A Question More Buyers Are Asking
Walk into any home decor store, and you will find walls lined with prints. Browse most artists' websites, and you will likely see original paintings and printed versions of the same work sitting side by side. If you have ever wondered what the actual difference is, or which option makes more sense to buy, this article covers everything you need to know.
What Makes Each One Different
At its most basic, an original artwork is a one-of-a-kind piece created entirely by the artist's hand. No two originals are the same, and the physical object, including its texture, brushstrokes, and layers, exists as a single item in the world. Buying original art or fine art prints involves a genuine choice, and understanding the difference between them is the most useful place to start.
The Giclee Process
Fine art prints are reproductions of an original, produced to a high standard using professional printing methods. The most common process today is called giclee, from a French word meaning to spray. Using archival-quality inks on fine art paper or canvas, giclee prints can capture remarkable detail and colour accuracy, making them very difficult to distinguish from the original at a glance.
Longevity is one area where quality prints genuinely hold their own. Archival inks used in professional fine art printing are designed to resist fading for well over a century. That said, the physical texture of paint on canvas and the tactile quality of a hand-painted original are things no print can fully replicate. For some buyers, that physical distinction is the whole point.
Value Over Time
When it comes to long-term value, originals and prints differ more clearly. Original works tend to appreciate over time, particularly as an artist's reputation grows. Fine art prints, especially open editions, are generally not considered investment-grade purchases in the same way. Limited edition prints, signed and numbered in a finite run, occupy a middle ground and can hold their value more reliably.
For most buyers, the decision comes down to something less financial. Research consistently shows that the vast majority of art buyers are motivated primarily by emotional connection rather than investment. The knowledge that no one else in the world owns the exact same piece, and that the artist's hand touched every inch of the canvas, adds something to an original that a print cannot duplicate.
Budget Is A Legitimate Factor
Budget plays a genuine role, and there is no shame in acknowledging it. Originals are almost always more expensive, sometimes significantly so. Prints allow a much wider range of buyers to own work by artists they genuinely admire. Filling every room with original art is a serious investment, and a thoughtful mix of originals in key spaces with quality prints elsewhere is a reasonable approach.
It is worth paying attention to how a print is produced. Framing and materials both matter. A gallery-quality print, properly framed behind UV-protective glass and kept away from direct sunlight, can look impressive for many years. Buying from artists who use archival materials and are transparent about their process gives you a clearer sense of what you are actually getting.
Finding The Right Fit
Neither option is objectively better. An original brings something irreplaceable into a space, while a quality print brings the same image at a fraction of the cost and can still look striking. Artists who work with both original paintings and fine art prints make their work accessible at different price points. The right choice simply comes down to what matters most to you.
High Style Fine Art & Design
+1 403 505 2217
70 Ranchers Close
Lacombe
Alberta
T4L 0K1
Canada
