Wyland Galleries - Art Terminology

Serigraph

Serigraphy, also called silk-screen printing, is a printmaking technique based on stenciling. First, images are stenciled onto a screen with the aid of photosensitive emulsions. Every different color, even slight shades of blue for a sky or green for leaves, requires a new screen and a pass of color. Next, the screen is positioned over high-quality acid-free paper. A squeegee pushes paint through the portions of the mesh that are not blocked by the stencil. The paint is applied one color at a time, usually the light colors first, followed by the darker colors. Then the print is laid to dry. Generally, only one color a day is printed.

Signatures

Most artists today sign their prints in pencil. The signatures have come to stand for, among other things, a stamp of quality and the authenticity of the print. It would therefore be improper for an artist to sign a reproduction unless it is clearly marked as such, or to sign inferior prints that do not meet the artistÕs standards.

State

All impressions pulled from an unaltered printing surface are referred to as "states." Several states of the same print may be produced when the artist makes changes in the block or plate.

Suite

A series of paintings, drawings, or prints linked by a common theme.

Supergloss

Sometimes called "masterchrome" or "chromograph," supergloss prints are exposed directly from transparencies onto an extremely durable polyester-based material. Like a Cibachrome, this process eliminates the need for time-consuming, costly and resolution robbing inter-negatives. Maximum color saturation is achieved, while contrast problems inherent in other materials are minimized. Prints are generally glossy or matte, with longevity that rivals Cibachrome.

Surrealism

Originally a literary movement in the 1920s, surrealism incorporates stylistic and theoretical aspects of cubism and Dada. Seeking to reveal the reality behind appearances, especially in a psychological sense, surrealism draws heavily on Freudian theories about the unconscious, dreams, irrationality, sexuality and fantasy. Hence, the use of dream imagery, automatism and symbolism.

Temperature

An important factor in the aging of natural patinas is temperature or the temperature swing. For example, the temperature cycle of Tucson, Ariz., may vary 40-50 degrees in 24 hours, while other parts of the country may be stable from season to season. These fluctuations Ð or lack thereof -- can affect the appearance of a patina.