Wyland Art Terminology
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Limited Edition
A limited edition is created when a finite number of reproductions are made from a single master image. These editions usually bear numbers or markings to indicate the maximum number of allowable prints. All images in the limited edition are generally hand-signed in graphite by the artist and numbered. This signifies the artist's approval of all aspects of the creation and quality of the image, including execution and production techniques of the master and proofs. The image on the master also exists as an original painting or sculpture. The printer and / or casting foundry are asked to destroy the master plates and casting molds so no other proofs or editions can be created.
Limited Editions
Wyland has enjoyed publishing a series of limited edition prints over the years. After completing the original painting in oil, watercolor or other medium, he decides what printing method would create the best possible reproduction of the original piece. Some images are created in several different print mediums and sizes. Wyland's limited editions have been enthusiastically collected throughout the United States and forty countries around the world. Today he is recognized as one of the most popular and collected artists of our time.
Lithograph
A lithograph is a direct print of an image. Historically, artists recreated an image on a large, flat slab of Bavarian limestone, using a greasy substance called "tusche." The surface was fixed chemically and wetted with water, which did not adhere to the greased image areas. When the stone was inked with a roller, the ink did not adhere to the wet areas, but only to the greased areas. A sheet of paper was then placed in position, and the press was operated to print one impression. The process was repeated for each impression. Contemporary lithography includes all forms of multiple reproductions, including offset and photo-mechanical processes, as well as other new and involving techniques designed to more faithfully reproduce the artist's image. NOTE: Also see Offset Lithography
Lost Wax Process
(Cire Perdue) A casting wax process using a wax model that is encased in a molding material, such as sand or plaster, then melted away, leaving a hollow mold into which the molten metal is poured.
Lucite Sculpture
A harmonious blend of precious metals is combined with hot-torched acid patinas embedded in Lucite¨, an acrylic polymer, that is clear which adds rich color and texture. Originals arrive at a foundry in the form of plastiline-the result of sculpting, and resculpting, soft clay. From these originals, first-generation models are created. Each sculpture is sectioned into a myriad of component parts and placed into molds for the creation of individual cavities. Once these metals have solidified in the molds and are released, the component parts are welded together to form the final shape of the sculpture. Meticulous hand work with fine stainless steel tools recovers detail lost in the welding process. At that point, each original sculpture is bathed in hand-applied precious metals and various patinas. In finishing the sculpture is hand-relieved with a combination of steel wool and sand to release the color and texture of the original metal form. In its final stages, the metal castings are embedded into the Lucite¨. Once the Lucite¨ is baked and cured, its texture and visual appearance is very rough. Hours of painstaking hand polishing is then put into making the Lucite¨ crystal clear.
Master
A master is any printing plate, block, screen, or similar matrix that contains an image used to produce a print multiple.
Medium
Any particular material used by an artist: oil paint, clay, ink, pastel, wood, concrete, or bronze.
Mixed Media
A combination of various graphic techniques applied to one print.
Mixed Media Sculpture
A blend of precious metals is combined with hot-torched acid patinas. Originals arrive at the foundry in the form of plastiline-the result of sculpting, and resculpting, soft clay. From these originals, first-generation models are created. Each sculpture is sectioned into a myriad of component parts and placed into molds for the creation of individual cavities. Once these metals have solidified in the molds and are released, the component parts are welded together to form the final shape of the sculpture. Meticulous hand work with fine stainless steel tools recovers detail lost in the welding process. At that point, each original sculpture is bathed in hand-applied precious metals and various patinas. In finishing the sculpture is hand-relieved with a combination of steel wool and sand to release the color and texture of the original metal form.
Mold Making
A mold allows wax replicas to be made of an original clay sculpture and makes possible the casting of limited editions. To construct the mold, a molding compound is painted or troweled onto the original and built up until it is a thickness that is durable yet retaining flexibility. Molds are usually made of flexible rubber or silicone and can be used for the entire limited edition. A rigid support of plaster or fiberglass called the mother mold is built over the finished rubber mold. The outer mold helps the rubber retain its shape and position and allows the mold to be handled.
Mural
A large painting or decoration applied directly on a wall surface or completely separated and later affixed to it. Wyland is recognized as a master muralist and has completed 100 of his renowned Whaling Walls around the world.
Museum Proof
When denoting separate categories for limited edition prints such as an artist's proof or printers proof, a category is sometimes denoted as museum proof. A limited edition is denoted a museum proof if a museum is, in some way, involved with the art.
