What is meant by “Fine Art”?

What a great question. The answer is as old as art itself. Entire university courses and degree programs are dedicated to it. A short answer is that “Fine Art” is any artistic expression of which the creative intention was aesthetic beauty, conveying an idea or statement, or evoking an emotion or feeling in the viewer. It’s not simply composing and taking a photograph, but it is beauty by intention.

What makes a “Limited Edition” different?

When an artist creates a piece of work for a wide audience and broad reproduction, it is called an “Open Edition”. Conversely, a piece is deemed to be a “Limited Edition” when it is intentionally confined to a finite number of reproductions, such as 50, for example. Each edition printed of the 50 receives a sequential number, such as “11/50”. The lower, or closer, the edition number is to the original (#1) the greater the rarity and value of the piece. This ensures the collector or owner that the investment will increase over time. These pieces are registered with a Fine Art agency to document and record that they are genuine and are accompanied by a CoA, Certificate of Authenticity. Limited Editions are generally more expensive because there will only ever be a fixed number produced.

Is Photography really considered “Fine Art”?

This debate began in the early 1800’s when photography emerged and rages to this day. I take a deeper dive into this topic in my article titled “The Photograph - A journey from Intention to Inspiration”. Art world elites and purists defend their bigoted positions with religious fervor. More so today than back then, though, most artists and gallerists have accepted it as a legitimate form of artistic expression. So long as the basic tenants of what defines fine art are followed, photography is indeed a valid art form and can qualify as Fine Art. Read my article for a more in-depth understanding.

Are photographers really artists?

This question has offended many a photographer over the years. The true answer lies in the question itself. What is an artist? Anyone who considers themself an artist can choose to express their creative vision with any tool or medium the choose. The answer is in the artist, not the tool they use. I would feel very comfortable assuming that had Leonardo DiVinci had access to the tools we have today, he would have fervently used them. An artist is not measured by the tool, but by the depth and quality of talent expressed in the output of practicing his or her craft.