What Am I Actually Paying For? Limited Edition Prints Explained

If you've ever wondered why one print costs $40 and another costs over $1,000, you're not alone. I get asked this all the time, and it's a fair question. The short answer is paper, ink, colour accuracy, and the fact that only 10 of each size will ever exist.

Here's the longer answer, so you know exactly what you're paying for.

What is a limited edition print?

A limited edition print is a high quality reproduction of an original painting, made in a fixed number that will never be reprinted. For my work, that number is 10 prints per size. If an artwork comes in four sizes, only 40 prints will ever be made, worldwide. Once a size sells out, it's gone.

Photo above: Anna standing next to "Angophora Reserve".

How is it different from a poster?

A poster is printed in bulk, on thin paper, with inks that fade. That's fine for a uni bedroom. A limited edition fine art print is a different thing entirely.

Where does the money go?

Every print starts with high resolution photography of the original painting, so the colours and brushstrokes come through. You can genuinely see the texture of my paint on the canvas prints.

Then each print is made individually on an Epson giclée printer with archival inks, on thick textured canvas or cotton rag paper. Framed prints in Australia are finished in handmade frames using sustainably sourced timber. And each one comes with a certificate of authenticity listing the artwork, edition details and dimensions.

Photo above: A close-up of the certificate of authenticity that comes with every limited edition print.

And of course, there's the painting itself. Each of my originals is built up in around six layers, using a deliberately limited palette of six colours plus white. Many take weeks to finish. The print carries all that work.

Photo above: Anna standing with a 120 x 120cm limited edition print of "Shannonvale", inspired by Victoria's alpine country.

Is a limited edition print worth it?

If you want art that lasts, holds its colour and feels special to own, yes. A poster is something you replace. A limited edition print is something you keep, move house with, and maybe hand down.

I'll be straight with you: buy art because you love it, not because you need a quick fix to pop in a frame from Kmart. What a limited edition does guarantee is that you own one of very few, made properly.

Canvas or paper?

• Canvas is my most popular choice. It looks closest to the original, with no glass, so you see the texture.
• Paper framed under glass feels more refined and gallery-like. It's my personal favourite, though framing costs more.

Photo above: A close-up of "When Frida Met Carmen", showing the brushstroke texture you see on a canvas print.

Quick answers

Why are limited edition prints more expensive than posters? Archival inks, heavy cotton papers or canvas, colour-matched reproduction, a strict edition size and a certificate of authenticity.

How many prints are in a limited edition? It varies by artist. Mine are limited to 10 per size.

How long does a giclée print last? My papers have a lightfast rating of over 100 years when cared for properly.

Do limited edition prints come with a certificate? Every one of mine does.

Ready to choose? Browse my limited edition prints. Subscribers get 10% off their first print order.

Not sure which artwork suits your space? Send me a photo of your wall, its width in centimetres or inches, and the artworks you're considering to hello@annalohe.com. I'll send you a free mockup so you can see it in your room before you decide. Anna x

Anna Lohe is an Australian contemporary artist working from her studio in Palm Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches. She paints joyful, expressionist botanical artworks, sold as originals and limited edition prints, and ships worldwide. Read Anna's story or email hello@annalohe.com.