For centuries there has been a snob factor in the art world. Those who paint in oils believe they are better than water color painters. Watercolor painters believe their work is superior to acrylic artists. And it seems that all mediums look down on the digital artist.
History shows that it takes generations for each new medium to become accepted.

    In the 15th century watercolor was used by Albrecht Durer, but was not accepted in England until the mid 1700s. Americans added to the snob factor by viewing watercolor as a sketching tool until the early 19th century when Winslow Homer’s work came along. Acrylics did not come along until the early 50’s when plastics made their way into our lives.

    Digital art began in the 90’s, and is struggling for its place in the art world. The first reason for this is that early prints were not of high quality. This is no longer the case. Giclee printers now use six colors and produce better quality prints than lithographs which use only four colors. While lithographs editions usually number several hundred to a thousand, giclee’s rarely go higher than one hundred.  Best of all, giclee’s are rated to last a lifetime when printed on acid free paper. The second reason is the traditional “snob factor”. Museums are coming around, but it may take some time for artists who paint in other mediums to accept the digital artist.

    I find this odd and disturbing. I am a digital artist whose work has been featured in fine art galleries in North East Pennsylvania and in newspaper articles. I work with a tablet and stylus that acts and reacts like traditional mediums. For example when I digitally paint with water color brushes, I must make each stroke, watch the paint spread and be aware that one color will show through another painted over it, etc. Whatever brush I choose (oil, pastel, charcoal etc.) mimics its real world counterpart. I spend just as much time on one of my pieces as they spend on theirs. The bottom line is that art is created by the artist, not the medium.

    Another issue I have is that some say digital artists should not use the word “paint”. Once again I disagree. One of the definitions of paint on dictionary.com reads; “A substance used as a coating to protect or decorate a surface”.

    My last issue is in using the word “original”. My art was created by me. That makes it original art. I make it clear in my listings that these are Giclee pieces.

    Ebay is a wonderful resource to find original works of art as long as the collector and artist understand the correct procedure.
1) If the listing reads “Giclee”, then it should be a high quality 6 color print on acid free paper or canvas. The collector should be aware that there may be more then one of these pieces sold.

2) If it is a self representing digital artist then it can be called original art. If the artist used another medium and then scanned or photographed the art, then it is not the original art, but a print of the artist’s original art.

3) Like with all mediums, it is best to purchase a piece that is individually signed by the artist. Dated is also a plus.

4) If it is a limited edition, it should have the edition number and the total editions that will be made of the piece somewhere on the art. (Front or back).

5) If you look at a piece and it moves you, amuses you, intrigues you, or soothes you, then forget all of the above because the art has done it’s job. Enjoy it.