The difference between original bird paintings and bird art prints?
It’s only natural as a bird lover, to want to bring the beauty of birds into your home. But if you’ve had a squiz at my website, you might be wondering about the difference between original bird paintings and bird art prints? Both options offer a unique way to showcase beautiful birdlife, but they cater to different preferences, budgets, and styles. So today I thought I’d explain the key differences between original bird paintings and bird art prints, to help you decide which is the perfect piece of bird art for your space.
What are original bird paintings?
An original bird painting is a one-of-a-kind work of art, created from scratch and by hand, with oil paint, watercolour or charcoal. When you buy an original bird painting, you're acquiring a unique, one of a kind piece. The design is unique and authentic. As all of my artworks are made from professional grade, archival materials, your artwork will last for generations and generations.
What are bird art prints?
On the other hand, bird art prints are reproductions of an original painting, typically printed on high-quality paper or canvas. Mine are produced in limited editions. Prints allow the original bird artwork to be accessible to a broader audience, offering a more affordable option than purchasing an original painting.
A bird art print is a high-quality reproduction of the original painting, often produced using archival techniques such as giclée printing. This process ensures that the colours, textures, and details of the original painting are accurately captured. Prints offer a way for bird art lovers to enjoy my bird paintings without the higher cost associated with buying an original piece.
Pros and cons of original bird paintings vs bird art prints:
Uniqueness
Original Bird Paintings: Once an original painting is sold, it cannot be replicated exactly.
Bird Art Prints: These are reproductions of an original artwork. While they can be produced in limited editions, multiple copies of the same image exist. This makes prints more accessible but less exclusive.
Price
Original Bird Paintings: Original works are typically more expensive due to the time, skill, and materials involved in their creation. Additionally, the artist's reputation and the rarity of the piece often contribute to the higher price.
Bird Art Prints: Prints are generally more affordable than originals. The cost will depend on the print's edition size and quality.
Investment Value
Original Bird Paintings: Owning an original bird painting can be seen as an investment. As the artist’s career progresses and their reputation grows, the value of the painting may increase over time.
Bird Art Prints: While prints can hold sentimental value, they typically don’t appreciate in the same way that original works do. However, limited edition prints can still be valuable, particularly if the artist gains recognition.
Artistic Process
Original Bird Paintings: Each piece is a unique exploration of technique, materials, and style.
Bird Art Prints: Prints begin with the artist's original work, but the print itself is a reproduction, typically produced by a professional printer. While the print faithfully represents the original painting, it lacks the physical texture and brushstrokes that make original paintings so special.
Customization
Original Bird Paintings: If you're looking for something truly personal, commissioning an original bird painting allows you to request specific birds, colors, and compositions. This gives you the opportunity to own a piece that is tailored to your preferences.
Bird Art Prints: prints come in various sizes and formats. Often they can be printed larger than the original was painted!
Which one should you choose?
The choice between an original bird painting and a bird art print ultimately depends on your budget. If your budget allows, buying an original bird painting is an excellent investment. I’m a young, up-and-coming artist who has been receiving quite a few awards of late. The price of my work has already increased in recent years and is forecast to continue doing so. So purchasing an original bird painting is perfect for art collectors and those looking for a one-of-a-kind investment piece.
If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy beautiful bird art in your home, bird art prints are affordable and accessible. It offers you the opportunity to own one of my designs without the higher cost of the hand-made, one-off piece.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose an original bird painting or a bird art print, you are a valued customer and collector of my work. As an artist who paints birds and a bird lover myself, if my work resonates with you, I would love you to own it in whichever form your budget allows, as original bird paintings or as bird art prints. I treat the delivery of each artwork with the same love and care.
Explore my collection of bird artwork:
100x75cm oil on canvas.
This painting was a finalist in the Brisbane Portrait Prize. In this self-portrait, I wanted to capture what it is like living with two vivacious parrots, particularly at bath time. Schiele, my female parrot, will demand I run both the shower and the sink so she can alternate between the two, drying herself on my hair and the hand-towel in between. Meanwhile Vonnegut the male, will patiently wait until it is his turn.
Keeping the birds out of the bathroom while I painted this from life was challenging. There’s varied shadow directions as I painted at different times of the day to accomodate my birds’ self-imposed schedule. I also had to move the painting out of the bathroom several times a week so they could shower.
Anne Smerdon is aBrisbane-born artist focused on the complex but often-overlooked minds and personalities of birds. With an extensive knowledge of bird psychology and body language, Anne uses her work (and her parrot's social media following) to raise awareness and educate others about protecting and caring for our wild and captive birds.
75 x 55cm original bird oil painting on canvas.
Wild Australian Wedge Tail Eagle. I had the pleasure of meeting Reacher when he came into care as a malnourished juvenile unable to fly. He has since made a full recovery thanks to the dedication of his carer. He has now been released back into the wild.
110x150cm oil on canvas. Framed in walnut stained oak float frame.
Equine art. Original oil painting of two quarter horses during sunset.