Heritage Masterpiece prints:
  • combine photographic creativity with the talent of a watercolor artist to create one-of-a-kind images.
  • all are created on the finest archival 100% rag watercolor paper.
  • use pigmented inks that represent a totally new level of image quality and longevity.
  • do not require laquering as do other processes.

Image Selection Guidelines:

Impressionistic, story-telling type people images work well. Landscapes lend themselves well to the "painterly" styles. With the wide variety of artistic photographic styles that abound, the "best image" is difficult to define. Generally, an image that has feeling, mood, and elicits emotion will work well. We are always open to suggestions and are constantly experimenting with various styles and effects.

What to Provide:

We prefer to work from original negatives or transparencies whenever possible. This provides us with the highest quality digital file from which to create. We can, however, scan from your photos and achieve quality results. Additionally, supplying a proof print along with the negative is essential, especially when specific requests are made such as retouching and cropping instructions.

  • Lighting and Contrast: Images should be well lit and exhibit sufficient contrast. A minimum lighting ratio of 2:1 on faces is desirable but not imperative. Subjects in shadow areas without adequate fill will not lend themselves well to these techniques or printing.
  • Sharpness: Images must have acceptable sharpness, especially in the faces or any other important main subject areas. Soft focus is OK if not overdone; out of focus simply will not work.

Retouching:

Our price structure includes minor spotting and touch-up at the discretion of our artists. Should you require more specific artwork, including removal of objects or people, changes in background, etc., please indicate this in the special instruction section of the order form. We will not call for approval if the retouching fee is under $40.

Painting Instructions:

Each Heritage Masterpiece Print is a unique piece of art. Be aware that because of the differences in media and inks, colors and densities may vary from the original photographic image. It is important to check the appropriate box in the painting instructions section of the order form. The more instructions you supply, the closer we will be able to come to your final idea.

Helpful Hints:

  • Do not use vignettes. It tends to 'muddy' the image. If you would like an area lightened or darkened, make a notation on your order form and let us do it for you.
  • Do not retouch negatives and supplied prints. Even though you may feel that you've done a very good job, our scanners are of the highest resolution and they SEE ALL.
  • Use minimal soft focus if you must use any at all. Again, if you would like an area of the final image softened, make a notation on the order form and let us take care of it.
  • Having more depth of field in your original image works better than less.
  • Be extremely critical of subtle color shifts. As light intensity falls off a subject or background, it also changes color.
  • If you wish to do some artwork or retouching on your watercolor print, it is extremely easy to do so. Because of the texture, it will accept pencils or chalks with just the slightest touch. Do not rub it on, simply use a light touch. We must caution you, however that should you choose to work on these prints, any and all claims or warranties by us would be void.
  • Dark or black areas in an image where there is no detail tend to simply "block up".
  • Do not tape negatives to crop cards for this service. Negatives cannot be put on the scanner with a crop card attached. The less handling of negatives, the better.
  • Because of the archival nature of all materials used in your watercolor print, you should sign them using a graphite pencil.
  • The final watercolor print is viewed under a combination of tungsten light and daylight before delivery.
  • Your original envelope order number is your archival file number and is used for all references. It is also the number that goes on your certificate of authenticity. Therefore, please ensure that you fill out a separate order form for each watercolor print ordered.
  • When you are creating a portrait, leave lots of extra room around the subject. When we paint an edge, it crops some of the image and the subject may look too crowded in the space.

 

To place an order Click Here. To contact us Click Here.

© Copyright Appletree Photographic Arts