FAQ

How long does it take you to paint a painting?
It depends on the complexity of the image, the research necessary, the size of the canvas and how much time I can devote to the painting. For example, a 16" x 20" could take three to six weeks; whereas a 24" x 30" or larger image could take anywhere from one to six months or more to complete. A very detailed image, such as a portrait, could take up to six months even on a smaller canvas size.

How many paintings or drawings do you create yearly?
There are many factors, some professional, some personal. I put so much into my images that each one really takes on a life of its own. I can't really predict when it will be done or how many images I can produce in a given year. It varies. Size and subject are certainly key factors. But, there's also research, travel, time off, and of course those unexpected life events.

What's a medium?
A medium is the category of material in which the artist uses to create the artwork. For example, it could be oil, watercolor, pen & ink, pastel, acrylic, colored pencil, charcoal, graphite, etc. There are many types of materials to use to create art. Some artists use a mix of these.

What constitutes an Original?
An Original is a completed unique piece of art created by the artist of a specific composition. It's painted only by the artist. No other assistance is used. Any reproductions (limited editions, open editions, posters, etc.) will be created from the completed original image.

Who owns the copyright to an Original?
The artist always retains the copyright to the original image, unless there is a contract or separate written agreement assigning it to the buyer. It is unusual for an artist to assign the copyright to a third party.

What is a Limited Edition?
A Limited Edition is what the name implies, a high-quality reproduction of the Original that's limited to a finite quantity of registered numbers. Once the numbers are sold, it cannot be reproduced in that process, form, and size again. The quantity of the edition is decided upon by the artist and the publisher. Accurate records of the numbers of the edition are kept so duplicate numbers cannot be sold and thereby dilute the investment value of the Limited Edition. A Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each Limited Edition image. Each Limited Edition print is hand signed by the artist and includes the edition number/edition size (signed and numbered).

How are Limited Editions selected at Michael Malta Studio?
Limited edition prints are selected from specific original artwork and are based on size. Not all artwork is selected to be printed as Limited Edition prints. Once an image is selected, a specific size and paper are chosen. The selected size and paper of the image will only be available as a Limited Edition print. Other sizes and papers could still be available as Open Editions.

What is a Certificate of Authenticity?
A Certificate of Authenticity is a document that certifies the image or art object was produced from the Original. It defines the number produced in the edition and specifies the actual number you own. For example, if the edition comprises 350 pieces total and you purchased edition number one, the certificate would read 1/350. It would also specify the type (such as Artist Proof or Signed & Numbered) and information about the reproduction process used. It provides the value at the time of purchase. This is useful for insurance purposes so that replacement value of a destroyed item can be determined. It should also be evaluated every couple of years by the publisher. A replacement or updated Certificate of Authenticity for insurance updates or a new owner who has acquired the image can be purchased from Michael Malta Studio for $15.00 USD.

What is an Artist's Proof Limited Edition?
An Artist's Proof is a very limited portion of limited edition prints. A very small number of prints are created and provided to the artist for approval prior to the Limited Edition run. Adjustments are done until the reproduction is finally approved. These special prints become Artist’s Proofs. The artist personally signs and numbers the image as “A/P”. Artist's proofs are generally considered a status symbol in the world of art collecting. And their resale value is proportionally higher than the numbered editions.

What is a Signed & Numbered Limited Edition?
Limited Edition prints that are visibly signed and numbered by the artist.

What is an Open Edition?
An Open Edition is a reproduction of an original image that is not limited in quantity. It is always of a different size or medium than any limited edition that may have been produced from the Original. They are neither signed nor numbered. The artist may choose to sign an Open Edition print.

What does Giclée mean?
Giclée (pronounced zhee-clay) is a term created by print-maker Jack Duganne in 1991 to refer to digitally-reproduced fine art prints. Giclée is based on the French verb “gicler” which means to squirt or spray a liquid. Reproductions created via a state-of-the-art digital printing process. The high-resolution image is highly stable and can be reproduced on canvas, paper, metal, or other materials.

Fine art giclée prints have become the print method of choice for professional photographers, artists, publishers of fine art, and museums who demand high quality fine art reproductions.  Prominent art museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Guggenheim, Smithsonian Institute, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have hosted exhibitions featuring fine art giclée prints.

What is Gatorfoam board?
Gatorfoam is a lightweight, rigid display board with a polystyrene core and white surface. The core is very dense and firm and the surface is a wood fiber veneer laminate impregnated with resin for water resistance.

What is Foam Core board?
Foamcore or Foam board is a lightweight, and easily cut material used for the mounting of photographic prints, as backing in picture framing, in 3D design, and in painting. A wood frame is affixed to the back of the foam core to reinforce and prevent warping or bending.

What is meant by embellished prints?
Embellishing refers to painting over areas of the image by hand to enhance color and/or to add brush strokes to the finished work.  Embellishing techniques are as unique as the artists themselves - some use oil paints or acrylics while others use clear gesso, some have a great deal of texture while others apply a thin layer of paint.

In either case, the canvas has more texture and dimension when it is embellished and looks more like an original. An embellished print can be considered one-of-a-kind.

Since embellished canvases involve greater involvement on the part of the artist than an unembellished one, art lovers can get a step closer to an original. Embellished editions are usually produced as limited editions. More work is involved by the artist and these editions usually cost more than regular printed limited editions.

Embellished artwork from Michael Malta Studio are signed and numbered by the artist and includes a certificate of authenticity.