Is it the original?

We frequently receive calls from people who want to know if an artwork that they have acquired, perhaps from a relative or at an estate sale, is an original watercolor or a poster. Tens of thousands of Barbara Froula's posters were sold, especially during the 80s and 90s, so the odds are good that they might have a print. If any printed copy is visible on the piece, it is a poster. If the paper is coated and very smooth, this indicates a poster. A signature is usually printed on the poster, so a signature does not necessarily indicate that it is the original. The best way to identify a poster is to view it magnified through a loupe like the ones jewelers use. If a regular pattern of tiny dots is visible, it indicates an offset print or poster. These dots would appear similar to those of a picture in a magazine.

If a continuous tone is visible, it may be the original or a giclée print.

Distinguishing an original watercolor from a giclée is a bit more difficult and would involve looking closely at the highlight areas, measuring the art and comparing it to the original's size if known, and evaluation of the paper. When a giclée is sold, a label is always included to identify it as a fine art print.

Posters fade over time due to the inks used. Many are still in print and can be replaced with another poster ordered from this website, or if a non-fading version is desired, a giclée print made with long-lasting pigment-based inks can be ordered in any size. In some cases, the original may be available for purchase. Below is a list of some of our posters with their published dimensions (paper size followed by image size) for reference; if the size matches yours, that would be another indication that it could be a poster.