World Wide Art Glossary.

abstract art:

Any art in which the depiction of real objects has been subordinated or discarded in favor of patterns, lines and color.

acid-free:

A vague term, referring to a material with a pH of 7 or higher. Sometimes used incorrectly as a synonym for alkaline or buffered material. Some acidic materials are chemically neutralized with the addition of alkaline products; other materials are processed to remove the acid-producing elements. (Acid-free materials may become acidic over time due to residual chlorine from bleaching, aluminum sulfate from sizing or atmospheric pollutants.)

acid-free foam board:

A board made of foamed plastic (polystyrene) material sandwiched between coated paper from which the acids have been removed or have been chemically neutralized to raise the pH level above 7 (alkaline).

acrylagraph:

Acrylagraphs are created with the same printing process as offset lithographs. First, paper is coated several times with a formulation of acrylics and UV protectant measuring thousandths of an inch in thickness. At the appropriate time, once the acrylics and inks have integrated, the coated paper is put into a bath of chemicals and water. The inks then lift from the paper, and the image is carefully applied to a pre-stretched canvas. Once the image is cured, it is given a final coating of acrylic and UV protectant.

acrylic paint:

Artists’ colors made by polymerizing a methyl methacrylate by emulsification, thus dispersing the resin into tiny particles in water. This fluid is used for a base in compounding polymer colors. Acrylic colors are water soluble when wet, but dry to an insoluble film. Colors are bright, dry quickly and are flexible.

acrylic painting:

An artwork executed with acrylic paint.

animation cel:

A clear plastic sheet onto which a drawing is copied, either by hand-inking or by a xerographic copier process. Colored paints are applied to the reverse side. One or more cels may be placed over a painted background, which serves as a setting for the action. In animated movies and cartoons, twenty-four cels are required for each second of screen time. Cel is an abbreviation for Celluloid (trademark).

archival:

Broadly used to describe materials that have the least harmful effects on the art being framed or stored and thus preserving such pieces for the longest period of time.

artist proof:

This series of limited edition prints are signed and typically numbered "Artist Proof" or "AP." Artist proofs originally were the first copies printed and were used to indicate the artist's approval of color reproduction and other mechanical aspects of the printing process. Historically prized as the best-quality reproductions, artist proofs now exist solely as part of the print-making tradition and are of the same quality as the standard limited edition prints. Also, artist proofs are usually restricted to less than ten percent of the signed and numbered limited edition; and are the property of the artist rather than the property of the publisher. Only a portion of the AP edition is available to the public; the rest of the edition is reserved for the artist, the artists family and special collectors.

availability:

Gives current availability of an item.

• Good: This item is currently available.
• Low: This item has limited availability.
• Very Low: This item has very limited availability. There may only be 1 left.
• Call: This item may be currently unavailable. Call World Wide Art at 1-800-518-8453 for possible price and availablity.
• In-Stock: Item is available for immediate shipment.
• Ships Today!: If this item is ordered before 3PM Pacific Time it will ship out the same day, otherwise it will ship out on the next day.

bas-relief:

A sculptural relief technique in which the projection of the forms is relatively shallow.

bevel:

Cutting or shaping the edge or end of a material to form an angle that is not a right angle, such as the bevel cut on the window edge of a mat.

canvas:

Reproductions can be produced on canvas (a fabric material). Art that is on canvas is typically displayed using a liner and frame and does not require matting or glazing (glass or plexiglass) as with paper art. Canvas reproductions are closer to the look of an original painting because of the canvas texture and the absence of a glass or plexiglass covering.

