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All of our prints and canvases are hand signed and numbered unless otherwise noted.

You can simply select from the ARTIST LIST if you wish to see all images for a given artist - in alphabetical order. However, if you enter the artist's last name in the search box at the top left of any page, you will be given a complete written list of all titles under that artist's name. This will allow you to look for a title you can't quite recall. Use last name only - when last names are common to two or more artists you may then select the one you seek.

You can also search by subject by entering a single word in the search box. For example, the word "ELK" will give you quite a list. However, there may be still more that we failed to index properly. If you should spot a piece of art that can't be searched for by subject, please let us know. We will update immediately.

Multiple words (WHITE TAILED DEER for example) will not give you as good results as the single word "DEER" will achieve. Yes, you will have to sort out the mule deer. However, entering the word "MULE" should give you most of the mule deer without the whitetails.

Also, you can search by title in the same box. If you absolutely know the whole title exactly, go ahead and type it in - or a significant part of it. However, one or two words (if part of the actual title and if typed in the same order) are entered, you will usually produce a single result. If you get more than one result, you have the option of narrowing the selection down to one item. Be sure to spell your words accurately!

DEFINITIONS:

Limited edition prints and canvases are, generally speaking, reproductions of original paintings using a number of techniques. By limiting the number of prints or canvases made, the publisher hopes to create sufficient demand so that the edition sells out. When this occurs, the edition is said to be "sold out at publisher." Continued availability will often (but not always) be reflected in a higher price when the item is available in the "secondary market." We keep a list of over 50,000 items that other galleries would like to sell us at wholesale - if an item is marked sold out on our site, give us a call. It is probably on our list!

In our industry, an offset lithograph (offset litho) is the most common technique of printing an image on paper. Historically, the vast majority of prints by artists who have been around the longest are offset lithos. When one of the options shown on our site indicates an offset litho, we will also include an indication of how many were published. Usually, that is a fixed number.

As an example, "offset litho, 950 s/n" is the typical way of expressing the method of printing, followed by the quantity created. "s/n" means signed and numbered - each of the prints is hand signed by the artist and then numbered. You will usually see two signatures on a signed and numbered print or canvas. One will be a reproduction of the artist signature as shown in the original painting. The second is an original signature, hand written by the artist in pencil or pen. Sometimes, prints that were not signed by the artist prior to his/her death will be signed by a surviving spouse. This is sometimes referred to as "estate signed."

There is also a method of taking the image from a print and applying that image to canvas. This results in a presentation of a piece of art that is closer in appearence to an original oil or acrylic painting. This is called a "canvas transfer." Canvas transfers do cost more than a print but cost a fair amount LESS to frame as there is no glass, matting or backing involved. And they look better. The resultant savings helps to offset the higher cost of the canvas transfer itself. We would describe this listing as "canvas transfer, 250 s/n"

We'll mention "giclee printing" as our next technique for reproducing an original painting. It is a superior process, resulting in a finer image than that obtained by offset lithography. Giclee means "spray" in French and it is simply a means of spraying ink onto a medium such as paper or canvas. The process is very carefully controlled by computer and is the most costly of current printing methods. The word is pronounced "jheeclay."

An interesting option for publishers and artists is that giclee editions can be printed on demand. If the edition size has been set at 250 s/n, for example, the publisher need only print the giclee item when an order arrives from an art dealer. True, the publisher is likely to print five or six extra when the order arrives on his desk so that he can have some "on the shelf" for the next time - but he doesn't have to store an entire edition of 250 pieces which might take a number of months or years to "sell out." One disadvantage is that the artist may live some distance from the printer - and those prints or canvases have to be signed before they go out. And what if an artist should die before signing all or part of an edition?

Here's how a giclee will be shown on our site: "giclee canvas, 250 s/n".

Or: "giclee paper, 25 a/p"

So far, all the print options we've talked about have been signed and numbered editions (s/n). There are more variables to consider.

If you see "offset litho, 76 a/p", it refers to artist proof editions. They are also signed and numbered but, usually, in a smaller edition (often, 10% of the regular edition). Generally, in the modern print industry, a/p editions are no higher quality than the regular editions of the same item. One may sell out before the other, leaving no option should you wish to buy one of the prints in question at issue price. You may find that an artist proof is offered at a premium over the cost of a regular edition but that's not always the case. We often suggest purchase of the lower cost print or canvas and applying the savings towards the cost of framing.

You may see a designation that a print or canvas is "s/o". Now, that means "signed only". There is no limit to the NUMBER of reproductions - but the artist signed each one.

Similarly,"o/e" means "open edition". Usually, this will mean neither signed or numbered. Of course, the artist signature from the original painting shows up in the reproduction but there is no pencil or pen signature by the artist on the reproduction. At least in theory, these would have lower collector value than items with the actual original artist signature in place.

You may also see some more esoteric methods of reproduction listed such as "stone lithograph", "mylar lithograph", "etching" or "hand colored". Even this doesn't cover all the options. These latter techniques create editions with more than one print but each is usually referred to as an original, Generally, no real original preexists (to be reproduced). The original is carved into the stone or etched into the mylar or copper plate. Please call if you have questions about these methods.

We offer framing through a few of our publishers. If a photo of the frame is not online, we will be pleased to send a frame image along when available. There are no options - you get what they offer. Having your framing done locally gives you greater control over the final result.

However, duck stamp print frames are our speciality. We do such a good job that the Federal Duck Stamp Office used us for YEARS prior to our move from Maryland to Indiana in 2006.

We've tried to cover most options in a few paragraphs. Please call if there is any confusion over terms or definitions. Thank you for taking the time to read this far!

Prickly Pear Galleries
Austin, Texas 78759 USA
Phone: 512-970-8139
Please call or chat for current pricing between
10AM - 6PM Mon-Fri / 10AM - 4PM Sat / Closed Sunday

~ Established 2007 ~

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