Are you trying to decide whether to buy an original artwork or a print reproduction? While owning an original piece does provide unique benefits (nothing beats the original as they say), the methods used by quality printmakers to create reproductions (prints) are of such a high standard that it is often very hard to tell the difference between the original and a print. This means you can still enjoy the benefits of the artwork – the feelings and connection that it stimulates for you – at a fraction of the cost of the original.
If you prefer the look of a framed original, you can achieve a very similar look with a reproduction which is printed on canvas and then framed. Alternatively, you could choose a reproduction on paper which is also extremely high quality, but without the bulk of a stretched canvas. You can also have these framed to suit your space and the look you’re after. Prints can be ordered in a variety of sizes, meaning you have more flexibility to get the artwork you want in the size that suits your space.
Below are some of the key considerations in choosing between the original and a print:
Does the size of your space suit the size of the original artwork you love?
If not, you could buy a print of the artwork you love (on paper or canvas) in a size that better suits your space.
Do you prefer the presence of a thicker, framed original artwork or the more streamlined look of a print?
You can choose either an original (which comes framed) or print on canvas (then get it stretched and framed to look just like the original) for more presence. Alternatively, you can select a cotton rag paper or canvas print and have it mounted with a matte and a slimmer frame for a more subtle look.
How much are you willing to spend?
If you’re on a budget, prints are obviously a cheaper option – in the case of Madeleine McKinlay Art a paper- or canvas-only print generally costs less than a quarter of the cost of the original artwork (or even less for prints that are smaller than the original).
If you want to achieve the same look as an original, you can do this with a canvas print which is stretched and framed to look almost identical to the original artwork, potentially for less than half the cost of the original.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what you want the artwork to bring to your life. For many, art is a long term investment and something that can be enjoyed not only in your lifetime, but a gift that can be passed on to future generations. We think the most important reason to buy art is to make a positive impact on your life now – so whether that is achieved through an original piece or a print, it doesn’t really matter – buy what works for you now!
