Frequent Questions

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Why don’t you show the edition numbers on the images?

In most cases we have multiple images and don’t want to cause confusion as to what edition number you will receive. All our pieces are hand signed and numbered unless otherwise noted.

Is it true that the lower number the better?

It was true before the 1960’s, when stone lithographs were used to create the lithographs. The stone plate would wear down and hence the quality of lithograph significantly reduced. Due to advance technology in printing a lithograph is produced in the same quality from the 1st piece numbered to the last.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes, we do offer gift certificates. Please contact us at 561.333.9472 or mail@cjrfinearts.com for details.

What is a giclee?

From the French word meaning “spurt of ink”, a Giclee is a print created by using state of the art computer technology to reproduce images. This process reproduces the original into a limited edition.

What is a serigraph?

A Serigraph (sometimes called Silkscreen) is created using a printmaking process in which paint is pushed through a fine screen – usually made of silk or nylon — onto either canvas or fine art paper. A different screen is used for each color represented in the print.

A variation on this process is a Seri-cel. Used predominately in animation art, a Seri-cel is created by pushing paint through a screen onto a film surface-likely made of acetate or mylar. This process allows artists to strongly express themselves with the use of vibrant colors and definitions.

What is a lithograph?

Based on the principle that oil and water repel, a Lithograph is created when an artist produces an oil-based or pen image on a stone or piece of metal. This surface is then moistened and covered with an oil-based ink. The resulting chemical reaction between the oil and water drives away the ink on the surface – except where the drawing was first done. Fine quality paper is then placed against the surface and a lithographic press is used to create the print. Modern technology and processes have provided artists with many unique methods with which to create magnificent lithographs.

What is an aquatint?

The offset lithography process works by first transferring an image photographically to thin metal, paper, or plastic printing plates. Unlike other forms of printing, the image on the printing plate is not recessed or raised. Rollers apply oil-based ink and water to the plates. Since oil and water don’t mix, the oil-based ink won’t adhere to the non-image areas. Only the inked image portion is then transferred to a rubber blanket (cylinder) that then transfers the image onto the paper as it passes between it and another cylinder beneath the paper. The term offset refers to the fact that the image isn’t printed directly to the paper from the plates, but is offset or transferred to another surface that then makes contact with the paper.

What does S/N mean?

S/N means “Sign and Numbered”. This indicates that the work is a hand sign by the artist in a numbered limited edition.

What is an Artist’s Proof (AP)?

When a limited edition is created there will generally be approximately 10% additional run off as Artist’s Proofs. These prints are set aside for the artist and publisher. There is a perception that an AP is of more value because it is a smaller edition, realistically they are the same.

What is Hors de Commerce (HC)?

Hors de Commerce - These prints in addition to the regular edition but are the same as the edition and are used as gifts or payments to those involved in the production of the edition. They are marked “HC” and are usually numbered but not always.

What is a Printer’s Proof (PP)?

Printers Proofs are impressions exactly the like the edition and is the property of the printers responsible for pulling the edition. They are marked “PP”.