Original vs. Reproduction Art: Why Craig Mitchell’s Handmade Block Prints Are True Collector Pieces

In the world of fine art, few topics create more confusion for buyers than the difference between original art and reproductions. Prints, in particular, are often misunderstood. Many people assume that anything printed must be a copy. In reality, original block prints are entirely handmade works of art, created through a labor-intensive, traditional process that places them firmly in the category of original fine art.

For collectors of Nevada original art and Lake Tahoe landscapes, Craig Mitchell’s hand-carved block prints stand apart as true originals—crafted by hand, rooted in direct observation, and produced in intentionally small editions.

What's the Difference Between Original Art and Reproduction Art?

An original work of art is created directly by the artist’s hand through a physical process—painting, carving, engraving, or printing—where each finished piece is considered an authentic artwork in its own right. A reproduction, by contrast, is a mechanical copy of an existing image, typically produced through digital printing or offset printing in unlimited quantities.

Reproductions may be visually appealing, but they lack the physical touch of the artist, the uniqueness of individual creation, and the scarcity that drives long-term collector value. Original prints, when created through traditional printmaking methods, occupy a completely different category in the art world.

What Is an Original Block Print?

An original block print begins not with a photograph or digital file, but with a hand-carved block, typically made from wood. The artist carves the image in reverse into the block’s surface. Ink is then applied by hand, and paper is pressed onto the block to transfer the image. This process is repeated for each individual print.

With traditional block printing, the block itself is the original work of art from which the edition is created. Each finished print is therefore considered an original, not a copy—because it is created directly through the artist’s physical labor and craftsmanship.

Why Craig Mitchell’s Prints Aren't “Reproductions”

Craig Mitchell’s prints are often assumed to be reproductions simply because they are printed. In reality, they are entirely handmade original works. Craig personally carves every block, applies every layer of ink by hand, and pulls every sheet individually in his Reno studio. There is no mass production, no digital printing, and no mechanical replication.

Because of this, Craig’s work is properly classified as original block printmaking, not reproduction printing. Each finished piece carries subtle physical evidence of the carving, inking, and pressure used during printing—details that simply cannot be reproduced through commercial printing methods.

Hand-Carved from Real Landscapes, Not Photographs

What truly distinguishes Craig Mitchell’s work is not just how it is made, but what it is made from. Craig does not carve from photographs. His compositions are built from years of direct outdoor observation in Nevada and the Lake Tahoe region. He studies light, shifting weather, seasonal changes, and landforms firsthand before ever touching a block.

The result is work that reflects lived experience rather than photographic interpretation. This approach gives his prints a quiet authenticity and sense of place that collectors immediately recognize.

How Hand Printing Creates Subtle, Valuable Variations

Even within the same edition, no two hand-pulled block prints are ever perfectly identical. Variations occur naturally through changes in ink application, pressure, humidity, and paper absorption. These subtle differences are not flaws—they are hallmarks of authenticity.

Collectors value these variations because they confirm:

• The print was made by hand

• The artist personally controlled the process

• Each piece has its own slight individuality

This physical uniqueness is something mass-produced reproductions can never replicate.

Why Collectors Seek Out Craig Mitchell’s Work

Collectors are drawn to Craig Mitchell’s work for a rare combination of reasons: his nearly 40 years of first-hand landscape observation, his commitment to traditional block printing, and his deep connection to Nevada and the Sierra Nevada region. His work resonates not only as visual art but as a record of real places and real experience.

In addition, collectors value the consistency of his craftsmanship, the integrity of his editions, and the timeless quality of his compositions. Craig's block prints appeal equally to seasoned art collectors and first-time buyers seeking museum-quality regional art.

How to Authenticate Original Block Prints

Authentic block prints typically include:

• The artist’s signature

• An edition number (such as 12/50)

• Documentation of the printmaking process

• Consistency with known editions and release history

Craig Mitchell’s prints are clearly signed and numbered, providing built-in authentication and transparency for collectors.

The Takeaway: True Originals Rooted in Place and Craft

Craig Mitchell’s handmade block prints aren't reproductions—they are true original works of art, carved and printed by hand from lived experience in Nevada and the Lake Tahoe region. For collectors, they offer something increasingly rare: authenticity, limited availability, and a direct physical connection to the artist’s process.

In an era of unlimited digital replication, that kind of originality is exactly what gives these prints their lasting value.

FAQs

Is a block print considered original art?
Yes. When the image is carved and printed by the artist through traditional printmaking methods, each print is considered an original work of art.

Are limited edition prints a good investment?
Limited editions often hold or increase value over time, especially when created by established artists and produced in small quantities.

How long do Craig Mitchell prints last?
With proper care, block prints can last for many decades. Archival paper and professional framing greatly extend longevity.

How should you care for block prints?
Prints should be kept out of direct sunlight, framed with UV-protective glass, and stored in stable temperature and humidity conditions when unframed.