Limited Editions

Limited Editions can be printed on paper or canvas. Paper pieces need to be framed under glass to keep them safe from environmental factors. I would further suggest that if the artwork is something of value that you want to preserve, you should use rag mats and conservation glass at a minimum. The next step up would be museum grade mats and museum glass. Truly an elegant presentation.

Limited editions can also be printed on canvas. Some of these pieces are printed flat - without any additional brush strokes or embellishment. Some of the canvas pieces can also have brush strokes that make it look almost original. These are beautiful pieces that you will almost need to check the sides of the canvas to see if the image is an original or a limited edition. And as a bonus, many of the numbers for the edition size are very small and indiscrete. These canvas pieces may be gallery wrapped with finished sides and staples on the back of the stretcher bars or the canvas could be stapled on the sides of the stretcher bars. If you want a very contemporary look, you can hang the gallery wrapped canvas as is. For the image that has the staples on the sides, you can obtain a contemporary look with a floater frame but a frame can give the stretched image character, so spend some time in your frame selection.

Museum Glass

Have artwork of value that you want to preserve? Maybe you want to give your art that 'priceless' look without breaking the bank? Museum glass can do that for you. This glass blocks 98% of the harmful UV light that will fade your artwork and it has anti-reflective technology so you might not even realize you are looking through glass. It is perfect for harsh light environments where reflection and fading are an issue.

OK, so it is more expensive than regular glass and the conservation glass. And I resisted the price, too, until I saw it. But for a high class look for fine art you can't do better.

Therapeutic Art

It is thought that art displayed in a doctor’s office can help distract a patient from their pain. There isn’t one style or technique that pertains to therapeutic art. The only condition is that it must allow the mind to escape, sending the individual on a journey into the painting. If nothing else, the atmosphere of bright colors will stimulate our sense of well-being and hopefulness.

Art Tip: Conservation Framing

If original or limited edition artwork is permanently mounted to a backing, it will lose its value. Specifically designed hanging techniques should be used instead to allow the artwork to “float” on top of an acid-free backing. Always use a framer well-versed in the conservation mounting techniques necessary to preserve your artwork in its original form and allow it to maintain its value.

Limited Editions - Value

In the art world, limited editions are considered 'originals'. And with the advances in technology, a limited edition on canvas can be made to look as rich as the original. The texture of the canvas and the nuances of the pigments can come very close in replicating the look and feel of an original work of art.

While an original will always command a higher value than a limited edition of the same image, the limited edition will rise in value as the value of the original increases. So, for those who think of a limited edition an inferior investment, I suggest you do some more research.

I would like to point out that the lower the total number in an edition the better. For example, if there are 20 artist proofs and 195 pieces in the regular edition, then these are low numbers for the total edition. If however, there are 20 A/P's and 195 in the US edition and 395 in the European edition and another 95 in a larger sized format, all of a sudden you no longer have a small edition size and have lost the value of the 'limited' in the limited edition.

So, if you are interested in the long-term value of your art, then do your research before you buy. If you don't care about the long-term value, and just love the work of art, buy it anyway.

Art Tip for Photographs

Looking for some pointers to make your photos last a long time?
Don’t leave your photos exposed to the air. If you are storing them in an album, avoid the self-stick magnetic pages and PVC plastic covers. Even better, display your photos in frames, under glass. Make sure you use UV glass and acid free mats. This cuts fading from sunlight and prevents the photo from sticking to the glass. Keep photos out of direct sunlight and humid rooms like bathrooms and basements. And always keep them away from the intense heat that’s found in attics, kitchens or above a heater.