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When you're starting out as an independent artist or purchasing an art print for the first time, the definition of a "fine art print" can be a little confusing.
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And here is my personal experience.
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Printing your paintings or drawings with a sales objective requires an initial thought about the type of paper you are looking for: because yes, you cannot use the first paper that comes across on the shelf of a supermarket. Achieving a quality print requires precise paper made for this use.
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My first prints were made at a printer. I had presented myself with my drawings, and with the request for a textured and thick paper in order to be able to highlight the traditional aspect of my illustrations. I did not yet know the so-called "fine art" or "fine art" paper.
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The printer had offered me the Rives traditionnelle white 320g paper, which I then used for about a year. This paper offered a textured image and sparkling colors, like the original illustrations.
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This step then became too risky (paper shortage, no control over the print result) and too costly (stock accumulation, failed prints, poor cutting, etc.)
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Then I decided to invest in a printer dedicated to this type of printing. This has several advantages: I only depend on myself and I can manage my stocks on demand.
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At that time I also bought some specialized paper for art prints: Fine Art paper: Hahnemühle German Etching 310g
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on the left, a print on Rives Traditionnelles Blanches 320g, on the right, a print on Hahnemühle German Etching 310g paper.
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The rendering of the illustration is more fluid and less "hatched". The Fine Art paper is also softer to the touch! The quality of the print has clearly changed.
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The use of Fine Art paper allows a more precise rendering of colors, details... Hence the notion of art print. It is an elaborate paper, to highlight its creations! But also which allows them to live longer in time, with an alteration which is minimized.
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And since the vast majority of my paintings are done in the "traditional" way, that is to say with paint, it is important to me to be able to represent my work in the most authentic way possible.
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Fine Art paper allows me to offer a rendering close to the original paintings.
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on the left, the original painting, on the right, the print.