Choosing Aviation Art Lithographs For Collectors

By Jacob Biggs

Choosing aviation art lithographs that will gain in value with time can be a challenge if you don't have a basic understanding of the way that these pieces of art are categorized. Many people get lithographs because they provide a person an affordable way to have exquisite aviation art in their home.

Creating a lithograph is a detailed process that involves several passes through a lithographer's press to create the layered colors that become an exact duplicate of the original piece of art. Each pass through the press adds one color layer and a minimum of four colors are required to obtain the full color spectrum required to create a replication of an original work.

When you are looking for lithographs that are collector's items and will become more valuable with age it will be important to spend some time researching the print that you are interested in and the background of the artist and print.

When you are looking for a collectors lithograph check the Certificate of Authenticity to make sure that it has been signed in graphite pencil by the author. The lithographic will be numbered if it is in one of the more collectible categories. Having a lithograph that has a higher number, from one to fifty, will provide you a faster gain on your investment.

There are seven types of lithographs that each will have a different collector's value. The Open Edition lithograph is does not have a limited number of printings and is not numbered. The certificate is signed by the artist and can have a dramatically increased value if it contains a Remarque. A Remarque is an original sketch in pencil, ink, or paint that has been done by the author. It will normally be an object that is related to the picture you are purchasing.

When a collector wants to get a unique lithograph that will gain in value more rapidly they may select a Limited Edition print. These prints are made in a limited number, after which the plates used to make the lithograph are destroyed. The litho is signed by the artist and each piece is numbered. The increased value is guaranteed by the fact that no other prints can be made of the lithograph that has been created.

The Master Edition is signed and numbered just as the Limited Edition, but the details in the print have been enhanced by the artist. In some cases, the artist will add a unique feature to the print that will make it an original piece that cannot be duplicated.

When aviation art lithographs are made for veterans, they have the special designation of Veteran Edition. These prints are signed and are restricted to a specific group of veterans. These prints are also not reprinted after the designated number has been printed.

A Presidential Proof is the most expensive collector's print and is restricted to diplomats and museums. The piece is produced on canvas and is hand detailed by the artist. It is also numbered and signed. The prints are not for sale and are usually used as pieces in a series that is hung in a large center. - 30435

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