Welcome to my store
Thank you for visiting my store. I have a selections of fine art originals and quality reproductions, framed and unframed prints, available for purchase. The categories of the store are available in the top navigation and below. On this page I have tried to provide some helpful advice and things to consider when purchasing artwork. You may also at anytime complete the contact form to ask me a question. In addition if you are interested in commissioning a work of art or portrait please use the contact form so we can set up a consultation.
Buying originals vs. buying reproductions
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Buying original artwork - Original artwork is a one-of-a-kind. It is directly from the artists hand and reveals the artist vision and expression. Subtleties of color, texture and technique can be observed in detail. Even if reproductions are available, owning the artist's original means no one else has this direct connection with the work. Originals have the highest value (and price) at present and posses the greatest opportunity for that to increase over time. Lastly buying original art supports artists and the arts community inspiring more original creativity and craft.
Plusses: Unique, one of a kind piece, Intimate view of the artists work, Color and technique are much more apparent, Direct connection to the artist, Greatest potential for appreciation. Downside: The cost of the original work is much more than a reproduction. |
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Buying reproductions/prints of artwork - When buying reproductions of artwork it is important to consider what techniques and materials are involved in how the reproduction is made. There is an incredible range in quality from what are essentially color photocopies to those printing using museum-quality processes. Prints will inevitably shift from the original somewhat so it is important that the artist who created the work has evaluated the process and tested the end product. The papers and inks used should be archival, stable so the reproductions will not yellow or fade over time. Many times in creating reproductions to standard paper and frame sizes the original work will need to be cropped. When considering reproductions be certain to look at the actual cropping of the original work. The printing techniques and resolution must maintain the quality of the original rendering.
Plusses: Lower cost, Potential for exploring multiple works and multiple artists, More options in available sizes, Options for purchase framed and matted Downside: Cropping of the original artwork, Reproduction techniques matter, Lower opportunity for appreciation of investment |
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Buying reproductions:
Should I buy already framed or just buy the prints?
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When buying reproductions you have the choice of purchasing a print you would need to frame or an already framed print. This is a very personal choice and there is no right or wrong way to do this. Here is what I think are things you consider as you make your selection.
Buying a print alone: The main benefit of a print is that you can choose how you wish to frame it. Yes this means you will have additional costs but you can choose standard frames or a custom frame, displaying the artwork as you wish to. You can choose the color and style of frame that matches your taste and sense of the work.
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A framed print: The already framed prints are convenient and I have done my best to display the artwork within the standard openings, to showcase the work. Take care to notice the size of the frame and the size of the artwork once in the frame. As noted, reproductions will crop away some of the original art. There will always be a bit of additional compromise when fitting works to standard frames. Some of the work will be trimmed away or hidden behind the mat. So it is a trade off. In addition for safety during shipping typically the traditional glass in the frame will be replaced with acrylite, an acrylic pane. While it will protect the prints framed behind it, this material can be easily scratched so use care when handling and cleaning.
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Things to consider when framing your artwork
Framing artwork is a very important step in being able to display and enjoy where you live. I personally have found this a tricky and often stressful process. I have a few suggestion below that I have found helpful and hope that you do as well:
Frame the artwork not the room: Many times there is a struggle as to what style or color of a frame and matt. The artwork looks like one thing but the room or wall where it will be displayed is another. To ensure the art is displayed well the art has to be the primary consideration when choosing a frame and mat. The art might in the future be displayed on other walls in other rooms and should always display to its best advantage. Frankly room style and colors will change over time, as well. Choose the framing approach that best displays the art and you will never go wrong.
Tip: I tend to lean toward choosing frames in classic, neutral colors (black, gray, white, etc.) with thin profiles to minimize the frame, highlight the artwork and avoid style choices that may not age well.
Frame the artwork not the room: Many times there is a struggle as to what style or color of a frame and matt. The artwork looks like one thing but the room or wall where it will be displayed is another. To ensure the art is displayed well the art has to be the primary consideration when choosing a frame and mat. The art might in the future be displayed on other walls in other rooms and should always display to its best advantage. Frankly room style and colors will change over time, as well. Choose the framing approach that best displays the art and you will never go wrong.
Tip: I tend to lean toward choosing frames in classic, neutral colors (black, gray, white, etc.) with thin profiles to minimize the frame, highlight the artwork and avoid style choices that may not age well.
The framing should complement not compete with the artwork: With so many options available to us today it is easy to make well-intentioned choices that, instead of bringing focus to the artwork, actually distracts or competes with it. Colorful compound mats and bold framing materials have their place and can wonderfully accent the works they contain. If your tastes tend toward bolder choices like this, I am suggesting that as you look should consider a range of treatments, with a framing professional, with the artwork. Look at it and judge for yourself if these selections enhance what about the artwork attracted you in the first place, or does it distract. In the end, the art and its presentation are about your experience of it.
Materials are important in preserving the artwork: Whether framing a print or and original work the materials that you choose will determine how well the creation is preserved. That is why I suggest framing with archival, acid-free materials and methods that protect the art. Anything coming in contact with the work should be stable so as to not discolor or damage the artwork. Museum quality glass will block out the UV light which can bleach and damage art. Obvioussly it is more important for original works to protect and preserve. But even high-quality prints like I sell here, if you want to enjoy these for years to come, you should consider framing methods to ensure the reproduction is protected.
