We thought it might be advantageous to give our customers a list of commonly used art terms in the industry.
   
  Artist Proof
  Also known as A/P. Prints outside the edition that are equal in quality to the edition and signed as Artist Proof or A/P. They are traditionally the property of the artist and usually limited to 10% of the edition.
 
  Canvas Transfer
  A reproduction that has been removed from paper to canvas.
 
  Embossed Print
Also called blind embossing or inkless intaglio. A process using an intaglio press to raise an image on a paper surface, producing a three dimensional effect.
Giclee
A computer generated continuous tone reproduction made with an IRIS printer. It may also include handwork by the artist. (See below for explanation.)
Limited Edition Print
A print from a predetermined number of impressions made from a plate, after which no more impressions are to be taken. It is signed and numbered in pencil by the artist, and usually printed on high quality paper.
Mixed Media Digital Reproduction
A dot matrix reproduction with hand drawn touch colors. It sometimes has handwork by the artist.
  Mixed Media Print
  These prints can be either original or reproduction, such as serilith tm which uses both lithography and serigraphy and hand drawn separations that employ a four color process lithography with hand produced separations, or a chromalith replica tm, a continuous tone reproduction with hand drawn colors.
   
Monoprint
Sometimes used interchangeable with montoype, but it has a common image matrix linked differently each time.
  Offset Lithograph
Four color lithographic print from an offset press. Can be an open edition, limited edition or poster.
  Open Edition Print
  A print that does not have a limited press run. It is similar to a poster but without the type.
 
  Poster
  Four color lithographic reproduction of a painting, usually with type on or around the image to commemorate a show or event.
 
  Printer Proof
  Also called Bon A Tirer ( a French term used for printer's proof meaning "good to print"). Traditionally , this is the first good impression an artist approves for the master printer to use as the standard for the edition. Usually the property of the printer.
 
  Remarque
  A small drawing painting or sketch added to the border or image of a print. It increases the value of a print because only a certain number of prints are remarqued.
  .
  Serigraph
  A print produced through silk screen printing
 
  Serigraphy
  Also called silk screen printing. A process using fabric to support a stenciled image. Ink is forced through the mesh with a squeegee to create a print.
 
  What is a Giclee?
 

A Giclee, pronounced geeclay, is the most technologically advanced type of print available. It is the same type of technology used by museums to replicate originals that can no longer be displayed.

Giclee printing involves digitally scanning the original to produce a four color separation which can be modified by the artist. The digital result is then printed on an IRIS (Intense Resolution Imaging System) printer, using archival watercolor paper and archival watercolor inks. The paper is placed on a drum that spins at a speed of about 250 inches per second, inks are sprayed onto the surface from four nozzles at more than 1 million droplets of ink per second. Each droplet of ink is is the size of a human blood cell, giving the Giclee a higher resolution than a traditional lithograph and a wider color range than a serigraph.

A giclee needs to be cared for like an original watercolor. Under the worst possible conditions a Giclee will last 20-25 years; under the best conditions, the print has an indefinite life span.