Canvas editions usually have the same overall size and image size. When canvas editions are framed (including a liner) the overall framed size is about 8 inches larger than the image size.

canvas transfer:

A process which lifts the image on a print off the paper support so that it can be transferred to a canvas mount.

cert:

(Certificate of Authentication) States if an edition comes with a certificate or not. Typically limited editions (numbered art) comes with a certificate (YES). Open editions (art without numbering, posters) do not have a certificate (n/a).

chop mark:

A small embossed seal or impression on a print, generally indicating the printer or artist.

cibachrome:

A color photograph based on the silver dye-bleach system. The necessary colors (azo dyes) are built into the emulsion layers. These colors are bleached out where not needed during developing. Azo dyes produce more brilliant colors and have greater stability and resistance to light than any other current process. Ilford has renamed its process Ilfochrome.

clear glass:

Glass made with a smooth or polished surface on both sides. It is not etched, coated or laminated.

complementary colors:

Colors which are directly opposite each other on the color wheel, e.g., red and green, blue and orange.

composition:

The arrangement of elements, shapes and colors in a work of art.

conservation (preservation):

In framing, it is the careful maintenance and protection of works of art. In conservation (preservation) framing, using materials and procedures that will have no adverse effects on a piece of artwork and will protect the artwork from external damage.

conservation glass:

A framing glass used to protect the art from UV (ultraviolet light) damage. It has a special coating on the inside of the glass to resist fading.

copyright:

Exclusive rights to reproduce, sell and distribute a work, prepare derivative works and display the work publicly.

deckle edge:

The feathery edge of a sheet of handmade paper, caused by the deckle or frame which confines the pulp to the mold. Also present on some machine-made papers, caused by the rubber deckle straps at the sides of the paper machine.

diptych:

1) A set of two prints making one complete image.

2) An ancient writing tablet consisting of two pieces of wood or ivory hinged together, with the inner sides waxed for writing on with a stylus.

edition:

The total number of copies printed from the same plates or blocks and published about the same time.

embellish(ing):

To beautify by ornamentation.

emboss(ing):

An embellishment raised in relief from the surface.

fabric mat:

A mat which has been covered with fabric.

fade(ing):

To lose or cause to lose brightness or brilliance or definition of line, form and color.

fillet (wood):

A small molding with profile that may be used as an edging on a mat or frame lip. Profiles may differ somewhat. May also be called a slip.

float mat (spaced):

A window mat raised or elevated off the underneath surface by spacers.

float(ing):

A means of securing artwork to a rigid support so all edges are visible.

frame:

That decorative or functional element which surrounds an item, providing protection and display functions. Typically made of wood or metal, a frame generally provides the architectural support element for a work of art.

frame design:

1) The characteristic appearance of a frame, identified with a historical period or as being that of a particular frame maker.

2) The process whereby the appearance of a frame is planned, designed and executed.

3) The process whereby framing components are selected for a particular artwork.

giclee:

Giclee is French meaning "to spray on" and pronounced, 'zhee-clay.'

The giclee process produces a highly saturated and dynamic color range that is an exact color representation of an original work of art. Many times it is produced on the same watercolor paper or canvas as the original. Placed side by side it may take the artist to distinguish the original from the giclee. The giclee is an affordable option to buying original works of art.

glaze(ing):

1) A protective interface between the environment and the work of art including glass and acrylic sheets.

2) In oil painting, a thin layer of a transparent coating applied to the dried painting.

3) In ceramics, a thin coating applied to a piece before it is put in the kiln. It functions as a means to waterproof the object, change its color or generally alter its appearance.

4) On frame molding, a thin coat of color applied over a base finish to change its appearance.

gouache:

1) An opaque watercolor paint.

2) A painting done with such a medium,

hand-pulled print:

A print that has been manually lifted from the printing plate.

hors de commerce:

Similar to an artist’s proof. Impressions pulled outside of the regular edition for the use by the publishers.

image:

1) The dimensions (in inches) of the actual image of the artwork. Most paper editions have a white border around the image. Canvas editions usually are the same overall size and image size. When paper editions are framed with matting the overall framed size is about 10 inches larger than the image size. When canvas editions are framed with liners the overall framed size is about 8 inches larger than the image size.

2) The printed or colored portion of a print.

3) A physical likeness or representation of a person, animal or thing; photographed, painted, sculpted or otherwise made visible.

