Fine Art Prints

Eng Tay
Beloved - Etching, Edition 175

For many collectors, especially those new to the art market or who do not want to spend a lot of money access original art by purchasing prints. One cannot argue that much of its appeal is in the price tag.

Artists may use one or a combination of many processes, from lithography to collography. These procedures are complex and are constantly refined. Regardless, a fine-art print have these characteristics; originally created for prints, not copied from work in another medium, artist's hands-on involvement, are in limited editions and usually accompanied by written documentation. ~Although some hardcore collectors insist that "they're a rubbish waste of time"~
Regardless, it is a great entry point into the art market. And, No! -Reproductions do not count as fine art prints.

Two of the most common and distinct print formats are etchings and engravings. These intaglio (Italian for cut in) processes draw out ink from the indent of plates using damp sheets of paper. The process can be repeated typically for several hundred impressions. The difference between the two methods is how the plates are made.

Engraving
In engraving, lines in the plate are cut with special tools. The engraved plate is inked all over, then excess ink is wiped off the surface, leaving only ink in the engraved lines when transfered to paper. Antique engraved prints are popular antiques to collect. Most modern day artists prefer etching.

Etching
A metal plate (usually copper) is covered with wax and drawn on with an etching needle. This process is more like drawing than engraving. The exposed areas are then ‘etched’ into, by acid to hold ink for printing. Rembrandt with his 300 plates was one of the greatest of etchers. Notably famous Malaysian etcher:-Eng Tay.