Question 1

What is the difference between an original painting and a fine art print?

Accepted Answer

Both my original paintings and fine art prints carry the same essence: a deep respect for storytelling, tradition, and the landscapes and wildlife of the Canadian West.
An original painting is truly one of a kind. It is unreproducible and holds the physical presence of my hand, brushwork, and decision-making in every layer of paint. When you purchase an original, you are acquiring the only existing version of that artwork — a piece that carries my energy, time, and artistic intent. For art collectors, original Canadian wildlife and landscape paintings are also a long-term investment, often increasing in both personal and monetary value over time.
My fine art prints offer a more accessible way to own my Canadian West art while preserving the mood, color, and storytelling of the original painting. They are ideal for collectors who want to live with meaningful art every day or build a cohesive wall art composition — for example, by collecting several pieces from my Canadian wildlife themed collection.
Fine art prints are available in Medium and Large sizes, with the larger option closely matching the scale and visual impact of the original painting. This allows you to experience the artwork in a way that feels immersive, timeless, and emotionally rich.
You can explore my dreamy, dusty blue Canadian wildlife themed collection here: https://www.eltoniart.com/shop

Question 2

Are fine art prints worth buying?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — when quality, craftsmanship, and storytelling come together, fine art prints are very much worth buying.
Just as you invest in well-made clothing or furniture that lasts for years and reflects who you are, investing in museum-quality fine art prints allows you to surround yourself with meaningful artwork that stands the test of time. My fine art prints faithfully preserve the detail, color depth, and emotional narrative of the original paintings, making them far more than decorative pieces.
These prints allow you to own storytelling art inspired by the Canadian West for a fraction of the cost of an original painting, without sacrificing quality or authenticity. The colors, textures, and atmosphere remain true to the original work, allowing the story and emotion of the scene to live in your space.
Beyond aesthetics, my prints are designed to resonate on a deeper level — evoking a sense of place, memory, and belonging. They don’t just make a home look curated or magazine-worthy; they help create a space that feels personal, grounded, and meaningful.

Question 3

How do I know if a painting is original and authentic?

Accepted Answer

Every one of my original paintings is personally signed and fully documented to ensure authenticity and transparency for collectors.
Each original artwork includes my full signature, along with the title of the painting, the year it was completed, and my contact information. In addition, when you purchase an original painting from me, you will receive a Certificate of Authenticity.
The certificate confirms:
That the artwork is an original, one-of-a-kind painting
The title and details of the artwork
The artist’s signature and verification
This certificate not only protects your investment but also provides peace of mind, ensuring that your painting is a genuine piece of original Canadian fine art.

Question 4

What type of fine art prints last the longest?

Accepted Answer

The longest-lasting fine art prints are those produced using archival-quality materials and professional printing techniques. When I create my own fine art prints, I make sure every step of the process meets a high standard, from the printer to the paper itself.
I use a professional high-resolution inkjet printer with pigment-based inks, which are known for their durability and resistance to fading. For paper, I choose thick archival paper, specifically designed for fine art printing. This type of paper remains flat over time, absorbs ink evenly, and preserves color accuracy without warping or deterioration.
That said, what truly determines how long a fine art print will last is how it is cared for. Proper framing with protective glass helps shield the artwork from UV light, dust, and environmental damage. Keeping the print away from direct sunlight, humidity, and drastic temperature changes will significantly extend its lifespan.
When produced with archival inks and paper and cared for properly, a fine art print can last for decades — and often long enough to be passed down to future generations.

Question 5

How much should I expect to pay for an original painting?

Accepted Answer

The price of an original painting can vary significantly depending on several factors. The most important ones include the size of the artwork, the medium used (such as oil or acrylic), the technique and level of detail, and the time and research involved in creating the piece.
Because of this, each painting is priced individually based on its uniqueness and complexity.
If you’re interested in a specific original artwork, your best option is to contact me directly. I’m always happy to explain the story behind the painting, the process used, and how its value is determined, so you can feel confident when investing in an original fine art painting.

Question 6

How are fine art prints made?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to transform original paintings into fine art prints, but not all methods deliver the same level of detail, color accuracy, and emotional depth. For my work, quality and emotion always come first. Over the years, I have used two professional techniques to ensure my fine art prints remain as faithful as possible to the original paintings.

