Signed and Numbered Prints
The majority of a limited edition print run is designated to a series called ‘Signed & Numbered’. The Signed & Numbered print series contains the largest quantity of reproductions for that specific painting. While enough Signed & Numbered prints are typically produced to satisfy market demand, most artists (like Suchiu) aim to find the best balance between limited and available when determining the number of Signed & Numbered prints that should be produced. This ensures that collectors get a chance to own a print while still maintaining the rarity, collectability and high value of a print series that is limited edition.
Artist Proofs
During a print job, the artist and the person running the press will intermittently pull samples and set them aside for proofing. Traditionally, Press Proofs would be proofed by the press operator and Artist Proofs would be proofed by the artist.
Press Proofs
When an artist does a limited edition print series of an original painting, the first few prints that come off the press are called Press Proofs, or Printer’s Proofs. In this case, the ‘printer’ does not refer to the machine, but the person running the press. The first few samples that are printed off are put to the side as Press Proofs, having been proofed by the person running the press prior to the artist’s arrival. Usually, Press Proof prints only make up about 1% of the entire print job.
First Market
In the art industry, the ‘first market’ refers to when an artwork reaches the market for the very first time. The piece may be sold directly from the producer’s studio or from an art gallery. Once sold out, they are never reprinted.
Second Market
Because they are never reprinted (hence the term ‘limited’ edition) the second market contains only artworks that are being resold, usually by collectors. Second market art sales are often exchanged through art dealers or via art auctions.
Custom Remarque
All of Ronald Suchiu’s remarques are hand drawn, original watercolour paintings not mere pencil sketches. Ronald Suchiu takes the print you have ordered and personally paints a remarque onto it. This definitely adds to the collectable value of your artwork.