collectors make informed decisions that align with their … Continued
Explaining limited print editions, with all their complexities, numbering systems and signatures, to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the print market, is crucial for making informed decisions. This comprehensive guide will demystify these technical aspects of print collecting and help you navigate the market with confidence. 1. Understanding Edition Types Limited editions are perhaps … Continued
Starting a print collection is an exciting journey that combines personal passion with potential investment opportunity. Whether you’re drawn to classic masterpieces or contemporary works, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the print collecting world with confidence. 1. How to Start a Print Collection: Understanding the Basics of Print Collecting Before investing in your … Continued
The Print World During The American Civil War Years The American Civil War (1861-1865) dramatically transformed the nation’s art world, shifting artistic focus from romantic idealization to stark reality and documentary approaches. This period marked a crucial transition in American artistic expression and consumption. Visual Documentation of War The conflict created an unprecedented demand for … Continued
The Emotion In The Prints Of Edvard Munch Emotion plays a central role in Edvard Munch‘s prints, serving as a powerful vehicle for conveying the inner turmoil, anxiety, and existential angst that permeate much of his work. Munch’s prints are characterized by their intense emotional resonance, often depicted through expressive brushwork, bold colors, and distorted … Continued
Henri Matisse Jazz (1947) Jazz, 1947, Henri Matisse Henri Matisse, a renowned French artist, created the Jazz prints during a period when he faced physical limitations due to poor health. These prints were the result of his desire to continue creating art despite being confined to a bed or wheelchair. In the early 1940s, Matisse … Continued
What is a Certificate of Authenticity? Blue Curve (State III) , 1988, Ellsworth Kelly Portrait of a Boy in Profile, 1641, Harmensz van Rijn Rembrandt Godetia, 1973, David Hockney And Then…(Red), 2011, Takashi Murakami Who can legally issue a certificate of authenticity for a work of art? Well, I can. After all, I founded and … Continued
Robert Rauschenberg was an American artist and printmaker who was active during the 1950s and 1960s. He was greatly influenced by the work of other artists and movements of the time, which had a significant impact on his printmaking. One of the major influences on Rauschenberg’s printmaking was the art of the Surrealists, particularly the … Continued
Keith Haring prints were characterised by their bold, graphic style and use of simple, iconic imagery, and they continue to be highly sought after by art collectors and enthusiasts. Keith Haring was an American artist and social activist who rose to prominence in the 1980s. He is best known for his bold, graphic style and … Continued
Joan Miró prints are very distinctive and instantaneously recognisable. Miró had a steadfast dedication to printmaking, just like his countryman and peer Pablo Picasso. He also produced more than 2,000 pieces in the medium, just like Picasso. It is frequently claimed that Miró’s preference for calligraphic lines, which are such a distinguishing aspect of his … Continued
Albrecht Durer woodcuts transformed printing through the use of fine, graceful lines, intricate details, and subtle gradations, efforts that could be achieved only through skilful and precise carving. While Durer’s key role in designing woodcuts is certain, his involvement in cutting the blocks can be debated. Albrecht Durer was one of the leading … Continued
Richard Diebenkorn began to have a measure of success with his artwork during the mid to late 1950s. He was included in several group shows and had several solo exhibits. In 1960, a mid-career retrospective was presented by the Pasadena Art Museum (now the Norton Simon Museum). That autumn, a variation of the show moved … Continued
David Hockney experimented with printmaking as early as a lithograph Self-Portrait in 1954 and worked in etchings during his time at RCA. In 1965, the print workshop Gemini G.E.L. approached him to create a series of lithographs with a Los Angeles theme. Hockney responded by creating The Hollywood Collection, a series of lithographs recreating the … Continued
The surrealist artist Roberto Matta introduced Robert Motherwell to the concept of automatic drawing or automatism, after a trip to Mexico in 1941, which the Surrealists used to tap into their unconscious. This concept had a lasting effect on Motherwell. Surrealist automatism is a method of art-making in which the artist suppresses conscious control over … Continued
Chilean Roberto Matta artist and printmaker met artists such as Arshile Gorky, René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, André Breton, and Le Corbusier whilst travelling in Europe in the mid 1930s, . It was actually André Breton who provided the influence on Matta’s art, encouraging his work and introducing him to the leading members of the Paris … Continued
Buying art prints can be a formidable task, for there are numerous issues to be addressed: authenticity, paper, quality of impression, edition size, re-strikes, signatures, states, watermarks, condition, provenance, etc. Here I’ll discuss a few of the many issues that I get lots of questions about; I strongly recommend that anyone with any questions on … Continued
1. Scottish-born Paolozzi’s Italian parents ran a small ice cream parlour in Leith. 2. Paolozzi had always shown a talent for drawing and pursued this by attending Edinburgh College of Art in 1943. He then moved to London and feigned madness to secure his release from army duties in order that he could study sculpture … Continued
Printmaking is all about collaboration. Trust, understanding, intuition, and a sprinkling of magic between artist and printmaker is crucial; many a printmaking relationship has not survived because the chemistry simply wasn’t quite right. If the rapport between artist and printmaker is good, extraordinary things can happen. In the first in a series of interviews with … Continued
What is a Print? The term “print” is sometimes used to describe just about any picture that is not an original painting or drawing. Photographs, cheap posters, reproductions in art books…. Some people refer to all of these as “prints”. In the art world, the word “print” has a far more specific meaning, and anyone buying prints must … Continued
Three large-scale screenprints by Josef Albers and one three-colored triangle by Fred Sandback provide the entirety of this seemingly spare exhibition that presents simple geometric experiences that are both present physically and involved in one’s mind. Josef Albers’s three works from the “SP” series of 1967 utilize monochromatic planes of color so as to … Continued
Rising to fame in 1950s America and peaking in popularity during the swinging sixties, Minimalism was an art movement that grew out of ideas expressed by Minimalist artists including Ellsworth Kelly, Donald Judd, Agnes Martin, Robert Ryman, Frank Stella and Carl Andre. Also known as “minimal art”, “literalist art” and “ABC Art”, Minimalist art is similar to Conceptualism in that it essentially focuses … Continued
First appearing in New York beginning the early 1960s, Minimalism was a renunciation of the contemporary art which seemed stale and academic in the eyes of young artists. New influences and rediscovered styles motivated these young artists to question and push conventional boundaries, very similar to the social movements of the decade. By the end … Continued
Abstract Expressionism has a rich history, much like many other art movements. This particular movement is a post-World War II movement that was developed sometime during the 1940s in New York. This movement is in American painting and the first movement to gain international recognition and put New York City on the map in the … Continued