Japanese paper (Japon):

Handmade paper with a web of strong naturally formed fibers; ideal for hinging purposes. The best are made with 100 percent kozo or gampi fibers, which have not been bleached or chemically processed.

key master set-up:

The Key master set-up is a very rare piece of animation art. It contains the original cels and corresponding original backgrounds both actually used under the animation camera in the production of an animated feature or short. Because the background is used for multiple scenes; it is actually rarer, and more sought after, than the original production cels. These art cels are only available to select Disney Preferred Galleries like World Wide Art.

leafed:

A frame or object that has had gold, silver or metal leaf applied to it.

lift mat:

To raise or elevate the window mat off the artwork by means of spacers made of mat board or foam board strips attached to the mounting board or the underside of the mat and not visible.

limited edition:

The issue of something collectible, such as prints, limited to a certain quantity of numbered copies. The first number indicates the number of the piece; the second number indicates the total quantity of the edition, e.g., 135/250.

liner:

1) A frame molding used within the outer molding. May be covered with fabric, often velvet or linen. Many liners are made from fully finished frame stock, including gold or silver. Sometimes called an insert. If over 2 1/2 inches wide, called a panel.

2) Inner mats and fillets are also called liners.

lithograph:

A generic term used to designate a print made by a planographic process, such as an original lithograph done on a lithographic stone or a commercial print made by a photo-mechanical process.

lithography:

The traditional planographic printing method which involves drawing or painting with greasy crayons or inks on a limestone block. The surface is then moistened with water. An oily ink is applied to the stone and adheres only to the drawing. The ink is repelled by the water which has soaked into the areas around the drawing. The print is pulled by pressing paper against the inked drawing, using a press. Variations of the technique are widely used in commercial reproductions.

maquette:

In sculpture, a small scale model.

mat board:

A multi-ply board usually comprised of a core, adhesive, facing and backing paper. Commonly four-ply, but available in other thicknesses. May be rag board or made of wood fiber. The surface paper comes in a wide variety of colors. In framing, used to make the window mat and as a mounting board for artwork.

mat(ting):

(window mat) A border, usually made from mat board, placed around a print, photograph, etc., to serve as a spacer or separation between the picture and the frame.

medium:

1) What material the item is made of or the art is produced on. Examples include paper (white), black paper, canvas, board, cel (acetate), sculptures...

2) The specific tool and material used by an artist, e.g., brush and oil paint, chisel and stone.

3) The mode of expression employed by an artist, e.g., painting, sculpture, the graphic arts.

4) A liquid that may be added to a paint to increase its manipulability without decreasing its adhesive, binding or film-forming properties.

method:

The process that is used to produce an item. Such as lithograph, serigraph, giclee or original painting.

mezzotint:

An intaglio process in which the plate is pitted all over with a tool called a "rocker." By scraping or burnishing the raised burrs, gradations of light and shade may be produced in the printed image. Mezzotints are characterized by a rich, velvet overall appearance with numerous tonal ranges.

mint condition:

Describes artwork which is in the same condition as it was when originally finished, printed, etc. Taken from coinage, in the same condition as it was when it was minted.

molding:

Wood or metal which has been refined and shaped and which includes a rabbet for use in the framing industry as frame stock.

monochromatic:

A painting or drawing of different shades of one color.

monoprint:

A one-of-a-kind print made by painting on a sheet or slab and transferring the still wet painting to a sheet of paper by a hand method; if the painting is done on a metal sheet, it may be run through a press.

mounting board:

A surface, substrate or secondary support to which any art or object is attached.

museum reflection control conservation glass:

A framing glass used to protect the art from UV (ultraviolet light) damage. It has a special coating on the inside of the glass to resist fading. There is also a special coating on the outside of the glass to resist glare and give a cleaner crisper view of the artwork.

non-glare glass:

Non-glare glass has an etched surface to difuse light and reduce glare and reflection.

