Prints vs Originals
Purchasing an art work for your home or lifestyle can be at times a little confusing or even overwhelming. In my opinion the most important aspect of purchasing any artwork is that you like, or even better, love the piece. I often feel that art we choose speaks to our soul in some way. Perhaps you choose the art because it depicts something that evokes memories from your childhood, or the colours remind you of some special time or feeling.
Choosing whether to purchase an original work or a print can also be part of the selection process. An original is a work of art that was created by the artist, by hand. It's a one-of-a-kind, and the value is dictated by the market and body of work of the artist as a whole.
A print is a high-quality image reproduction of an original artwork, that is then printed onto a new material like paper or canvas. Prints can be offered as both Limited Edition and Open Edition prints. Limited Edition Prints are those where only a certain number of them are made, and as they sell, the value of the next number in the edition increases. Once the last print sells, there are no more. These prints are numbered and individually signed by the artist. Open Edition prints can be printed indefinitely. This means that the price is often lower than an original artwork or a limited edition print.
This then begs the question - why do you buy an original or a print. Several factors come into play in this decision . Budget may dictate your choice as original works are always more expensive than prints. However when choosing an original you can not alter the size of the work, as opposed to purchasing a print which often allows you to select the exact size you want to suit your home or decor, and often you can choose whether the work is printed on paper or onto a stretched canvas. Original artwork is an excellent option both aesthetically and from an investment perspective, as it usually has qualities like a painted texture, for example, and value that a print won't. At the same time, though, prints provide a more budget-friendly option for art lovers, and a sometimes more consistent revenue stream for artists, so they can continue to create!
To further complicate the issue , some artists sell embellished prints. Embellished prints are printed reproductions of an artwork, on which the artist has then painted over the top, usually in paint, ink or metal leaf. Very often, artists will embellish using metallic paint so that the piece achieves a true metallic shine and they don't have to rely on an image to capture the sheen. Once a print is embellished, some even consider it to be an original artwork because it has been altered by hand, by the artist. For this reason, we note that it is embellished in the product description, as it may hold slightly more value depending on the materials used and artist's body of work. This also means that no two embellished prints will be totally alike. The artist will embellish similarly to the first, but there will always be slight variation, making your print completely unique, while still listing at a lower price point than an original.
Another question I often receive from contacts is where and how should I purchase artwork. The answer in short is that there are endless ways to source and buy works. You may have a favourite gallery or exhibition space or you may prefer to buy online. There are a number of great online gallery options supporting artists by showcasing their works and assisting with postage and handling. Two sites I use in Australia are Bluethumb and Art Lovers Australia. If you are concerned about buying online , often these sites have a hover image function whereby you can insert the art work visually into your preferred wall space at home. This is a great tool to let you see how the piece will sit in your home. Most sites also offer a 7 day period where you can basically change your mind and return the work for a refund. The other great thing about these sites is that you can search for works based on colour, theme, style and a host of other specifics. For example if you are searching for a work for a beach apartment you can search under blue or beach or water etc and the site will pull up a host of options. You can also follow your favourites and receive notifications when they list new works.
Otherwise there is a growing trend to sell through social media sites, and no one has perfected the art of the online sale more effectively than cj hendry. One of my favorite artists, from Australia, and working and living in New York City, CJ is known world wide for her incredible exhibitions. When she sells online her entire collection can sometimes sell in a matter of minutes!!
Most artists also have their own website and I think this can be a wonderful way to purchase art as you can establish a personal connection with the artist and continue to follow their career over the years.
In summary, whether you purchase a print or an original art work is not nearly as important as the fact that you purchase something you adore . Art work can change a space in a way no other form of decor or design can. I believe in the rule - pick what you like. Selecting artwork for your home is a choice of the heart. Art is a place for expression through colour, content and texture. Find artists you like and connect with them via social media or other means. Curating a collection of art for your home can not only be a profitable undertaking, but can be a wonderfully engaging and enjoyable journey.