High-Resolution Professional Scanning
The first method involves working with a professional visual communication company that uses large-format, high-resolution scanners specifically designed for fine art. These scanners are capable of capturing the full surface of an original painting, including subtle brushstrokes, texture, and nuanced color transitions.
After scanning, the digitized image goes through a careful revision process. Together with the team, we fine-tune color balance, contrast, and tonal depth to ensure the final file reflects the true character of the original artwork. This method was used to create fine art prints from my bison painting “Here I Am” and the European cows “Sharing What Is Given.”
The result is a highly detailed, museum-quality digital file that translates beautifully into fine art prints.

Professional Fine Art Photography
The second technique involves working with a professional fine art photographer using high-end cameras and controlled lighting. This approach allows the photographer to capture every detail of the painting — from layered textures to the emotional quality of the color palette.
Once photographed, the image is carefully refined through professional color correction and calibration. This ensures that the warmth, vibrancy, and atmosphere of the original painting are preserved in print form. This process was used to create fine art prints from the bison painting “The Land We Roamed” and the teepee painting “Sacred Place.”

Different Techniques, Same Extraordinary Result
While these two methods differ technically, they share the same goal: producing high-quality fine art prints that honor the story, emotion, and craftsmanship of the original painting.
Whether created through professional scanning or fine art photography, my prints are designed to deliver:
Accurate color reproduction
Visible brushwork and texture
Long-lasting vibrancy
A strong sense of storytelling and place
In the end, the experience is what matters. Different techniques — same extraordinary result: vibrant, colourful storytelling fine art prints inspired by the Canadian West.

Question 7

How do I take care of an original painting or art print?

Accepted Answer

For fine art prints, what truly determines how long a print will last is how it is cared for. Proper framing with protective glass helps shield the artwork from UV light, dust, and environmental damage. To preserve color and paper quality, it’s best to keep fine art prints away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperature changes. With proper care, archival fine art prints can last for decades.
The same principles apply to an original painting, whether it is an oil or acrylic on canvas. Original artwork should be displayed away from direct sunlight, as prolonged UV exposure can affect pigments over time. Avoid hanging paintings in areas with high humidity (such as bathrooms) or near heat sources, fireplaces, or air vents, where temperature fluctuations can stress the canvas and paint layers.
There are many ways to frame an original painting, and protective glass is not always used. If your painting is in a floating frame or displayed without glass, occasional dusting is all that’s needed. Use a dry, clean microfibre cloth or a soft microfibre duster and gently wipe the surface without applying pressure. Never use water, cleaning sprays, or chemicals on the paint surface.
Handled and displayed correctly, an original fine art painting can remain vibrant and structurally sound for generations.

Question 8

What size artwork should I choose for my space?

Accepted Answer

Creating a visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing space starts with choosing the right size artwork for your wall. Before selecting a painting or fine art print, take a moment to measure both your wall space and the artwork itself. Scale plays a crucial role in how art is perceived within a room.
A large painting or oversized fine art print placed on a narrow wall can feel overwhelming and visually heavy, drawing too much attention and disrupting the harmony of the space. On the other hand, a small artwork on a wide wall may feel lost or unnoticed, failing to create the emotional impact it deserves.
The goal is to find balance — where the artwork complements the wall rather than competing with it. Ideally, wall art should occupy about 60–75% of the available wall width, creating a sense of proportion and visual flow. This applies whether you are hanging an original painting, a large Canadian West landscape print, or multiple pieces from my wildlife themed collection.
Each wall has its own personality and its perfect art piece. By considering wall size, surrounding furniture, and viewing distance, you can create an atmosphere that feels intentional, calm, and inviting. If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to help you choose the ideal size so your artwork feels at home in your space.
Let’s find the perfect balance together.

Question 9

Do fine art prints increase in value?