WWA Note - World Wide Art does not recommend traditional non-glare glass. The etched surface causes the image to be blurred and foggy thus losing the details of the image. World Wide Art does offer museum reflection control conservation glass.

offset lithograph:

Offset lithograph or offset lithography is the most common way to print limited edition art, posters, magazines, catalogs, brochures and most other color images on paper. It is a mechanical four color press process.

offset-lithography:

A process in which the printed image is transferred, or offset, from one roller or plate to another and then transferred to the printing paper. Offset lithographs should be termed reproductions rather than originals prints. This process eliminates the need to draw the image in reverse on the stone or plate.

oil paint:

Artists’ colors made by dispersing pigments in linseed oil or another vegetable drying oil and having the consistency of a smooth paste.

open edition:

An edition having an unlimited number of prints in it.

original:

A unique piece of artwork that cannot be exactly duplicated, e.g., an oil painting on canvas. While the image may be duplicated as a print, the reproduction is not oil paint on canvas.

original lithograph:

An original lithographic print is not a reproduction; each is an original and unique work of art. The artist makes separate drawings, one for each color to be printed, directly on the working surface (commonly stone or mylar film) to create individual plates. An original lithograph must pass through the press one time for each color it contains. Hand coloring may also be added later. These editions are usually small and with softer details in the image.

original production:

Original production art includes any one-of-a-kind (original) artwork that was used to create an animated film or short. This includes hand-painted cels, backgrounds, rough drawings, clean-up drawings, and other elements used during the production. The cels, in particular, are considered very rare, not only because of their one-of-a-kind nature, but also because most inking and painting is now completed in a computer instead of on a sheet of celluloid. The original rough and cleaned-up drawings are still done by hand. Original production art is only available to select Disney Preferred Galleries like World Wide Art.

overall:

The dimensions (in inches) of the outside of the artwork. Most paper editions have a white border around the image. Canvas editions usually are the same outside size and image size. When paper editions are framed with matting the overall framed size is about 10 inches larger than the image size. When canvas editions are framed with liners the overall framed size is about 8 inches larger than the image size.

oversize:

Describes the size of a frame or materials that are larger than standard 32- by 40-inch mat board.

palette knife:

A thin blade of varying flexibility set in a handle; used for mixing paints or applying them to a surface.

paper:

Paper (a fragile medium) is the most common material used in reproducing art. When paper art is framed it must go behind matting and glazing (glass or plexiglass) to protect the paper and the image. Without matting and glazing the paper would be damaged and the art would lose its integrity and value.

Most paper editions have a white border around the image. When paper editions are framed with matting the overall framed size is about 10 inches larger than the image size.

parchment:

1) A translucent or opaque material made from split skins of small animals, usually lambs or kids (goat) that have been limed, void of hair, scraped and dried under tension to produce a fine, thin, strong surface for writing, bookbinding or other uses.

2) Paper with a texture resembling true parchment.

pastel:

1) A crayon made from pigment mixed with just enough biding agent to hold it together.

2) A drawing (painting) made with pastel crayons.

photo-lithography:

A printing technique in which a negative is exposed to a photo-sensitized lithographic plate, the image is then developed on the plate. Non-image areas are desensitized and the image area becomes an ink attracting surface. The plate is inked and printed in the normal manner.

picture frame:

A structure, usually of wood or metal in which a painting, print or other object is enclosed to improve or enhance its appearance, to isolate it from a wall or to link it to a decor, as well as to support and protect it.

picture hanger:

A device attached to the wall on which the frame is hung or attached to the molding of a frame by which the picture is hung.

picture wire:

A soft braided or solid wire, available in several thicknesses to support various weights, which may be coated with flexible plastic, attached to the back of framed pictures.

plaques:

A small metal plate mounted on a frame, usually showing the artist’s name and name of the artwork.

poster:

1) An inexpensive printed reproduction of a piece of artwork.

2) A placard or print intended for posting in a public place as an advertisement.

print:

A generic term used to describe an impression made on paper from a block, plate or film negative, for example.

profile:

1) The outline of the exposed surface of a molding cross-section.

