What is an Artist Proof? How is it different from a regular print?
The answer lies in the canvas! Traditional fine art reproductions are generated from high resolution scans from the artists original artwork, and are then printed with archival ink onto canvas. These prints are signed and numbered for distribution. This process is considered giclee print making, and provides better color accuracy than any other means of reproduction on canvas.
In the classic sense, artist proofs were “working proofs” which would be excluded in the limited edition releases because of slight discrepancies that occurred in the print making process. With new technology advancements in print making, these discrepancies have been eliminated, but the demand for more exclusive A/P prints was born.
In the age of modern art, these artist proofs now refer to an exclusive run of giclee’s that are identical to the limited edition prints but whose artwork is accented by the artists themselves. All artist proof canvases bear the A/P designation and are hand numbered & signed by the artist. These prints are highly sought after and highly collectible because of their limited edition size. Some artists’ A/P programs include hand highlighting the canvas to add texture to a normally “flat” print on canvas; and may also include a certificate of authenticity, hand pulled and signed by the artist themselves (as pictured below).
So would you rather have a Giclee or Artist Proof? You decide!