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ArtFAQs | ||
| (Frequently Asked Questions) | ||
| Do the Words "High Iron Illustrations" appear in the Design Area of Lithographs? | |
| No, the words "High Iron Illustrations" are used only in the internet versions of the web graphics as a copyright protection device. | |
| Why are Limited Edition Lithographs signed in Pencil and not Ink? | |
| Limited edition lithographs are signed and numbered with a graphite pencil to guarantee authenticity of the signature. Signatures signed in ink can be reproduced on an offset printing press, or with an ink stamp, while graphite pencil signatures cannot be reproduced. In some rare cases, the lithograph print can be signed in ink, but the general practice is to sign with a dark, soft lead, graphite pencil. I personally use a 4B or 6B pencil. | |
What is the Difference between Edition Types and Proofs? | |
High Iron Illustrations uses seven terms to differentiate the types of lithographic editions and proofs produced. The definitions below should help to understand what these terms mean. The types of lithographic editions and proofs produced for each work may vary. | |
| EDITIONS | |
| Open Edition (OE) | Un-numbered lithographs signed by the artist, printed in an unlimited quantity. |
| Limited Edition (LE) | Numbered lithographs signed by the artist and printed in a limited quantity, not reprinted. |
| Master Edition (ME) | Numbered lithographs signed by the artist and printed in a limited quantity, not reprinted. |
| (Master Edition prints are hand detailed by the artist) | |
| Veteran Edition (VE) | Numbered lithographs signed by the artist, restricted to specific veterans, not reprinted. |
| (Veteran Edition prints are not produced for sale) | |
| PROOFS | |
| Artist Proof (AP) | Numbered lithographs signed by the artist and distributed to the artist, not reprinted. |
| Gallery Proof (GP) | Numbered lithographs signed by the artist, restricted to printers and galleries, not reprinted. |
| (Gallery Proofs are not produced for sale) | |
| Presidential Proof (PP) | Numbered lithographs signed by the artist, restricted to diplomats/museums, not reprinted. |
| (Presidential Proofs are produced on canvas, hand detailed by the artist and are not for sale) | |
| What are Limited Edition Prints? | |
| Limited edition lithograph prints are individually signed and numbered by the artist, with the quantity determined before the prints are produced. When the print run is complete, the artist inspects each print, numbers and signs it, with his signature as the artist’s personal statement that the lithograph print is an authentic reproduction of the original painting. Once the final print in the edition is sold, the print is designated as “sold out” and will never be reproduced again in lithograph print form, no matter how great the demand. The lithograph printing plates are destroyed, thus assuring the collector’s investment. | |
| What are Artist Proofs? | |
| Artist’s Proofs are additional prints not included in, but of the same quality as, the regular limited edition. In the early days of printing, Artist’s Proofs were the first prints pulled off the plate or stone, which was drawn or etched on by the artist to create the image on the print. As more prints were pulled off the plate, the plate wore down, thus the Artist’s Proofs were the sharpest and had the best colors of the entire print run. With today’s modern printing technology, the lithograph prints in the production run are nearly identical. Artist’s Proofs usually number 10% of the limited edition size, with the normal range being 50 to 75 prints. Because of their low number, Artist’s Proofs are slightly more expensive than the regular limited edition. When the limited edition lithograph prints have sold out and are available only through a secondary market, the Artist’s Proofs should go up in value at a higher percentage rate than the limited edition prints. Normally, Artist’s Proofs sell out well before the limited edition, and can increase in value before the limited edition is sold out. Artist’s Proofs are signed A.P., A/P, or Artist’s Proof. They may or may not be numbered. | |
| What are Secondary Market Prints? | |
| Once a limited edition lithograph print is designated as “sold out”, the publisher, dealers, or collectors may sell one of their prints on the secondary market to a collector who desires to own the print. Thus, the secondary market is the resale of a print by a collector after the print is designated as sold out. Secondary market prints generally sell at prices above the original retail price and increase with demand on the market. | |
| What is a Remarque? | |
| A remarque is an original sketch, either in pencil, paint or ink, done by the artist on the border of the lithograph print. The remarque is usually an item that deals with the subject matter in the print, or follows the theme of the print. Only a few remarques are done on a small number of prints in the edition, which greatly increased the value of the print, thus this service performed by the artist commands a higher price. | |
| What type of Paper is used for Lithographic Prints? | |
| Limited edition lithographs are printed on acid free, archival paper, as well as paper that is Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) paper. This museum quality paper is prepared ECF and acid free at the mill in order to preserve the art from damage that would occur if acids were present in the paper. The aviation art prints produced by High Iron Illustrations are also printed on 100-pound matte cover stock, which refers to the thickness and texture of the paper. | |
How do I mount a Lithograph? | |
Limited edition lithograph prints should never be trimmed, glued, or dry mounted; to do so will destroy the collector value of the print. Do not expose your print, framed or unframed, to direct sunlight, intensive artificial or ultraviolet light, and moisture. If a print remains unframed for an extended period of time, it should be stored flat and well protected. Always have your prints framed by a professional framer, using acid free, conservation materials. | |
Should I use Glass or Plastic in my Frame? | |
There are three types of glass that can be used when framing your lithograph print. There is standard glass, non-reflective glass and glass treated for protecting your print from Ultraviolet light (UV). Ensure the framing of your lithograph is done using acid free products, many plastics are not acid free. Acid free archival paper is used for the print, but exposure to non-acid free materials can damage the print over time. We recommend you have a professional frame shop discuss the glass options that best fit your framing needs. | |
Does Sunlight affect my new Lithograph? | |
Sunlight may affect your lithograph. Never expose your lithograph to direct sunlight or severe artificial light sources. Fading of the printing inks and discoloration of the matt may result. | |
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