What are giclees?
Giclées are fine art prints from a digital source using ink-jet printing. The giclées (ZHEE-clays) for sale are produced by our vendor, which uses high quality digital scanning, the latest imaging technology, and state-of-the-art printers, using an eight-color pigmentation process with 100% archival inks and media.
The artist drops off or overnights original art to the vendor, which then scans the original art, uses imaging software to make any adjustments, and then prints the image on fine art paper as a sample for the artist. The artist comes in to examine the sample by comparing it to the original art to inspect the colors and details. After inspection, the artist is able to make suggestions for additional changes to the scanned and digitized image. Once the artist approves a sample, the art is finalized in the computer and printed on fine art paper selected by the artist. After the giclées are printed, the artist picks them up from the vendor or has them sent overnight. Thereafter, the vendor can readily print giclées for future orders from the artist.
What is the quality of giclees?
The giclée process is considered to be state-of-the-art reproduction of original art. The Louvre in Paris uses this process to reproduce paintings for display purposes rather than show the original paintings to protect them from the environment. While the giclée will never equal the original painting due to slight differences in variation in color and other factors, the visual quality of the giclée is quite outstanding in our opinion.
How long will giclees last?
According to our vendor, their giclées made with wide-gamut pigmented inks are estimated to last more than 80 years without noticeable fade.
- Touching the surface of the artwork with your fingers will leave oils and other residue on the art.
- If the artwork is not protected with a frame, glass, or lamination, do not leave it exposed to sunlight or a heat source, which will fade the color over time.
- Extremes in temperature, hot or cold, will affect the artwork and possibly cause damage.
- If you want to store the unframed artwork in a box, use acid-free materials to protect it.
How do I purchase giclees?
Limited edition giclées that are currently for sale are listed in the Gallery under Items for Sale. They have an image size of 12″ x 16″ with a one-inch border. The giclées, which are all signed and numbered, are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by our vendor and the artist.
If you are interested in other sizes or if you would like to purchase a giclée for anything else in the gallery, please email us for information.