But What Does It Mean?

Etchings and lithographs usually have a series of markings and numbers on them, but what exactly do these mean?
AP - this mark stands for "Artist's Proof", a few prints that the artist might make for his own collections or to finalize color choices and double-check registration marks.
Edition - the total number of prints made of an image. The print will usually be marked with two numbers separated with a slash, such as "12/35". The first number represents the print's place in the series, the second number represents the total number of prints in the edition.
Limited Edition - some artists produce only a certain number of prints and then destroy the plate used. Purchasing a piece from a limited edition is best.
Signed and numbered - an artist will sign each piece in pencil and attach an edition number. The print's number should not affect its quality although some people like to purchase pieces with low edition numbers.
State - while the artist is pulling proofs of a print, he may make alterations which change the plate. Each time a plate is changed, it is said to be in a "state."

Why Don't You Come Up and See My Etchings?

An etching begins when a zinc or copper plate is covered with an acid-resistant coating of wax. If the wax is hard, the artist gently scrtaches a drawing into the wax with steel needles, exposing the metal plate underneath. If the wax is soft, the artist first lays a piece of paper over the wax and then creates impressions in the wax with soft pressure on the paper.
When the drawing is completed, the metal plate is immersed in an acid bath. The areas covered by wax are protected but the scratched or pressed areas are eaten away by the acid, leaving behind incised lines. The wax is then removed from the plate, leaving a clean, smooth surface with a series of fine lines and designs throughout. Ink is applied to the plate and then wiped clean. Only the etched design contains ink at this point. Placed on the printing press face up, the plate is ready for printing. A dampened sheet of paper is applied to the plate, topped by a layer of felt blankets. The "sandwich" is then pressed and the ink is transferred to the paper. Each print requires a fresh inking of the plate although the drawing is only made once.

Pardon Our Dust

Our website www.art3gallery.com is in the process of being totally overhauled. Some pages have been updated but many have not, so please, pardon our dust. We're working as fast as we can to get all of the pages relinked during phase 1. Phase 2 will be a total color redo. So come back and visit us again soon and hopefully it will all be up and running (fingers crossed.)