When buying "fine art" what is the difference between RENAISSANCE EDITION, AND STUDIO PROOF? besides price. ?

Question

Luna.. here is a link to a website. When you choose which "edition" to buy.

http://www.shopartofthesouth.com/p-2034-a-new-day-at-the-cinderella-castle-by-thomas-kinkade.aspx

Im just confused because i bought this piece from one of his gallerys and i was told only a certain amount were made, but then i go online and see anybody can still purchase one? Or is it just a print of some sort and really has no value?

Answer 1

From the gallery's FAQs:

"Renaissance Edition: Very limited number released, brushstroke textured canvas, additionally highlighted by a Master Highlighter. Also has a Watermark Remarque on the back and is personally hand signed by Thom."

In other words, a digital reproduction on canvas that has a bit of paint daubed on it by one of Kinkade's employees. Kinkade then stops by and signs a big stack of them.

"Studio Proof: Semi-original edition, smallest release number that we offer. Has the same brushstroke textured and highlighting offered in the R/E edition but also features a final highlight done by Thom himself thus making this the most collectable Edition available."

In other words, a digital reproduction on canvas that has a bit of paint daubed on it by one of Kinkade's employees. If you believe the sales pitch, Kinkade actually stoops to daubing a tiny bit of paint on it himself. Even if it's only one little blob of paint (and notice how it says "a final highlight," not "final highlights"), that's all he needs to do in order to claim he personally "highlighted" it so he can charge you two or three times the price of the "Renaissance Edition."

Yes, only a certain number have been made--but it's still a big number. They are not that rare at all.

Answer 2

Marketing. A studio proof is a first trial of an etching or wood or linoleum block print. I'm guessing that this is not the way the term is being used in this case. With more details I could give you a better answer.

Edit: Kinkade is a miracle of marketing, not a great investment. If you love the print that's all that really matters.

Answer 3

Unfortunately the fine art (Kinkade) that you are talking about are enhanced prints, copies of originals he adds fresh paint over to make them look more hand painted. . . .not that great of an investment, if I might say so.  The terms Renaissance edition and studio proof are, like the previous person said, just marketing terms.