Michael Irvine Studios News

Buyer Beware

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN
ADDING ART TO YOUR COLLECTION

Although most artist and their representatives are very up front about their craft and quality of reproductions, on occasion we hear a story from a client that is just baffling. Here are a few pointers to help you make an educated decision before making the investment.

First, don't be afraid to ask questions:

Is it done by hand or computer generated?
In other words, is it hand drawn and painted or is it 'digital art'. With today's technology and software at their disposal, some artists choose to use a computer to create their work. Some even go so far as to call it painting, others airbrushing, but make no mistake, there's no comparison to a hand drawn, hand painted or hand airbrushed work of art. For one, with a piece that is done by hand, there is always, always a one-and-only original painting that the reproductions are then made from. With digital art, there is no original. The second biggest difference, when something is painted (or airbrushed) by hand, using real paints, there is always some risk involved (even more so with the watercolor Michael chooses to paint with). Not so with a computer ... it can always be changed or fixed with the click of a mouse.
What medium does the artist use?
This goes hand in hand with the question above, but will give you a bit more insight as to the work that goes into the artist's craft. Generally speaking, opaque paints like oil, acrylic and gouache are a bit quicker to work with. Artists can alter or fix the work to some degree. Watercolor, on the other hand, is very high risk. There's really no going back once the paint loaded brush touches the watercolor board. Michael must make solid decisions before every brush stroke. That's why each of his pieces take anywhere from 500-900 hours to complete.
What type of a reproduction is it?
Is it a lithograph or giclée? Is the production limited? Or is it an open edition. If it's a limited print run, will there be a second printing, if the first one sells out? Do they keep track of print numbers to ensure there is no duplication? Remember, there can be only one print #1 or #428 or #440 (depending on which cars you like!)
What kind of paper or canvas
is the reproduction printed on?
Like everything else, there are varying qualities in both paper and canvas reproductions. The type of paper or canvas and whether it's acid free, make a huge difference in the quality and longevity of the production. For example, Michael's Limited Edition Prints and Artist Proofs with Remarque, are printed as offset lithographs on the best quality, acid free, archival paper available. It is bright white, 10pt, with a soft satin finish. Beware of cheaper sheets, like glossy poster-type paper and heavier stocks that are coated on one side. Ask to see a sample of the paper.
The same goes for the canvas material. Michael's Gallery Edition Canvases are produced on the heaviest, highest quality, 100% cotton, acid free canvas we can find.
What type of ink is used?
Again, this goes to the life/light longevity of the reproductions. Limited editions, whether paper or canvas, are printed using specialty inks, designed to outlast traditional printing inks. Remember, never hang art in direct sunlight ... no matter how good the paper, the ink, or the uv glass.
Is the artist passionate about
his or her subject matter?
Do they love what they're doing and the subjects they are painting, or is it just about making money. The answer is usually obvious in the time and care taken in everything from the layout of the piece to the fine details added by the artist. A work of art should have a flow — a path of color and lights and darks and details — that leads your eyes and draws you in.

And remember, although art can be a great investment, you should choose pieces to add to your collection, based on what you find aesthetically pleasing. The purpose of art, after all, is to beautify our world and bring us joy.

We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and the fall. May your holiday season be filled with both joy and peace. Thank you for your continued support. Take care.

Michael and Linda Irvine