Accepted Answer

While fine art prints are generally purchased for enjoyment rather than as a financial investment, they can increase in value over time under the right conditions. Several factors influence the long-term value of a fine art print.
One of the most important factors is the artist’s recognition and career growth. As an artist becomes more established, interest in their work often increases, which can positively impact the value of their prints. Limited edition fine art prints tend to appreciate more than open-edition prints, as scarcity plays a key role in collectability.
Another factor is authenticity. Hand-signed prints, especially those that are numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, are generally more desirable to collectors and can hold greater market value. Print quality also matters — prints produced using archival inks and archival paper are more likely to maintain their condition and value over time.
Ultimately, fine art prints should be collected because they resonate with you personally. Any increase in value is a meaningful bonus that reflects the story, craftsmanship, and growing recognition behind the artwork.

Question 10

Do artists accept custom or commissioned paintings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do accept custom and commissioned paintings, and I’ve created personalized artworks for clients in North America and Europe. Commissioned paintings allow you to be part of the creative process, whether you’re envisioning a meaningful landscape, wildlife scene, or a custom pet portrait.
When you commission a painting or custom dog portrait, we begin with a conversation about your vision, preferred size, subject, and timeline. I then create a one-of-a-kind original painting, crafted with the same care and attention to detail as my personal work.
If you’re considering a custom painting or pet portrait or would like to discuss a commission, you’re welcome to contact me directly to start the conversation and explore what’s possible.

Question 11

What is a giclée print?

Accepted Answer

A giclée print is a term commonly used to describe a high-quality fine art print produced using professional inkjet printing technology. These prints are typically made with archival pigment-based inks on archival paper, allowing them to reproduce artwork with strong color accuracy, detail, and long-term durability.
While the term “giclée” is widely used in the art world, what truly matters is the quality of the materials and process behind the print.
In my work, I produce high quality fine art prints using archival pigment-based inks on archival paper, ensuring that each piece maintains the depth, tones, and atmosphere of the original painting. This approach allows the artwork — especially my landscapes and wildlife pieces inspired by the Canadian West — to be experienced in a way that stays true to the original.
When created with high quality archival pigment-based inks and archival paper, these fine art prints can last for decades without noticeable fading, making them a meaningful and lasting way to collect art.

Question 12

What is the difference between a limited edition and an open edition print?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between a limited edition print and an open edition print comes down to scarcity and collectability.
A limited edition fine art print is produced in a fixed number of copies. Once that edition is sold out, no more prints are created. Because of this limited availability, these prints are often more sought after by collectors and can hold or increase their long-term value over time.
An open edition print, on the other hand, does not have a set limit and can be reproduced as needed. This makes open edition fine art prints more accessible and allows more people to connect with and collect the artwork.
In my work, all prints are currently offered as open edition prints. Every print is hand-signed and embosser-sealed by me, which adds a personal mark and reinforces its connection to the original artwork. The embossed seal acts as a mark of authenticity and craftsmanship, ensuring each print carries a direct connection to my studio.

Question 13

Does your artwork come with a certificate of authenticity?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all of my original paintings and commissioned artworks, including custom dog portraits, come with a certificate of authenticity.
A certificate of authenticity is an important document that verifies that the artwork is an original fine art piece, created by the artist. It typically includes details such as the title, medium, and signature, helping ensure the artwork’s legitimacy and long-term value for collectors.
For my fine art prints, while they do not include a certificate of authenticity, each print is hand-signed and embosser-sealed by me. This serves as a mark of authenticity and creates a direct connection between the print and the original artwork.
Whether you are purchasing an original painting, a commissioned piece, or a fine art print, my goal is to provide artwork that carries both authenticity and lasting value, rooted in craftsmanship and story.

Question 14

Do you ship artwork internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I offer international shipping for artwork, including both original paintings and fine art prints, directly from Alberta, Canada.
Each piece is carefully prepared and packaged in my studio, whether you are purchasing from within Canada or overseas. I regularly ship artwork to collectors in the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
Shipping times will vary depending on the destination. For example, fine art prints shipped to the UK typically arrive within around 10 business days, and in some cases even sooner. For more distant locations such as Australia, delivery times may be slightly longer, but I always aim to provide reliable and efficient international art shipping.
If you’re ordering an original painting or a custom commissioned artwork, shipping timelines may also depend on the size of the piece and the preparation required to ensure safe transport.
If you have any questions about shipping artwork internationally, delivery times, or packaging, feel free to contact me directly — I’m always happy to help you feel confident about your purchase.

Frequently asked questions