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Prints, Serigraphs or Etchings?
One of the most frequently asked questions pertains to the difference
between the various graphics we offer. Simply stated, it may be best to say
that each process results in a fine art print. But like trees, a pine is
different from a maple is different from an elm, so, serigraphs, prints,
posters and etchings are different from each other. All are images printed on
paper and now, even on canvas, yet how the particular print is made, makes the
difference in its final appearance.
Serigraphs
Serigraphs, you might say are “built”. Each color is individually laid
down; one at a time, on the paper or canvas just as was done when the original
was painted. This may require 80, 90, 100 or more colors to complete, each
individually squeezed through a silk screen template onto the waiting paper.
The result is an entirely hand made graphic image that has many of the
qualities of an original painting.
A Word About Serigraphs
I have been offering serigraphs for several years now, during which time
collectors have come to appreciate the rich colors and painterly qualities this
form offers. Serigraphs are made individually, by hand, using a silk screen
process (no printing press is used). This method involves layering color upon
color, (usually between 60 to 90 individual colors) using precise yet delicate
accuracy to capture all the color and detail my work contains. Throughout the
printing process the colors are carefully matched and blended to form graphic
images which are extraordinary in their craftsmanship and beauty. Serigraph
printing is not inexpensive and consequently we must charge more for them.
Please note however, that the edition sizes are small. I am confident that you
will be as pleased with serigraphs as I am.
Canvas Editions
Some serigraphs are also available as limited canvas editions as well as paper
editions.
Each is a small, strictly limited edition, separate and distinct from the paper
edition. Each image is a hand pulled serigraph, silk screened directly on to a
fine artist canvas. These are not canvas transfers. Each image is shipped in
its own custom box, has been pre-stretched and mounted on stretcher bars and is
ready for custom framing. Every image has been personally signed, numbered and
titled by Will Moses. The canvas edition closely resembles the original art,
not only in appearance but also in form. These images are truly remarkable and
as with everything in this catalog, your satisfaction is assured.
Prints
The making of what we describe as “prints” involves the use of considerably more
machinery. Our printer strives to meet a high standard, using a very fine
screen designed for fine art reproduction. The process begins with the original
painting being electronically scanned and the resulting image being proofed,
corrected and transferred to printing plates, which in turn deliver the
appropriate ink to the right spot to reproduce the image on a printing press.
Essentially our posters are made using the same method as our prints the
exception being the paper is a different variety, it is in poster format and
the edition is usually open or unlimited.
Etchings
Etching is one of the oldest, most basic, and yet intricate art printing
processes. In its simplest form the artist uses a metal plate coated with a
tar-like varnish into which the artist engraves the design he or she is trying
to achieve. This process begins with the simplest and boldest lines being
"scratched" through the varnish and "drawn" into the plate. This is followed up
by bathing the plate in nitric acid and burning the metal away with the acid.
This basic etching process is repeated a number of times, each time varying
slightly, naturally depending on the image that is being attempted. During this
ongoing process some areas will be blocked out to prevent further etching, and
other areas will be targeted for more intense etching. The plate will be
burnished, finished and refined so that in the end the surface has an
appearance that is somewhat reminiscent of a coin face. Once the plate is
completed, printing can commence. The paper is dampened in order to be flexible
enough to contour to the highs and lows of the plate, it is then placed on the
inked, etched plate and rolled through a press marrying the ink to the paper
and leaving the newly created image behind.
Etchings are made by using a steel plate that has been “etched” to the
mirror image of the original image. Using scribes, acids and blocking methods,
the steel plate is slowly shaped to an appearance much like that of a coin.
When complete, the plate is inked and impressed into a sheet of very soft paper
leaving the desired impression forever imprinted. The result is usually limited
in color range, however, I often times will paint in colors individually on
each etching, if I feel it is needed. Usually, etchings are done in very small
editions.
Artist's Proofs
In addition to the regular stated edition size number, each serigraph,
lithograph and etching edition has a separate artist's proof edition. The size
of this edition is always 10% of the regular edition. (10% of an edition of 450
for example would result in an A.P. edition of 45).
Artist's proofs are a long standing tradition in printmaking. Originally this
was how artists derived part of their compensation for their art, as the
primary edition was owned and sold by the publisher. From a print collector's
view, A.P.'s are highly desirable as they are considered to be directly from
the artist's personal collection. We usually have some of these artist's proofs
available in limited quantities. There is no difference in the quality between
the A.P.'s and the regular edition. Each artist's proof is designated
specifically as an artist's proof and has been personally signed, numbered and
titled by Will Moses. Those artist's proofs available for sale cost 20% more
than the prices posted for the regular edition.
Collectors
Collectors often ask which printing technique is better or which image they
should buy. My answer is the same today as it was 25 years ago. Buy the
one YOU like. You are the person who will live with it and the one who will
hopefully enjoy it. Don’t buy art as an investment. Do buy it because it is
meaningful to you, because it is good for your soul and it makes you happy. I
think you will find that all of my editions are fairly small in size and if
collecting is important to you they are potentially highly collectable by
virtue of their scarcity.
In the end, knowing more about how a graphic art print is made probably does
not help much in making the final choice of which one to buy. I always
recommend that people buy whichever one makes them the happiest. It is unlikely
you will ever derive as much pleasure from the printing process as you will
from the art itself.
Whether you choose print, serigraph, etching or poster, we want you to enjoy
your selections. We have been working very hard here at Mt. Nebo to insure that
you, the art buyer, are always satisfied!
Size
The size indicated for each image is the printed area only and does not include
the border space at the edges.
Edition Size
All graphics are done in specified edition sizes. Posters are open editions.
Lithographs, prints, serigraphs and etchings are done in small, specified,
one-time limited editions.
* Very limited quantity available - This designation before a title signifies
that we have approximately 1/3 or less of the edition available in inventory at
the time of this printing.
The Mt. Nebo Gallery Guarantee
We guarantee satisfaction. If you are not satisfied, neither are we. If you
receive something that disappoints you in any way, please return it for
exchange or refund within 45 days of purchase.
Color On Our Web Site or In Our Printed Catalog
While we are very proud of our web site and catalog quality, please be
aware that the colors displayed can be only representational of the art. The
catalog is commercially printed, naturally slight variations may occur and
therefore, may not always accurately reflect the high quality of the graphics.
The graphics used on our Web site need to be highly compressed to allow
downloading and display in your computer's browser, and although we take care
to photograph or scan our images carefully, variations in color are inevitable.
The Philosophy Behind This Art
To deliver high quality, distinctive folk art to collectors at fari prices,
using the best materials and processes appropriate to the art* Keep edition
sizes small, unique and collectable* A minimall use of high toned sales
language* Offer personalized service to all our collectors and Dealers*
If there are ever any questions or problems, please let us know, and we will
do our best to help you.
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