Before an artist makes an edition of prints, they must first make an Artist Proof. Artist Proofs are typically printed before the numbered edition and are used as a way for the artist to make final adjustments to the photograph or to experiment with different combinations of tone or colour. A simple way of understanding an Artist Proof is to think of it as a finalised print that the photographer approves to sign off the production of the Limited Edition.
In traditional darkroom printing, a photographer will start by making a number of work prints. This is an important part of the printing process, and an opportunity for the artist to experiment and refine their work before committing to a larger limited edition of numbered prints; for example, a photographer might make a series of fine adjustments such as dodging and burning selective parts of the photograph, or experiment with different combinations of tone. It is common for the photographer to keep notes with the negative to remind them how it has been interpreted for when they next make a print.
Once the print is perfected and the photographer is fully satisfied with the result, a very small number of prints are made before the production of the numbered Limited Edition begins. Such prints are called Artist Proofs and are identical to the prints that follow once the production of the numbered edition begins. Thus, the Artist Proof signifies an important moment for the photographer in the printing process.
An Artist Proof Edition of Michael Kenna’s iconic photograph Forest Edge, Hokuto, Hokkaido, Japan 2004. This photograph was made in 2004. The limited edition of 45 prints sold out on 26th November 2015.
Michael Kenna signs each mounted print below the silver gelatin print on the right hand side, and includes the year the photograph was made after his signature.
How Do You Recognise An Artist Proof?
Artist Proofs, also commonly referred to as A/Ps, are signed AP at the bottom of the print. Artist’s number them, in the example below Michael Kenna has signed the print AP 3. In a Limited Edition of 45 prints, Michael Kenna makes 4 Artist Proofs, so this print is number 3 of 4 Artist Proofs.
Michael Kenna includes the edition number on each mountboard below the silver gelatin print on the left hand side, this example shows Artist Proof #3
On the reverse of each mounted print, Michael Kenna includes a studio stamp detailing the photograph’s title, the year the photograph was made, the year the print was made, the edition number, the edition size, and artist signature.
How Many Artist Proofs Are Made?
Typically, 10% of the numbered edition are made as Artist Proofs. In the example of Michael Kenna’s limited editions of 45 prints, Michael will make 4 Artist Proof editions. Traditionally, Artist Proofs remained the property of the artist. In modern times, they are often donated to the permanent collections of museums or sold to collectors after the numbered edition has sold out.
Forest Edge, Hokuto, Hokkaido, Japan 2004
Silver Gelatin Print
Limited Edition of 45 Prints
4 Artist Proofs
© Michael Kenna
Why Are Artist Proofs Valued So Highly?
Because of their significance during the printing process, Artist Proofs are highly sought after by collectors and often command higher prices than the regular numbered edition. This is partly because only a small number of them are made, and also because they are typically only offered for sale once the numbered edition has sold out.
Acquire Artist Proof #4 HERE
