Questions and Answers Concerning a Giclee Print ?
Q. How is "Giclee" pronounced?
It is pronounced "zhee-clay" with the accent on the "clay". It is a french word and should be spoken with the french accent.
Q. What is a Giclee Print?
Giclees are fine art prints that
can literally cause people to wonder, including the artist,
whether they are looking at an original or the print. The process is a result of the convergence of advanced digital and
computer technologies in addition to state of the art equipment coupled with
skilled eyes. Fine printmakers are dedicated to reproducing the subtle qualities of the original work. Never before has it been possible
to produce prints that so closely rival the impact and appeal of an original
work.
Q. Is a Giclee a Canvas Transfer?
A Giclee
is not a "canvas transfer". A canvas transfer is a
process that takes regular offset prints, that have been wet down in a chemical
solution and then essentially "glues" them to a canvas to create a textured
"canvas transfer" look. Then, when dry, they are painted over with a gel to
simulate brush strokes. Many people like them and enjoy them, and one web site
that sells them refers to them as "masterworks". They do not, however, even come
close to giving you the level of fidelity and brilliance a giclee
yields.
Q. How long will Giclee last?
Excellent Giclee prints,
preserved with care, can last over a hundred and forty years.
Of course these predictions do not always approximate the lighting conditions in homes and offices. Greater light exposure levels (especiall direct sunlight) will significantly reduce the display-life, while lower light exposure levels will increase the display-life.
Q. How do I know a good quality giclee?
A quality Giclee print should be clear and clean in its colors. It should yield an
image with virtually the same amount of depth and definition as that seen in the
original work. A quality Giclee print is almost indistinguishable from the original.
Giclee prints can be produced on both artists canvas as well as on high quality papers
of different textures and weights (although Giclee Prints by Jeanene are produced on canvas). The image of a Giclee print seems to be almost
painted on; the result of the fact that the image is in effect "sprayed on" to
the canvas or paper. There is no "dot pattern" as is present in all regular
offset lithographs of the type you normally see selling in frame shops and even
galleries.
Q. Is this the same as a an oil imitation?
No. These are not canvas trasfers from inexpensive paper prints or posters, nor are they hand-painted oil imitations that rarely capture or resemble the Master's oriinal intent and brushstrokes. A high quality Giclee reproduction uses advanced technology to make replicas of the original painting with vibrant colors and detail on the finest grade artist canvas available. However, they may differ in the finishing coat they receive.
Q. Since they are shipped to me unframed and unstretched, to whom can I trust to stretch and frame them beautifully?
They should be taken to a qualified frame shop and ask that they stretch the canvas carefully preserving all the color of the art work as much as possible. A beautiful frame can truly enhance art work and make it much more attractive. If the frame chosen does not compliment the artwork, then the eye of the beholder is limited and often even turned away without understanding what is wrong with the painting. If one has paid the price for an excellent reproduction, then also be prepared to frame it with a beautiful frame. Sometimes it may even pay to ask the opinion of an expert.
Q. Is a Giclee print a good investment?
Yes giclee prints are a good investment because it is much more
affordable. Every image is an original print in its own right; individually
inspected from start to finish The
more-compelling-and-better-quality an artist can produce, the more his or her
works increase in demand. It is a valid investment for art appreciation.
Also, a Giclee is a good investment if you love art and you desire to own a piece of art that can excite you and make you feel satisfied like the original you fell in love
with does. If you love art enjoyment and appreciation and desire to own beautiful works of art at a reasonable price, then by all means invest in the Giclee Fine Art Prints.
The important point to remember when buying a work of art, whether
you are talking about an original or a print, is the quality of the work and the
impact it has on you. Do you like it and want to
have it for yourself and hang in your home. Therefore, buy what you want based on your loving it, Consider whether the work speaks personally to you and whether it truly excites you . Study the quality of the work and/or the
reproduction and if it is excellent, be prepared to pay the artist their asking price because they know how much time it has taken to produce such a fine piece.
Beautiful art is its own excuse for buying it.
Q.Why is this an exciting time to be an artist?
Today is one of the most exciting time an artist could hope
to live in. For the first time it is possible to take all the talent, effort,
sacrifice and work that goes into creating an original work and share
it with many collectors. Unlike the past, where too often, a person
bought the original for pennies and then left with the art in hand possibly never to be
seen again, while the artist went back to the canvas not feeling adequately compensated.
One's creative giftt
is meant to be shared, enjoyed and loved by the many – not just the few, and
today it can be.
Q. What is considered to be a true Giclee Print?
It should:
- Begin with a high quality digital file, either from professionally scanned film, digital capture or computer created art that has been color worked and profiled for the intended output.
- Be printed using state-of-the-art inkjet printers which have been calibrated in a closed-loop color management system.
- Be printed with archival pigmented inks, specifically formulated for the substrate.
- Be printed on an archival watercolor paper or canvas
- Be printed by a master printer, who has demonstrated thorough understanding of color theory and imaging software and who has the experience and artistic talent to interpret and replicate your artistic vision.
