From prints to one-of-ones: Navigating the 3 levels of art collecting

Collecting art is more than just decorating a space. It can often become an exciting hobby. For many, the path begins with accessible prints and gradually evolves into acquiring unique, one-of-a-kinds. 

Whether you are just starting or dreaming of an original work that no one else owns, understanding the three main levels of art collecting can be both exciting and rewarding. Park West auctioneers often refer to the three levels of art collecting as good, better and best.

Lithographs and Serigraphs: the perfect starting point

The first level typically includes lithographs, serigraphs, giclees and die sublimations. For new collectors, prints like lithographs and serigraphs offer an affordable and fun entry into the art world. 

These high-quality reproductions usually allow people to own work from their favorite artists without the high price tag of an original. It is important to note, this is not always the case as there are printmaking techniques that can be considered a very high quality of art and can go for very high prices as well. 

Related: What Park West galleries bring to cruise ships

For example, in an extreme case, there is a Pierre Auguste Renoir lithograph out of an edition of 200 that goes for an opening bid of $514,000. However, there are more options of lithographs and giclees, for example that are more easily acquired because they can be printed and are often sold at lower price points.

A lithograph is created using a traditional printing process where an artist draws on a stone or metal plate, which is then transferred onto paper with ink. A serigraph, or silkscreen print, involves pushing ink through a fine mesh screen, creating a layered, textured effect. 

Peter Max’s serigraphs are often displayed at Park West auctions on cruise ships. You can see the difference of this layered effect. Both lithographs and serigraphs can be hand-signed and numbered by the artist, making them still more valuable than mass produced posters.

For people new to the art world as collectors, prints are a great way to develop an eye for art. The prints bring the joy of owning artwork while allowing buyers to learn about different styles, artists, and techniques before deciding to collect more exclusive pieces. 

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Embellished Art: a step closer to originality

As collectors gain knowledge and appreciation for art, they often look for something more unique. Embellished art, where an artist personally enhances a print with hand-applied paint or texture, making each piece slightly different. This type of art is typically the next level for collectors.

Embellished pieces are somewhere in between print and original artwork. Artists will add their own brushstrokes and highlights or even metallic details making an important distinction from prints. No two pieces are exactly the same. This extra involvement by the artists typically increases the visual appeal and the value of the piece. Embellished pieces are numbered editions, for example you can own a piece of art that is out of 50 or 200. Park West has a lot of embellished artworks and many of them can be obtained for a great value.

For collectors, embellished art offers a deeper connection to the artist’s process. While still more affordable than an original, it still carries a level of uniqueness that makes it feel special.

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One-of-Ones: the ultimate collectible

For those who want the purest form of artistic expression, one-of-ones are the ultimate pursuit. Being that one-of-ones are completely unique works created by the artists hand, with no reproductions or editions, owning it means you have something truly exclusive.

Original paintings, drawings and mixed-media works hold a level of value and significance that prints cannot match. They often carry the artist's raw emotion, layered textures, and imperfections that make them deeply personal. Purchasing a one-of-one is more than just buying art, it is supporting an artistic vision and becoming part of their creative journey.

 For serious collectors, owning an original is a defining moment. It represents not just an appreciation of art but a commitment to preserving and celebrating its uniqueness. From the first lithograph to the final masterpiece, every collector’s journey is a story that unfolds with passion, curiosity and the thrill of discovery and acquisition.

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