Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Original painting ?
First of all, an Original painting is hand-painted. It is the original creation of the artist.
There are two types :
One type is that a specific painting is done only once, therefore it will not be created again. It is unique.
The other type is when the artist creates-paints the same painting more than once. Keep in mind that as many times as the artist paints the same painting, it will never be the same with any previous ones. It cannot be the same. There will be the same theme, same concept, same colors, but not the same painting.
When I create something new, I always specify if it is a Unique Original, or simply an Original.
What is a Print ?
A print is a copy of the artist's Original creation.
Copies are created with the help of printers (machines).
They are also created by hand. There are different ways of creating a print-copy by hand, such as Lithographs, transfers etc. Nonetheless, they are prints-copies, and not Originals.
Prints are done on paper, canvas, wood, metal, glass, fabric etc.
What is a Giclee Print ?
A Giclee Print is the highest quality print. Museum quality.
Whereas any print-copy can be done using your personal printer, the Giclee must meet certain standards and specifications.
These standards and specifications require specific surfaces (canvas, fine art paper...archival, acid free, UV resistant), specific printers, specific type of ink (ink jet)
Another requirement of the Giclee print is that it must be the same size as the Original or smaller.
The prints I create are only Giclee. I use two of the top printers, by Epson.
What is the difference between Open Edition and Limited Edition prints ?
Open Edition prints mean that an X number of prints in various sizes will be created. There is no limit.
Limited Edition is exactly what it says. A limited number of giclee prints will be produced. Also, these limited prints will have the same size. In addition they will be numbered, and hand-signed by the artist.
The average of limited edition prints are 100 pieces. Some artists go up to 200, or less than 100.
I prefer between 50 and 100 pieces.
Keep in mind, that a specific size will contain its own number of limited prints.
What is a Lithograph ?
A Lithograph, is a type of printing. It started in 1796, primarily using a stone or a metal with smooth surfaces. The idea is to transfer the image (art work) onto another surface by pressure.
Since then this method has evolved, and new modern "pressure" machines are being used in the process.
I use a printed image (of my art work) and then I transfer it onto a canvas surface. I only use my hands and a heavy rubber roller. My lithographs come in a few sizes, rather small 12 X 24 inches the biggest.
The value of a Lithograph is based that the work has been done by the artist.
I always sign on the back of a Lithograph when ordered online.
Regarding the making of my Lithographs - by hand - each one is slightly different.
Can I order a custom Print size ?
The print sizes I offer, are the most popular and requested sizes. Another factor of choosing these specific sizes is that the proportions of the original art work must be kept.
So, the answer here is No. However, you could request a size, and I will let you know if possible or not.
Can I commission a painting ?
I do not take commissions. A commission work means someone else's imagination to be realized on canvas. I cannot do that and I won't do that.
However, there are times, when the commissioned work, the other person's imagination is based on my work and style. Then, I may consider.
You could send me pics or ideas of what you want to do and I will let you know if possible
What materials are used for prints ?
All my prints - Open Edition or Limited Edition - are Giclee.
This means that I use such materials needed to meet the standards and specifications to be included in the category of the Giclee.
I use two printers made by Epson. The process is ink jet (pigmented inks).
Epson is the highest quality printer in the world.
My canvas is 65% cotton and 35% polyester. You can not have 100% cotton canvas for printing. It is a thick canvas, with a sheen shine (luster) that make the colors vibrant.
The paper is always photo paper, with smooth surfaces and different shines such as metallic, sheen, glossy depending on the theme of the print.
Are the paintings and prints framed ?
Let's start with the paintings.
They are painted on 100% cotton canvas. The canvas is stretched and wrapped around a wood frame. The wood frame has a depth of 3/4 or 1.5 (inches), depending on the size of the painting. The sides are also painted, and are ready to hang. This type of framing is called "Gallery style". The Gallery style framing is exactly what galleries and museums of modern art use when paintings are displayed.
It is up to you to use an extra frame. Just keep in mind that even using an extra frame, the canvas still has to be stretched and wrapped around a wood frame
When paintings are too big, and to avoid expensive shipping costs - and only upon customer's request, we ship those paintings not stretched, but rolled inside a carton mailing tube.
Framed prints..
My Lithographs are always framed, Gallery style...ready to hang.
All other prints, canvas and paper usually are not offered framed.
Sometimes they are. When offered, I always specify if they are framed or not
Is there more inormation regarding ordering ?
Yes. Please click "here"
I explain everything related to ordering, such as delivery time, payments, etc....
If you do have any questions, that are not explained, please do not hesitate to ask me