Art
When you’re shopping for art it can start to feel a little overwhelming as you decide between purchasing an original or a print. Everybody seems to have an opinion on what’s best, but ultimately the choice is yours.
At Art Lovers Australia, we believe you should always go with your heart and choose an artwork you truly connect with, no matter if it’s an original, or a limited edition print. Here’s a little more information to help you decide.
As the name suggests, original artwork is created by an artist, by hand. It’s always unique and one-of-a-kind. Original art is more expensive than prints or reproductions.
A print is a reproduction of an original artwork. Normally, a high-quality scan or photo is taken of the artwork then it is reproduced on another medium such as paper or canvas. Generally there are two types of prints, limited edition and open edition.
Indolence by WENDY WOODEN | Ltd. Edition Print of 100
If a print is limited edition, there will only be a certain number of reproductions available, whereas open edition prints aren’t limited and can be copied over and again.
Not sure if you want to buy an original or a print? Here’s a breakdown of why you’d buy both.
It’s an investment: Beautiful artwork is purchased for more than its aesthetic value. Many people purchase art as an investment, so purchasing an original piece is essential. Buying an original means no one else will have the exact same piece of art, thus increasing the chance of its value increasing.
Magnolia Les Graffitis #3 by REK | 121 x 101cm, Mixed media on stretched canvas
You love that it’s one-of-a-kind: For some people, buying a print just isn’t an option, you must have the original. When you buy a piece of art you become a part of the artwork’s history and you’ll never see it in a gallery or hanging on the wall at a friend’s house.
Chewton I by MICHAEL WOLFE | 120 x 120cm, Acrylic on stretched canvas
You see the difference: While prints have come a long way in the last few years, you’ll notice differences between an original and a print. The colours, paper, textures and brushwork will differ.
It’s within your budget: Have you found an artwork you love, but it’s not within your budget? Prints are more affordable than originals, therefore a good choice if you love the original artwork, but just can’t afford it.
Weaver of Darkness by SANGEETA MAHAJAN | Fine Art Photography, Ltd. Edition of 15
You may not feel that it’s justified spending extra money on an original artwork if you’re purchasing it for a rental property, or hanging it in a space that’s hardly used. A print will give you close to the same look, without the more expensive price tag.
Ian Fleming’s Mar-Tinny by STEVE MUNRO | Ltd. Edition Print of 15
It’s the wrong size: Have you found an artwork you love, but it’s the wrong size for your space! Often, prints can be custom-made to a certain size, so you can still get the artwork you love, in a size that fits your space.
Colourful Umbrellas by CLAIRE MCCALL | Ltd. Edition Print of 100
At Art Lovers Australia we have original artwork from more than 1,000 best selling local artists. With more than 40,000 original pieces and prints for sale, you can find the perfect piece for your space.
Whether you buy art online, or from our Gold Coast or Melbourne galleries, you can be sure you’re supporting Australian artists with every purchase you make, whether it’s an original or a print.
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