Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Giclee fine art print?

A Giclee fine art print is artwork created by an Artist, often in collaboration with a Master Printer, through a process that enables it to be repeated.

The number of pieces of any given image is called the edition size.

Fine art prints are made using a broad range of techniques. The technique chosen for each image is based on a variety of factors:

• original medium (oil, watercolor, etc.)
• colors in the work,
• precision in the image, and
• the artist's personal preferences
• other

In all cases, I have the final say on every element of the print and personally sign and number each print.

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How is a Giclée made?

For reproductions, the technical part of the giclée process typically begins with either a digital photo of an original art work or a scan of a high quality copy transparency of the art work. In either case the file is downloaded onto a computer.

In many cases the artist and/or publisher sit down with the printmaker at a high resolution monitor to crop, size, adjust softening and highlighting, adjust color, or possibly to manipulate all or selective parts of an image.

This is all done with sophisticated graphics software, and the possibilities for experimentation are virtually endless. A series of proofs helps fine-tune the image in preparation for the final printing.

Once the final proof (also known as a bon-a-tirer) is signed by the artist, the actual printmaking process is ready to begin.

At this point the paper, canvas, or other substrate is wrapped around a large drum in the printer. After careful cleaning of the substrate, the digital file representing the approved proof is processed by a computer controlling the printer, and the actual printmaking begins.

As the large drum rotates at a very high, controlled speed, a set of four nozzles begins to slowly traverse across the drum. As these four nozzles—one for each of the process colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—move across the drum, a highly controlled, incredibly small stream of ink is directed at the paper.

This stream of ink is composed of individual drops, each about three picoliters in volume (smaller than a red blood cell). It is controlled by the computer so that the image is faithfully reproduced on the spinning drum. After 45 to 60 minutes the printing process is complete.

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What kind of paper are Giclées printed on?

Giclées can be printed on most absorbent media—from acid free paper and canvas to silk and leather—up to 35 x 47 inches.

The most frequent paper is high quality watercolor paper or canvas. Archival characteristics or permanency is a very important factor in fine art printing. The weight of the paper, its texture, and its color are artistic decisions.

Printers belonging to the International Association of Fine Art Digital Printmakers (IAFADP) have agreed to provide customers with all the information required to make informed decisions about the material used in creating their prints.

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What is the resolution of Giclée print?

With an apparent 1800 d.p.i. (dots per inch) visual resolution and no "digital signature," it’s not surprisingthat distinguishing a giclée print from an original is very difficult. And it’s only going to become more difficult as new digital print technology produces more life-like prints better, faster, and cheaper than ever before.

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Glossary of Terms:

Giclee:
The French term Giclee (pronounced zhee clay) means spray of ink and may be the finest four color reproduction available. Special fine art inks are sprayed onto archival paper and although printed at 300 dots per inch (DPI) they give an apparent visual effect of 1300 to 1500 DPI. Each nuance is so exactly duplicated that it gives the detail and definition of the original artwork.

UV Coated:
A coating that provides additional UV (Ultra Violet) protection to the image.

Inks:

Archival Paper:
This type of paper meets the standards set for optimum longevity. Papers are acid-free.

Somerset:
A versatile textured 100% rag archival paper. Satin (550 gm weight) is smoother in texture than Velvet (330 gm).

Signed and Numbered (S/N):
Refers to art produced in limited multiples hand signed by the artist. For example a piece may be numbered 42/175. This means that the print is the 42nd signed of an edition of 175.

The number does not indicate any difference in quality or value. Each of the numbered prints are of equal merit and carry the designation of S/N.

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What do you charge to ship?

If you are purchasing from California, sales tax will be added to your oder.

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What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept:

• Personal Checks
• PayPal

Authorization takes only a minute. When the purchase is complete, I'll keep you updated via electronic mail on delivery progress until you receive the actual painting.

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