The Terms and Definitions discussed in this section serve to educate visitors on common art phrases and terminology. Hopefully, this information will also provide you with a base of knowledge and appreciation of art styles, techniques and mediums used to create the mixed variety of compositions on this and other art web sites.

Abstract Artwork - an art composition created using non-representational symbolism. The work is open to interpretation and imagination. The symbols and imagery may not bear any associations to reality.

Figurative Artwork - an art composition including recognizable figures, symbols or themes that will have a general if not direct relation with some aspect of reality.

Giclee Print - The term”giclee print" connotes an elevation in printmaking technology. Images are generated from high resolution digital scans and printed with archival quality inks onto various substrates including canvas, fine art, and photo-base paper. The giclee printing process provides better color accuracy than other means of reproduction.

Hand-Pulled Prints – art created with lithographic, silk-screen, etching techniques.

Mixed media - art composition created using a variety of media (mixed). A painting (for example) can include a mix of acrylic and watercolor paints combined with cloth (or burlap), paper and oil pastel.

Limited Edition - art reproductions and original prints made available only in limited numbers. Traditional printing plate surfaces undergo extreme pressure necessary to achieve high quality impressions as they are hand-pulled through a manual press. The rapid surface wear places limits on the number of quality prints that can be produced. The prints are typically signed and numbered in sequence as they are pulled from the press by the artist or Master Printmaker.

Open Edition – art reproductions made available in unlimited quantities.

Original Painting - a one-of-a-kind art composition created totally by hand using paint mediums such as acrylic, watercolor, oil, pastel and mixed media representing a variety of themes and subject matter.

Original Print - a unique art composition created totally by hand onto one of a variety of printing surfaces, including metal plates, wood and linoleum block, stone or screen mesh.

Traditional Printmaking - prints made with traditional printmaking materials and manual press equipment. In its purest form, the image is typically created directly on the printing surface without the aid of existing artwork, photography or digital equipment. Traditional printmaking involves quite a bit of physical labor. In addition, traditional printing plate surfaces undergo extreme pressure necessary to achieve high quality impressions as they are hand-pulled through a manual press. Under these conditions surface wear occurs rapidly and only a few quality prints can be produced.