What are "Fine Art Prints" and how do they differ from originals and poster?

When most people think of prints, the first image that comes to mind is a poster with a gloss finish that looks like a photograph of the original. While these were great for decorating the sterile environment of a dormitory room, they lack a certain appeal for the more discerning eye. Since not all art work is readily available or affordable, the solution is choosing a fine art print.

The process begins with a high resolution scan of the original at 360 dpi or higher to ensure accurate color and sharp, detailed results, capturing brush strokes and all the nuances of the original. State-of-the-art printers produce images with impeccable clarity and continuous tone blends. Advanced archival ultra chrome inks provide rich blacks and vibrant colors that will last a lifetime.

All images are printed on acid-free Hahnemuhle German etching paper which has a subtle texture and soft white tone and is a heavier paper, giving the final print a substantial feel. Another choice of papers is Hahnemuhle Bamboo which is made from the renewable fibers of bamboo. This paper has a smoother texture and a natural off-white color. Both papers capture the ink to perfection. Drying time is allowed, after which each print is coated with Premiere Art Print Shield for added protection and enhanced lifespan.

The end result is a print which is almost indistinguishable from the original and a piece you will be proud to own and display.

Hope Gallery Exhibit Opening in Bristol, RI

A great shot of the Direct, Anita Trezvant and myself at the opening of the exhibit, People, Places and Things this last Saturday at Hope Gallery in Bristol, CT. The exhibit runs through May 21, 2010

Current exhibits where I am showing

April was the month for gallery and museum exhibits for me! With pieces spread out over 5 different locations and two states, it was hectic to say the least.

April 22th was the opening reception of the Mystic Arts Center in Mystic, CT for their exhibit entitled "Long and Lean". All entries had to be twice the length or width as they were wide or tall. The competition was extremely tough with some amazingly creative and beautiful works of art in a variety of mediums. My piece "Blue Bayou", a work in wire and mesh surrounding a panel of acrylic with ceramic gesso, received an honorable mention for which I was extremely pleased and honored.

April 24th was the evening of three opening receptions beginning with Hope Gallery in Bristol, RI. This was an interesting juried exhibit based on the theme of "People, Places, and Things". The judge for the exhibit chose a very different piece for the first place. Reaction from the majority of viewers was not over-whelming supportive of her decision, but perhaps that reflects what art should do, get people talking. I was again honored with an honorable mention for my watercolor and gouache entitled, "Bisazza"

From there it was on to Reel Gallery in Newport, RI. This is a new gallery undertaking by Leah Skelly and for a new gallery owner, she astounded with a great collection of artists and works. The event was very well attended and a percentage of all sales goes to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This was a non-juried show and I have multiple watercolors and prints displayed and available for purchase there.

The evening ended with a trip to New London, CT for the Hygienic Galleries exhibit opening of the juried show, "Crossing the Bridge". This show was heavily focused on works in op, pop and modern art pieces, reflected in the judges selection for awards. The more traditional artists works of realism definitely were over shadowed and out of place in the exhibit. The event was very well attended and it is a really beautiful gallery space.

Also from April 12 through July 6th, the Bristol Art Museum in Bristol, RI has a juried exhibit based on the element "Air" in which I have three pieces displayed. My piece "After the Morning Rain", a work in acrylic and silver leaf, with a wire and mesh sculpture mounted on it, received one of two awards for the show out of over 200 entries. The display is featured in the Roger's Free Library across from Linden Place in Bristol.

If you are out and about, please check out any or all of the exhibits, there are some astonishing works of art out there for your enjoyment!