Giclee Prints

Norman Kearsley

08/27/07

WHAT IS A GICLÉE PRINT

A giclée is a superior quality limited edition print.

The giclée process produces a high resolution digital print and, like lithographs and serigraphs, it is a recognized fine art print category. In fact, the giclée process is now considered to be the world's best technique for reproducing original works of art.

Giclée (gee-clay) is a French word meaning to squirt or spray. The printing process involves depositing (squirting) microscopic dots of archival pigmented ink onto acid free high quality paper or canvas. The equipment used in the process has jets that are able to vary the width of the ink stream to a size equivalent to 1/100 the thickness of a human hair. This level of control is what enables the giclée to closely replicate the colors and detail of the original artwork. A giclée print has a higher resolution than offset lithographs and a much more dynamic range of colors. Each giclée print is produced one at a time unlike the lithograph process.

A giclée print should be cared for in the same manner as an original oil painting. Similarly it is not recommended to expose the giclée to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

EDITION NUMBERING & PRINT AUTHENTICITY

Each giclée print is accompanied with a certificate of authenticity including identification of the edition number of the print.

The edition size of a particular work of art is predetermined at the start of the printing process and is strictly controlled by the artist. For example, an edition size of 25 means that the edition may contain multiple sizes of the print but the total number of prints can not exceed 25. When the print is numbered 15/25, it is the 15th giclée print of a run of 25 pieces.

It is also customary for the artist to retain additional prints of the edition as artist's proofs. The proofs may also be offered for sale by the artist at a selling price of approximately 20% more than the main edition. These additional prints are usually limited to a number equal to 10% of the main edition quantity and they will be numbered in a similar manner to the main edition prints. Example: 1/3

MY GICLÉE PRINTS are produced on the highest quality 100% cotton duck fabric (canvas) and coated with a 99% UV lacquer to provide added protection against the environment, and the canvas is secured to stretcher strips to facilitate framing. All giclée prints are shipped in a black anodized aluminum frame.

Prints may be ordered by submitting an inquiry using the feedback form on this web site or via EMAIL.

Edition size for prints shown below is 25.

(Click on the image to enlarge)