FAQ
The Original Watercolor Painting is the backbone of Brookside Studio. Robin uses Windsor Newton watercolor paints on 140 lb. handmade paper from France. To give each painting unity she uses only three colors, cadmium red, cadmium yellow and prussian blue. She then mixes these colors individually and lets them blend together. This makes the subtle colors of each Original truly breathtaking. Because of the personal connection Robin has with each of her paintings, many people consider the purchase of an original to be an investment.
What is the difference between a Limited Edition Print and a Reproduction?
Limited Edition Prints are copies of an original watercolor painting. Robin works closely with the printer as he uses a four color offset lithograph process to make each edition (an edition is a group of copies made at one time). What makes a limited edition print special is the fact that the edition has been limited to a certain number of prints. After the edition of prints has been made the plate used to make the edition is destroyed. Each print is then signed by Robin and numbered at the bottom of the print image. The bottom number is the number of prints in the edition. The top number refers to the order in which that print was made. People who collect limited edition prints often search for the lowest top number they can find. Accompanying each print is a certificate of authenticity certifying that it is a limited edition print from Brookside Studio.
Reproductions come in various sizes and are made using laser technology rather than lithography. They are not as expensive to make as a limited edition print so the cost is greatly reduced. Reproductions are often called open run because there is no limit to the number that can be made of an image. Open run reproductions are perfect for gift giving or for someone who just loves the picture and wants to take one home.
What is the difference between mats and frames?
When framing a watercolor painting, print or reproduction there are three components that need to be considered. The first is the backing board. When we frame a piece of art at Brookside Studio this backing board is a piece of acid free foam core.
The next component is the matting. Mats are simply pieces of cardboard (mat board) with a window cut out matching the size of the painting. Mats are placed over the painting and often attached to the backing board. These come in various colors and texture and should be used as a means to enhance the artwork. At Brookside we choose to double mat all artwork. This means we use two pieces of mat board, usually different colors.
The frame can be either wood or metal depending on your taste. Try to have the artwork, mats and frame near each other while making your choices. Sometimes a fantastic looking frame doesn't look so fantastic if the mats clash with its color. All components should complement each other.
What is conservation glass and is it worth the extra couple dollars it costs?
Glass should always be used on a watercolor painting, print or reproduction. It not only protects the art from dust, insects and flying debris from your nine year old son's science fair project, it also protects it from the suns damaging rays. Always use conservation glass when framing artwork. This type of glass blocks around 99% of the suns UV rays and can be found at any frame shop. It only cost a couple extra dollars and it will protect your art from fading for years and years.
What's the big deal about "acid free"?
One of the best ways to understand the damaging effects of acid in paper is to look at a newspaper printed today and one saved for ten years or more. The ten year old paper is brittle and yellow, even if it was stored undisturbed in the bottom of Aunt Ethel's doily drawer. The paper turned yellow because of the acid used in the production of it.
At Brookside Studio we use acid free materials. All backing boards, mats, papers, inks and adhesives are carefully chosen because of their acid free rating.
If I buy a piece of art from Brookside Studio will you mat and frame it for me?
It would be our pleasure to help you through this process. Either stop by the Studio or give us a call to describe what you need and we'll make sure that your artwork is carefully framed using conservation glass and acid free materials.
What is a shadowbox reproduction?
We give cousin Bob credit for this neat little matting technique. To make a long explanation short -- the outer half-inch of the image lays on the mat while the rest of the image is dropped back about one half inch. Shadowboxing gives the reproduction a lot of depth and has become one of our customers' favorites.
CALL Brookside Studio at:
(716) 257-9790
(716) 257-9790
All images © 1999, 2000, 2001 Robin Zefers Clark. All rights reserved.
No image may be duplicated or used for any reason without express written consent.
For more information, contact Robin Zefers Clark.
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No image may be duplicated or used for any reason without express written consent.
For more information, contact Robin Zefers Clark.
Site hosted by afmu.