2) An outline of the contour of a face, viewed from the side.

rag board:

Mat board from non-wood products such as cotton linters or cotton which are naturally lignin free, stable and durable. Made with a non-acidic (pH neutral or alkaline if buffered) sizing.

rag paper:

Paper with all the qualities and benefits of rag board, but much thinner. Used to make photo corners and for other light weight applications in framing.

ready made frame:

A frame ready for purchase as is, as opposed to a custom-made frame. Ready mades are usually produced in standard sizes, e.g., 8x10, 11x14, 16x20.

regular glass:

A designation for standard single-strength window glass (2.5 mm).

remarque:

1) A small sketch engraved in the margin of a printing plate, usually removed before the final edition is printed.

2) A printing plate with such a mark.

reproduction:

A copy.

scoop:

A common frame molding shape, a cross section showing a concave or hollowed profile.

secondary market:

Once an item is no longer available from the original source; it is considered a socondary market item. It is in no way associated with the value or condition of the art.

WWA Note - World Wide Art only aquires art from authorized sources. We do not purchase art from private collectors. World Wide Art quarantees the authenticity and condition of all art we carry.

World Wide Art offers a free art search service, through our extensive network of authorized sources, for rare or currently unavailable artwork.

security hanger:

A type of hanger with one section attached to the back of the frame and the other to the wall. When positioned together, the frame is held securely and requires a special tool to separate the hanger parts.

sericel:

Artwork created to resemble an animation cel, but using screen printing techniques.

serigraph:

Serigraphy is a silk screening process. This process can produce prints of startling clarity or subdued elegance depending upon the artist's wishes. To make a serigraph from an original piece of art, every color in the original must be identified and separated. After the separation has been made, a screen is made for each individual color. Those areas that are not to be printed are blocked out to prevent the transfer of ink or paint to paper or canvas. The paper or canvas is then placed under the screen and the ink is forced through the open mesh. This process is repeated for each individual color. Serigraphs can have up to hundreds of separate colors. Although the process is extremely time consuming, this high quality process produces a beautiful work of art that is also affordable.

shrink wrap(ping):

(n) A clear plastic film which shrinks when heated. It comes in various qualities and thicknesses.

(v) The act of wrapping an object in this film.

WWA Note - World Wide Art does not shrink wrap art and does not recommend that art be shrink wrapped. Shrink wrapping can adhere or scar the face of the artwork and damgage the art. It is not safe for artwork.

signed:

When an item states that it is signed, that means that the artist has personally inspected, approved and hand signed the item.

Some popular artists work is still produced after their passing. It is common industry practice to have their spouse sign and approve their art. This is the case with artists list Charles Wysocki and Stephen Lyman.

silk-screen:

A stencil process of printing in which a cloth (originally silk) is stretched over a heavy frame and the design painted by tusche or affixed by stencil. It is printed by having a squeegee force color through the pores of the fabric in areas not blocked out. The term silk-screen now implies a commercial use, the same process used in fine art is termed serigraph.

stretch:

To pull a fabric taut over a rigid support and secure; e.g., a canvas over a stretched frame or a needle art over foam board.

stretcher bar:

A strip of wood with tongue-and-groove ends. Bars are joined to form an expandable frame over which canvas is stretched.

triptych:

1) A set of three paintings or bas reliefs, related in subject matter and connected side by side. The two outside half-panels (called wings) may be closed over the central panel.

2) A set of three prints that make one complete image.

tubed and flat shipping:

Standard shipping orders may be tubed. Flat shipping is available (upon request). This applies only to orders shipped to all 50 states and Canada. Tubed orders do not include print sleeves. If you are going to frame your art shortly after arrival; then tubed shipping is fine. If you are going to store the art for an extended time period, then World Wide Art would recommend that you have your order shipped flat. There is no damaged to the art being shipped either way.

ultraviolet (UV) light:

Short, high energy invisible light waves beyond violet in the spectrum with a length of 250 to 400 nanometers.

UV filtering:

A glazing material which has been formulated to remove the damaging ultraviolet rays from light.

watercolor:

1) The technique of painting with pigments dispersed in a gum Arabic solution.

2) A work of art so produced.

3) The paint used in this technique.

watermark:

A design, pattern or mark on paper, usually produced by a raised area on which the paper is made. Watermarks on handmade papers are made by very low relief molds or designs of fine wire set on the screen on which the moist pulp collects.