Lena Rivera
With the advancement of visual arts technologies, it can be challenging to distinguish between a print and a painting. Original paintings are works painted by the artist, whereas prints are reproductions of artworks created through printmaking techniques. A key difference is the presence of textured brush strokes in paintings, which are absent in prints that usually have a flat surface with a dot matrix or repeating dot pattern. Examining the edges, lighting, and substrate can also help differentiate between the two. While prints offer aesthetic benefits at a lower cost, original paintings are often more valuable due to their uniqueness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Straight edges | Prints often have clean, straight edges created by the plate used in the printing process. Paintings, on the other hand, tend to have uneven or ragged edges that extend to the edges of the surface. |
| Surface texture | Giclée prints, a type of photographic transfer print, have a uniform canvas texture. They lack the swirls, skips, buildups, or brushstrokes found in paintings. |
| Dots or dot patterns | Prints may be composed of tiny coloured dots arranged in a repeating pattern, which can sometimes be seen with the naked eye or with a magnifying glass. |
| Substrate | Prints are often on paper, while paintings are typically on canvas. |
| Glass | Prints are often displayed behind glass, while paintings are usually not. |
| Value | Original paintings generally appraise for higher values than limited-edition prints. |
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What You'll Learn
Examine for stylistic patterns, signatures, and available colours
When examining a work of art, there are several factors to consider to determine whether it is a print or a painting. One should look for stylistic patterns, such as brushstroke patterns, as paintings often exhibit varied textures, visible brushstrokes, and an overall three-dimensional quality. Prints, on the other hand, tend to have a smooth, even texture with uniform and consistent lines and colours.
Signatures are another important aspect to examine. Paintings are typically signed in paint directly on the artwork itself, whereas prints are usually signed in pencil, often at the bottom margin. Lithographs, a specific type of print, are typically signed by the artist, whereas paintings are not always signed. In the case of prints, the signatures are reproduced on the canvas during the printing process, but artists may also sign prints when selling copies of their original paintings.
In addition to stylistic patterns and signatures, one should also consider the colours used in the artwork. Paintings often exhibit subtle colour shifts, gradients, and nuanced tonal variations, showcasing the artist's hand in mixing and applying the pigments. Prints, on the other hand, tend to have more consistent colour saturation throughout, with an absence of the subtle variations seen in paintings.
Examining the surface of the artwork is crucial. A magnifying glass can help reveal tiny coloured dots arranged in a repeating pattern, which is indicative of a print. Giclee works, however, may not show these dots as they are high-resolution reproductions. Turning the artwork over can also help analyse the material used and provide insights into the age of the piece.
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Look for a dot pattern
One of the ways to tell a print from a painting is to look for a dot pattern. In many cases, prints are made up of tiny coloured dots that are arranged in a repeating pattern throughout the image. These dots are often visible with a magnifying glass or microscope, but not with the naked eye.
Dot patterns are used to simulate a continuous tone image with solid ink. This is achieved by varying the density and size of the dots, which gives colour gradients. The human eye interprets these dots as smooth tones. This process is called halftoning, and it is commonly used for printing colour pictures. The most common type of dot is round, which is suitable for lighter images, especially skin tones. Elliptical dots are used for images with many objects, and square dots are used for detailed images.
However, it is important to note that not all prints will have visible dot patterns. For example, Giclée works are reproductions made from high-resolution photographs that are then painted upon by an artist, so they may not show a dot pattern. Inkjet prints also may not have a dot pattern, or it may be less visible.
Additionally, some paintings may also show a dot pattern, especially if they have been painted using the impasto technique, which involves building up thick layers of paint to create a three-dimensional effect.
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Check the substrate
One of the most important ways to tell a print from a painting is to check the substrate, or the material it is printed on. Paintings are often created on canvas, wood, or Dibond, while prints are usually done on paper substrates, such as poster or photographic paper, but they can also be done on art papers or other materials. Canvases are often mounted on wooden frames for display, whereas prints are typically displayed without a frame.
The substrate of a painting or print can also be examined from the backside. A painting may retain its original stretcher, which can be examined in relation to the canvas it supports. Certain materials, such as canvas, have a specific look and feel and may provide an idea of the painting's age.
The texture of the substrate can also offer clues as to whether it is a print or a painting. Prints tend to have a more flat and uniform appearance, while canvas looks more like a painting due to its texture and the way it wraps around the frame. With a painting, the surface will usually be heavier with visible brushstrokes and textures. Oil paintings, for example, can have a glossy or matte finish. Prints often have a smooth surface feel, whereas a painting is typically more matte or satin in texture.
