Studio Glossary
Studio Glossary | Lisa Rees Art
The Studio Glossary is a curated collector reference explaining the materials, processes, techniques and terminology central to the studio practice of Lisa Rees. It has been developed for collectors, interior designers and commission clients seeking greater insight into original artwork, gold leaf, archival-quality materials, fine art printing and the layered construction of contemporary mixed-media artworks.
Original Artwork
A unique, hand-created artwork produced by Lisa Rees using artist-grade acrylics, layered mediums and, where specified, hand-applied gold leaf. Each original is individually composed and professionally finished, with its own physical surface, texture and material character.
Commission Artwork
A bespoke original artwork created by Lisa Rees in collaboration with a collector. Commissions may be tailored to scale, palette, mood and intended placement while retaining Lisa Rees' distinctive artistic language and approach to texture, composition and gold leaf.
Made-to-Order Original
An original artwork created after purchase based on an established Lisa Rees composition. Unlike a fully bespoke commission, a made-to-order original follows an existing creative direction while still being individually hand-painted and possessing its own natural variations and material character.
Gold Leaf (Hand-Applied)
Extremely thin sheets of metal applied by hand and integrated into an artwork. Depending on the individual work, Lisa Rees may use genuine high-karat gold leaf or imitation gold leaf. The material creates reflective light, surface variation and dimensional presence that differ from conventional metallic paint.
Gilding
The artistic practice of applying gold leaf or another metal leaf to a prepared surface. Within the work of Lisa Rees, gilding involves the controlled application and integration of leaf within the painted surface, followed by appropriate isolation, protection and finishing for the materials used.
Artist-Grade Acrylic
Professional acrylic paint formulated with quality pigments and binders for colour strength, consistency and durability. Artist-grade acrylics support the layering, texture and expressive colour used throughout Lisa Rees originals.
Giclée Print
A high-resolution fine art reproduction produced using archival-quality pigment inks on artist-selected paper or canvas. Giclée printing is valued for colour accuracy, tonal detail and professional fine art reproduction.
Limited Edition Canvas Artwork
A fine art reproduction on canvas released in a predetermined and strictly limited edition. Lisa Rees limited-edition canvas artworks are individually numbered and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, providing collectors with a documented edition number and provenance.
Open Edition Fine Art Print
A fine art reproduction released without a predetermined edition limit. Open-edition prints provide a more accessible way to collect imagery from Lisa Rees artworks while retaining professional fine art printing standards.
Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
An official document accompanying Lisa Rees originals and limited-edition canvas artworks. The Certificate of Authenticity records identifying information about the artwork and supports provenance and authorship. Fine art prints do not include a Certificate of Authenticity.
Archival-Quality Materials
Materials selected with longevity and stability in mind. Depending on the artwork, these may include quality canvas, artist-grade pigments, professional mediums, isolation layers and protective finishing systems.
Professional Artwork Finishing
The final protective processes applied to an artwork after the painted layers have sufficiently cured. Depending on the materials used, this may include an isolation layer and professional varnish selected to protect the surface while maintaining the intended visual finish.
Varnish
A protective finishing layer applied after appropriate curing and preparation. The selected finish can influence surface sheen, colour depth and the way light interacts with painted and gilded areas.
Mediums
Materials used with or alongside paint to alter texture, body, transparency or surface dimension. Mediums contribute to the layered and tactile qualities visible within many Lisa Rees artworks.
Palette Knife Technique
A painting technique in which a flat blade is used to apply, spread or shape paint and medium. Palette-knife application can create expressive marks, defined edges and dimensional surface texture.
Diptych
An artwork composed of two coordinated panels intended to be displayed together as a unified composition. Diptychs can create rhythm and visual movement across wider interior spaces.
Triptych
An artwork composed of three coordinated panels intended to form a connected composition. Triptychs are particularly suited to expansive walls where scale, balance and visual flow are important.
Figurative Art
Art that represents recognisable aspects of the human form. Within the work of Lisa Rees, contemporary figurative compositions often explore identity, strength and transformation through expressive figures, layered surfaces, fashion-influenced elements and gold leaf.
Production Time
The timeframe required to complete an original, commission or made-to-order artwork. Production time may include painting and layering stages, drying, gilding, curing and professional finishing before an artwork is ready for delivery.
Art Sleep-Over
A seven-day try-at-home experience available on selected ready-to-ship Lisa Rees originals. Eligible collectors can experience the artwork within their own space before deciding whether to complete the purchase, subject to the current Art Sleep-Over terms.
Closing Note
The Studio Glossary is intentionally curated rather than exhaustive. It reflects the materials, techniques, editions, production methods and collector terminology central to the artistic practice of Lisa Rees and will continue to evolve as her work develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gold leaf in art?
Gold leaf is an extremely thin metallic material applied by hand to a prepared surface. Within Lisa Rees originals, gold leaf may be integrated into painted and textured areas to create reflective light, surface variation and dimensional presence.
What is the difference between an original artwork and a fine art print?
An original is an individually hand-created artwork by Lisa Rees, while a fine art print is a high-quality reproduction of an original artwork produced using professional fine art printing processes.
What does archival-quality mean in art?
Archival-quality describes materials selected with long-term stability and preservation in mind. Depending on the medium, this can include artist-grade paints, quality supports, professional mediums, protective finishes and archival-quality fine art printing materials.
How long does a commissioned artwork take?
Commission timelines vary according to scale, complexity, drying stages, gilding and finishing requirements. Lisa Rees commissions are created through a layered studio process, with the expected timeframe confirmed as part of the commission process.
What is the difference between a diptych and a triptych?
A diptych consists of two coordinated artwork panels displayed together, while a triptych consists of three coordinated panels forming a connected composition. Both formats can be used to create scale and visual flow across wider walls.