A "Giclee' Reproduction" is the highest quality print available today and can be printed on canvas or paper. The word Giclee' is a French word meaning "to squirt" or "to spray ink". The process is digital printmaking with a printer that uses very tiny droplets of ink to create prints that cannot be duplicated by other printing techniques. Because the cost of Giclee' printing for the artist is significantly more per print than offset reproductions, the image is saved in a digital format. By doing this, the image can be retrieved, and each Giclee' print can be printed on demand.
Giclee' reproductions may be signed and numbered in a limited edition. A signed and numbered print is a print from the edition that was individually inspected for accuracy and signed by the artist. Each print has its own number. If you purchase a print that was numbered 30/250, it means that the edition will be limited to 250. You have the number 30th one that was signed and numbered by the artist.
Since the early beginning, the technology in equipment, media, lightfast inks, and craftsmanship have advanced immeasurably. Both the paper and inks meet archival standards. Unlike offset reproductions, these fine art prints can be printed on 100% cotton rag watercolor papers. This gives each piece a similar look and feel to an original work of art. Acid-free pigmented inks are used and the image resolution (DPI or dots per inch) is actually higher than traditional lithography (offset reproductions), resulting in strong contrast with rich, intense color. The details are eye-popping. No dot pattern is visible to the human eye. The new inks used in Giclee' printing have the same longevity as the watercolor paints I use in my paintings. The quality is outstanding.
The Term: The term "giclee print" connotes an elevation in printmaking technology. Images are generated from high resolution digital scans and printed with archival quality inks onto various substrates including canvas, fine art, and photo-base paper. The giclee printing process provides better color accuracy than other means of reproduction.
The Process : Giclee prints are created typically using professional 8-Color to 12-Color ink-jet printers. Among the manufacturers of these printers are vanguards such as Epson, MacDermid Colorspan, & Hewlett-Packard. These modern technology printers are capable of producing incredibly detailed prints for both the fine art and photographic markets.
The Quality : The quality of the giclee print rivals traditional silver-halide and gelatin printing processes and is commonly found in museums, art galleries, and photographic galleries.
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PROPER CARE OF REPRODUCTIONS
As with any piece of art, careful attention to handling and placement are important for best preservation. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat and moisture. Avoid flourescent lighting. If you are unsure about the lighting conditions, additional protection against ultraviolet rays can be added by using UV Conservation Glass. Acid-free matting and backing are highly recommended.
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Thank you for your patronage! Keith Andry