Another way to examine the substrate is to use a magnifying glass to look closely at the surface. A print will often be made up of tiny coloured dots that are arranged in a repeating pattern throughout the image, whereas a painting will not have this same appearance.
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Feel the canvas texture
One of the most effective ways to distinguish a print from a painting is to examine the canvas texture by feeling it. This is because the creation process of prints and paintings results in distinct textural differences that can often be identified by touch.
Prints, particularly giclée prints, will typically have a uniform canvas texture. Giclée prints are made using a special large-scale inkjet printer, which transfers a digitized scan of fine art onto canvas. As a result, giclée prints lack the unique imperfections of an original painting, such as telltale swirls, skips, buildups, or individual brushstrokes. Instead, the canvas of a giclée print will feel consistently smooth, with no variations in texture.
In contrast, an original painting will often have a less uniform canvas texture. This is because artists typically apply paint with unique techniques and brushstrokes, resulting in a canvas that feels less consistent to the touch. Individual brushstrokes may be visible or felt, and the paint may be distributed in a way that allows you to feel the texture of the canvas cloth underneath.
Additionally, the edges of the canvas can provide clues about whether it is a print or a painting. Prints often have clean, straight edges created by the plate or block used in the printing process. In contrast, paintings may have uneven or ragged edges, as the paint may extend to the very edges of the canvas.
It is worth noting that some prints, such as stretched canvas prints, can have added texture that mimics the feel of original paintings. However, even with these prints, the texture is often applied uniformly and may not capture the unique variations of an original painting.
Therefore, feeling the canvas texture can be a valuable tool for distinguishing a print from a painting. By paying attention to the uniformity of the texture and the presence of individual brushstrokes or canvas cloth, you can gain insight into the authenticity of the artwork.
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Research the artwork
Researching the artwork in question is crucial when trying to determine whether it is a print or a painting. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Firstly, get familiar with the artist's work. This includes examining their entire body of work (oeuvre) for stylistic patterns, analyzing their signatures, and checking the colours they typically used or had access to. This can be easily done through a simple internet search. If anything appears unusual or inconsistent with the artist's known work, it may warrant a closer examination by an expert.
Next, pay close attention to the edges of the artwork. Prints often have clean, straight edges created by the plate or block used in the printing process. In contrast, paintings done directly on a surface tend to have uneven or ragged edges that extend to the edges of the canvas or paper.
Examine the artwork closely, preferably with a magnifying glass. Prints are often made up of tiny coloured dots arranged in a repeating pattern, which can be visible upon close inspection. However, this may not be the case with certain reproduction techniques like Giclée, which can simulate the texture of paint and make it harder to distinguish from an original painting.
Turn the artwork over and analyze the material it is created on. Paintings on canvas, for example, may retain their original stretcher, which can provide clues about the age and authenticity of the work. Different materials, such as canvas or paper, also have distinct looks and feels that can help identify the medium.
Lastly, utilize online resources to research the artwork's title (if known). Search engines can be powerful tools in uncovering information about the artwork, such as its current location or whether it exists as a print or reproduction. This can help verify the authenticity and medium of the artwork in question.
By following these steps and combining them with other techniques, you can enhance your ability to discern between prints and paintings, making informed decisions about your artwork.
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Frequently asked questions
One of the simplest ways to distinguish a print from a painting is to look for a clean, straight edge, often created by the plate used to make the print. Another simple way is to check the substrate: if there is no glass, it is likely oil or acrylic; if there is glass, it is likely a print or watercolour. If you look closely, you may also be able to see tiny coloured dots that are arranged in a repeating pattern throughout the painting, indicating that it is a print.
A giclée is a photographic transfer print, where digitised scans of fine art are transferred to canvas using a special large-scale inkjet printer. Giclées often closely resemble original paintings, so it can be difficult to tell them apart. One way to distinguish a giclée from a painting is to run your hand along the surface of the artwork – a giclée will have a completely uniform canvas texture, whereas a painting will have telltale swirls, skips, buildups, or brushstrokes.
Before buying a work of art, it is important to familiarise yourself with the artist's oeuvre, including their stylistic patterns, signatures, and the colours that were available when the painting was made. If anything seems unusual, the work may need to be examined by an expert. It is also a good idea to search for the artwork online – you may find that the original resides in a museum or gallery.
