Here are some basic terms to help you browse through our art products.

Open Edition or Fine Art Poster
A reproduction, printed on paper with no restrictions as to the number of copies made.

Poster
Same as above with the exception a poster has graphics and text printed on it.

Limited Edition
One of a predetermined number of prints to be made from a plate which is then cancelled after the edition is sold out. Usually signed and numbered by the artist.

Original
The original piece of art that is considered to be unique and one of a kind. However, there are prints (lithographs and serigraphs) produced by original means that do not exist in another medium and are considered multiple original prints and not reproductions.

Lithograph
Printed from a stone, metal plate or other flat surface. A greasy substance is used to draw on the plate and where it only accepts ink. Paper is then laid on it and then pulled through the press. Different plates are used for different colors. A lithograph is considered to be a multiple original since the artist pulled or supervised the operation, Each print is signed and numbered by the artist as part of a limited edition.

Serigraph
Also known as a silkscreen. A design is made on silk mesh and ink is pushed through onto a high quality paper. Additional screens are used for each color. Also considered a multiple original.

Giclee
An image that is either created or scanned into a computer and printed on a special high speed ink jet printer with special inks that produce accurate true colors and quality that is often difficult to distinguish from the original. If the image is created in the computer it is considered an original and if it was scanned it is a reproduction.

Canvas Transfer
A technique in which the actual inks are removed from a print and applied to canvas. It can include brush strokes and aging to give you the look of original art at a mere fraction of the cost!

Substrate
The particular surface in which the art print is produced on. Examples include paper, canvas, wood, cloth, metal, etc.

Medium
The method(s) an artist uses to create their work. These can be photography, sculpture, canvas, acrylics, metal, cloth, glass, etc. and any combination which is called Mixed Media.

Artist’s Proof
The letters "A/P" are penciled in on the bottom of the print indicating proofs made outside the edition and are usually intended for the artist's own collection.

Engraving
a 19th century technique to reproduce original art and was mostly used to depict images in books. You can identify engravings by the cross hatching used for shading. Many of these images are now hand colored.

“HC”, hors commerce
A series of prints that are excluded from the market and reserved for the printer, publishers etc.

Acid Free
A ph rating of 7 or higher given to print paper, mat boards and mounting boards .Acid Free materials will prevent acid burns or the yellowish lines and discoloration over time. Recommended for limited editions and original art works and is priced higher than low ph materials.

Low ph
Low ph materials will safely preserve your art investment for over 30 years without any significant notice of discoloration and is priced much lower that acid free materials. Recommended for posters and low priced limited editions.

Dry mounting
Applying a mild adhesive to a foam board and vacuum pressing the print to the board. Giving you a flat and stable print to frame.

Standard Mounting and Framing
We dry mount the poster, open editions on low ph materials using regular matting, glass and featured designer frames. Lifespan 30 + years before signs of deterioration and is the least costly.

Conservation Mounting and Framing
We tape or hinge mount the limited editions and original art with acid free materials and use conservation glass along with our featured designer frames.

Canvas Framing
The canvas is stretched on a frame, treated and mounted in one of our designer frames without matting or glass. A linen liner is standard with all our canvas mounts. This liner provides a "break" between the art, frame and your walls.

Regular Glass
Standard high quality picture framing glass. Use with all open editions and posters.

Conservation Glass
Museum quality glass with UV protection. Used with all limited editions and originals.

UV Clear Glass
A premium glass to protect your art from harmful light.

Acrylic
A special art grade plastic in Regular and UV grades. Is lighter and protects as well as glass. This costs slightly more but safer around children and is being widely accepted. We mount all children's art with this glass.