You're asking a lot of questions, each of which has many answers.
From a scientific or technical point of view, any image that is
impressed upon a substrate (such as paper) can be correctly called a "print".
This would include everything from newspapers through magazines, right up
to and including lithographs. Actually the modern use of the term "lithograph"
refers today mainly to photo-offset "process" lithorgaphy; which is the four (and
sometimes more) color printing process used to produce everything from these
newspapers, magazines and yes, also "artwork" prints.
Years ago, "lithography" was a process used to produce multiple copies of
an original work of art by actually working on the surface of a stone (greek: "lithos")
and is rarely seen today, where metal plates have replaced stone; and
color separations and film negatives have replaced the talents of the artists who worked
on the stone substrates.
To cut to the chase: it's doubtable that you would pursue having stone lithographs
made to reproduce prints of your original paintings. In today's technological
universe, it's almost unheard of; and the costs would be astronomically
prohibitive. To produce plates for printing photo-offset lithographs
of your paintings is also expensive; and is reserved for those artists who
are usually sponsored by large publishing companies, who produce the artists'
works in the thousands of copies each for sale to deaprtment store, interior design and
other wholesale markets. The process is relatively simple: The original work is
professionally photographed using large format cameras; color separationfilm negatives for
the basic CMYK (or more colors)--(cyan, magenta, yellow and black) are made; offset plates are
produced from these negatives and the plates are run on an offset press to make
the final prints.
Unless you have an arts publisher/sponsor who regularly does this and produces prints for wholesale markets)
this technique is probably outside your own realm of possibility; as the costs to produce the
first single print can easily run into thousands of dollars.
Beyond this; today's options include inkjet printing, which will enable you to produce
a small number of prints "on demand" on fine arts paper. For more information on inkjet printing; use
your search engine to search "inkjet" and/or "giclee"; where you'll find dozens of inkjet
printers/publishers; and where you'll find information on prices, what it will cost you,
etc. Also check out ; an organization that gives information on these things; and
research and read a lot more.
My company produces prints of original artwork on fine art papers but only of image size up to
10 x 14 inches; from only camera-ready high quality photographic prints. If you have a photograph of
your artwork you would like reproduced on fine arts apper, send me a photograph; and I'll send you a
reproduction -- free of charge.
With regards to Framing, etc. you should subscribe to trade publications such as "Decor" magazine and
get a copy of the "Art Print Index" to find out what's going on in thia business. Also see and
for more info. You can get almost any quantity of frames at at least 50% off what your framing shop charges; and wholesale
matbaords and supplies are available which will save you 50% - 75% off"retail." You can only get these discounts if you are
a "publisher" or "gallery" but there are ways around this.
The framing job that the walk in consumer pays $100 fro cost the shop
usually less that $25.
Feel free to e-mail me any question you may have.
Joe D.
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