Embellishing Prints: What is it, and why do it?

In a world where art is often seen as mass-produced, the art of embellishment returns a sense of intimacy and care to each piece. For me, it’s an essential part of the process, allowing each print to carry the spirit of the original. Here's what it is, and how I do it.

Colour tests for fine art printing

Making fine art prints is already a job enough. To get it to the point of having a physical print ready for embellishment, I go through a series of steps:

• Make the artwork, of course

• Hire a professional photographer to take an accurate, high res image. Accurate means it needs colour matching, good lighting, and shot completely square with the art.

• Work with a print maker to choose the best paper and perform colour tests - this can take several trips and edits before getting it right. While in Malta, I use Photo Images for their patience, professionalism and quality work.

• Make the initial investment to order a limited run of the prints. In the example I'm using today, a run of 20 prints with photography fees & transport was about 600 EUR. - This will vary depending on the paper, ink, size, country, company, etc...

What is it?

Embellishments create a bridge between the original artwork and the print, preserving the artist’s hands-on connection to each piece. While fine art prints allow art to reach a wider audience, embellishments, such as textured brushstrokes, gold leaf, or added color, reintroduce the artist’s presence, making each print a one-of-a-kind work.

Embellishments also enhance visual depth, creating a tactile quality that transforms a flat print into a dynamic, layered piece. When an artist adds these final touches, they can highlight certain areas, emphasize texture, or infuse additional color. This not only enriches the viewing experience but also makes the print feel closer to an original, something that adds value to the collector.

An Example of Embellishing

Take my latest print, Medusa: Peace After Wrongful Conviction, as an example. In this piece, I added silver details to each fine art print of this work as a way of reconnecting with the message. The shimmering silver accents on the eyes and jewelry, carefully placed, are like those in the original artwork. Through this, the prints capture Medusa’s story with a presence as close to the original as possible.

I've also embellished prints by adding irridescent medium and metallic inks as these reflective elements don't translate well in photos, and so need to be added by hand.

Limited Edition Release

I’m thrilled to share that this limited edition fine art print of Medusa: Peace After Wrongful Conviction will debut at my upcoming solo exhibition at il-Kamra ta-Fuq, opening on December 4th. Each print is created with meticulous attention to detail, using giclée archival inks on 310gsm textured cotton rag. The textured paper enhances the print’s hand, pairing with the hand-applied silver embellishments to create a work that feels as close to the original as possible. Only 20 prints will ever be made in this specific size and coloring, making each one a truly special piece.

This limited series represents my commitment to honoring Medusa’s story and creating a piece that speaks to collectors and viewers alike. For those attending the exhibition, it will be an opportunity to experience the prints up close to connect with Medusa’s story of peace after persecution. I look forward to seeing you there!

Cropped Image of Medusa ©2024