When you want to buy limited edition art prints, the first step is to find out the artwork’s edition information to understand the artist’s market and the value of the painting. This is because prints produced by an artist are available in limited edition and are usually numbered and signed. Guillermo Trujillo, for example, produced several prints, though he is mostly known for his paintings. The prints make up a distinct category from the paintings and only a few may be available, hence a limited edition. Today, prints are resonating with the younger crowd as some have become collectors of such artwork. Here’s what you should know when collecting limited edition prints and the benefits of buying limited edition prints:

The Size of the Edition Doesn’t Change

Techniques used to reproduce the print enable artists to create a variety of pieces of the same work. While this artwork is not as unique as the artists, it’s still considered original artwork. Artists restrict the number of prints that can be produced in the edition to retain their value. Also, they destroy the materials used to create the prints to make it impossible for other artists to add to the edition.

Study the Artist and their Tradition

Studying the artist helps you to find out the period the artist created the artwork and any art movements they are associated with. Guillermo Trujillo, for example, is remembered for creating paintings that resonated with the existing political scene, local iconography, and blended them with Western European techniques.

Each Artwork in a Particular Edition is Identical

Each piece in a limited edition should have the same appearance. As such, if a piece is significantly different from the others, it shouldn’t be included in the rest of the edition. When collecting, look for a distinct number, usually published alongside the total edition size, e.g. 5/30 or 3/7. Many collectors assume that editions are numbered in the order they were printed. It’s not true. Artists assign random numbers to the prints when signing and dating them.

Note that when fine art galleries are selling limited edition artwork for the first time, they sell them in a numbered order. However, if the demand for the edition is high, the gallery may increase the price of the remaining pieces. As such, a print with numbers 30/30 may be more expensive than the one numbered 1/30.

Accessible to the Larger Public

Prints make a better investment than other types of artwork, hence more accessible to the larger public. This means the artist can increase their diffusion and visibility. Whether the artist, in this case, Guillermo Trujillo used lithography, serigraphy, or etching, the fine prints retain the same quality when reproduced. Prints have made a big comeback over the last decade both on the international art scene and local galleries like coral gables gallery walk.

A Wide Variety of Options

If you want to buy limited edition art prints, can choose from lithographs, serigraphs, engravings, etchings, or woodcuts. The techniques used in printmaking result in a variety of finishes and textures, thereby adding to the diversity of the art print. Research shows 53% of art collections in the world have over 500 artworks. That’s why some collectors focus on collecting a specific kind of print while others explore a range of mediums to add diversity to their private collections.

Value Increases Over Time

When you want to buy limited edition art prints, you should note that the value of limited edition prints increases over time just as the original artwork, hence a worthy investment for collectors. Prints in a limited edition often get sold out causing the price of the remaining prints to increase. Also, if selling prints of a reputable artist, say, Guillermo Trujillo, the prices may hike over time. Leading auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s focus entirely on selling prints with the highest priced print selling at $1.98 million.

Limited edition prints are just as valuable as the original artwork. Their value increases over time, they are more accessible, and they are available in a variety of options. Whether you want to buy limited edition art prints or collect the pieces, ensure they’re identical, have the same size, and study the artist.