The Difference Between Prints and Original Paintings

Two Paintings, One Big Difference

Imagine walking into an art gallery and seeing two paintings that look almost identical. One is an original, hand-painted piece by the artist. The other? A print. The prices? One costs a small fortune, and the other just a fraction of that.
You might think, “They look the same -what’s the big deal?”

Hi, I’m Adam – a painter who creates from passion. And I can tell you -the difference is huge. And it’s not just about the price. Let me show you what sets my original paintings apart from prints and why that difference really matters.

Hey there! I’m Adam, a painter who started creating art simply for the love of it. For me, painting is a way to express emotion and show the world as I see it.
Recently, I’ve started sharing my work with others, and one of the most common questions I get is:
“Adam, what’s the difference between your original paintings and prints?”
It’s a great question—because choosing between them really depends on what you’re looking for. A unique masterpiece? Or a beautiful, affordable piece of art?

In this post, I’ll explain the difference in simple terms, share a personal story, and help you decide what’s right for you.

An original painting is something I create from scratch. I start with a canvas, paper, or wood panel, mix my paints, and every brushstroke is a decision I make in the moment.
Each one is one-of-a-kind—there’s no second version. I often sign them and sometimes include a certificate of authenticity to show it’s my own work.

What Makes Originals So Special?

• Uniqueness: Even if I paint the same scene twice, each painting has small differences that make it truly one-of-a-kind.
• Personal connection: Owning an original is like owning a piece of my soul. You can see the texture, feel the brushstrokes—it’s real, raw, and alive.
• Investment potential: Originals, especially from artists who gain recognition, can increase in value over time.

💡 Think about Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” There’s only one original—and its value is priceless. You simply can’t replicate those brush marks.

What Are Prints?

Prints are high-quality reproductions of my original paintings. They’re created using modern printing techniques like giclée, which capture colours and details beautifully.
They can be sold as limited editions (like 100 copies) or open editions, and they come in different sizes and materials—paper or canvas.

Why Prints Are Awesome:

• Affordable: Prints cost significantly less than originals—so you can enjoy beautiful art without breaking the bank.
• Flexible: Choose the size, frame, and even material that fits your space and style.
• Accessible: Love one of my pieces but can’t afford the original? A print lets you enjoy it in your living room anyway.

💡 It’s like owning a print of the “Mona Lisa.” It looks great on the wall, but it’s not the real thing—and that’s okay!

When I first started painting, I did it just for myself, in a small room, because it made me happy.
One day, I painted a sunset landscape that a friend of mine absolutely loved. She wanted to buy it but the price for the original was a bit too high. So, I offered her a print instead.
She hung it in her dining room, and every time I visited, she’d tell me how much she loved it.

That made me realise something: prints can bring just as much joy as originals just in a different way.

Another time, a collector bought one of my original paintings. He told me he wanted something no one else could have—something that felt personal.
He said it was like owning a piece of my story.
For me, as an artist, both experiences are equally meaningful.

Why the Difference Matters

Should you care about the difference between originals and prints? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. Let’s break it down:

If you get chills when you look at art, an original painting is like a love letter from the artist.
You can feel the texture, see every brushstroke, and know it’s the only one in the world.

If you’re thinking long-term, originals are often the smarter investment.
Art from rising artists can become much more valuable over time. Limited edition prints can also hold value (especially if signed), but mass-produced prints usually don’t.

🏡 For Decorators: Practicality

If you’re decorating a space, prints are a fantastic choice. They’re affordable, available in many sizes, and easy to style.
Originals are great for standout spaces like over the fireplace but they’re more expensive and harder to match.

💰 For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Cost

Let’s be real originals can be pricey. Even small ones cost hundreds or thousands.
Giclée prints, on the other hand, look almost identical and usually cost between £40 and £150, depending on size and material.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

✅ Go for an Original if:

• You want something absolutely unique
• You collect art or hope it will gain value
• You’re ready to invest in a one-of-a-kind piece

✅ Choose a Print if:

• You’re on a budget but still want something beautiful
• You’re decorating multiple rooms and want flexibility
• You love the artwork but can’t afford the original right now

Whether you choose an original or a print, it’s all about what brings you joy.
Originals offer a sense of magic and personal connection and maybe even a future investment.
Prints make art more accessible and let you enjoy something meaningful in your home.

As an artist, I love creating both. Originals are like my personal journal each one tells a story only I can paint.
Prints are a way to share that story with the world.

Are you Team Original or Team Print?
Do you have a favourite painting that stole your heart?

Drop a comment below I’d love to hear from you!

And if you’d like to see my work, you can visit local exhibitions or browse online platforms where artists like me share their creations.
Find art that makes you feel something and let it brighten your world.