NATIONAL PEANUTS 50TH CELEBRATION

CHARLIE BROWN TOWN

FOR THE LOVE OF LUCY

PARTY IN THE PARK

PARTY IN THE PARK II

A lithographic print is a unique piece of art that is completely different than the animation cels.  "Peanuts" lithographs offer the individual interested in "Peanuts" art another great choice, outside of the cels.  Many other cartoons that offer cels do not have lithographs available.  Though a lithographic print is NOT an ORIGINAL piece of art, all "Peanuts" lithographs are only offered in limited editions.

A LITHOGRAPH is not an original piece of artwork.  It is a reproduction of an original piece of art.  The original piece can be replicated using several different methods ranging from "hand pulled" lithographs on 100 year old presses, to the more modern mechanical reproduction techniques.  The "Peanuts" lithographs created by Charles Schulz were done mechanically and then inspected by the artist for quality.

SIGNED LITHOGRAPHS

The first SIGNED LITHOGRAPH created by Charles Schulz was done in 1992.  (To read more about Charles Schulz click here.)  All "Peanuts" signed lithographs were signed by Charles Schulz and were made in limited quantities ranging from 250-500.

Schulz' signed lithographs were a departure from his normal comic strip format.  The originals are most often done in watercolor and present the "Peanuts" characters in famous or familiar scenes.  Some of Schulz' last pieces focused on sports, including hockey, golf, and baseball.

Schulz decided which scenes he would paint and produce as lithographs.  He produced between 1 and 9 pieces a year between 1992 and 1996.  This lithographs were often not released all at the same time during a given year.  Schulz' signed lithographs are very collectable since he passed on and since he did so few signed pieces of art each year.

SCHULTZ' SIGNED LITHOGRAPHS

UNSIGNED LITHOGRAPHS

UNSIGNED LITHOGRAPHS are very similar to the signed lithographs, except they are not hand signed by Schulz or anyone else.  The originals are most often done in watercolor, just like the signed lithographs.  Unsigned lithographs are produced in limited editions usually ranging from 250-500 pieces, like signed lithographs.  The scenes that are painted and produced as unsigned lithographs were chosen by Schulz, as were the signed lithographs.

The unsigned lithographs often feature sports themes, especially golf.  They also are usually presented in a "COMIC STRIP" FORMAT.  In fact, many of the unsigned lithographs have once appeared as comic strips in the daily paper.  The unsigned lithographs, of course, are more attractive than the original strip, since they are larger and are presented in full color.  The last series of unsigned lithographs were not sports related, but are equally popular.

Unsigned lithographs are VERY popular.  One reason may be their affordability.  Because they are not hand signed, they do not cost as much as a cel or a signed piece of art.  However, they are produced in limited editions, which makes them VERY COLLECTABLE.  Also, the sports themes (especially golf) are very popular with collectors.  The "comic strip" format is also extremely popular with the public.

Unsigned lithographs are a great way for a new fan or collector to start a "Peanuts" art collection without spending a large amount of money on the cels or the signed lithographs.

Written by Eric A. Wildgrube.  From "Knott's Camp Snoopy Peanuts Animation Art Training Guide."

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EAW Peanuts 2005© is an EAW Productions 2005© venture and is written and produced by Eric A. Wildgrube.
EAW Peanuts 2005 is a personal home page and has no affiliation and/or association implied or otherwise with United Features Syndicate, Creative Associates, or United Media.
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All images of Snoopy and Peanuts characters on this web site are images of items from the author's personal collection.