What Is the Difference Between a Painting and a Print?

A piece of art can add beauty, style, and elegance to your home. Before you spend any money on paintings or art prints, it is essential to know what you are buying. Paintings by famous artists can command high prices, while prints can provide much of the aesthetic benefits of paintings at a fraction of the cost. 

You might ask, “What is the difference between a painting and a print, anyway?” If you are considering adding artwork to your home décor but aren’t sure where to start, the experts at Fine Art Publishing are glad to introduce you to the captivating world of fine art. We are premier dealers of exceptional landscape paintings, prints, and other high-quality art pieces.

What Is a Print?

So, what is the difference between a painting and a print? A print is a creation of modern printing technology. It lacks the brushwork of an artist’s original oil or watercolor painting, and the colors are printer ink rather than paint pigments.

Some types of prints have features that allow them to capture some of the feel and uniqueness of original paintings. For example, stretched canvas prints add texture to the print surface. Original, limited, and open edition prints set limits on the run for each print, allowing artists to strike a balance between making their art collective and accessible.  

Original prints are exceptions to the rule that prints have less value. Artists produce original prints from a woodblock, plate, or other surface called a matrix. Artists typically create a limited number of prints and then destroy the matrix.

Limited edition prints have a defined print run and often have a print number. The artist might sign each one individually. Open edition print runs have a large print run but might cease production after a few years.

Distinguishing a Print from a Painting

A clear difference between a print and a painting is the texture of the surface. Paintings typically have raised brushstrokes. The dots of ink on the print are flat.

You can also find signs of the artist’s work on original paintings. If the artist sketched the painting in pencil before painting it, some of the pencil work might still be visible, especially at the edges of the painting that the frame typically covers.

Find Affordable Fine Art for Your Home or Office with Fine Art Publishing

What is the difference between a painting and a print? Now that you know the answer, we look forward to introducing you to our artists, their paintings, and their prints.

At Fine Art Publishing, our authors’ collections of framed prints include landscapes, natural scenes, and portraits. Their dynamism, adept use of color, and keen eyes for natural wonder will fascinate your guests.

We appreciate the cultural and historical significance of fine art. Talk with us to know the influence of landscape paintings on the conservation movement by calling 520-274-4992, or shop our website to discover what we have to offer.