Frequently
Asked Questions
What is a Giclée?
In simple terms a Giclée
is a print done on canvas (the look of an orginal for a fraction
of the price). A giclée (pronounced "zheeclay") is a French word
meaning "fine spray". It is a computer generated print that is
produced by the spraying of an image on to fine art paper or canvas.
It is extremely difficult to tell the difference between an
original and a giclée, a giclée being the closest duplication
of original artwork humanly, mechanically, or technically possible.
The cornerstone of
this process is an IRIS ink jet printer, which is specifically
designed for the rigorous, and precise criteria of fine art collectors
and connoisseurs of museum quality, limited edtion prints.
From a hundred inkjets
more than a million droplets of ink per second are sprayed on
canvas or watercolor paper spinning on a large drum. Once completed,
an image is comprised of almost 20 billion droplets of ink. The
inks used are specially formulated so that the fine print heads
can spurt jets of ink in minute droplets at a resolution of 1440
dpi. The canvas or paper used is specially prepared to accept
this type of printing. As with other fine art printing processes,
the artist approves "proofs" of the art print to insure that the
right tone, depth and color is produced.
The resulting print
has no perceptible dot pattern. It is composed of an endless array
of miniscule dots of richly saturated color, and retains every
nuance of the original image. The most archival, water based light-fast
inks available in the world are used. The latest inks offer a
70-year light-fastness and UV-resistance under museum archival
conditions.
When giclée prints
are produced on good quality paper or canvas, the print should
possess archival standards of permanence comparable or better
than other collectible artwork. The visual quality of the print
is extremely high and the color saturation and definition stunning.
How do I frame a Giclée?
It is best to take
your Giclée to a professional framer. Choose the frame that best
suits the Giclée. All Giclée's have to be stretched before they
are framed.
I notice that your
giclees are shipped rolled. How do I stretch a giclee and what do
I have to do to get it framed?
It can be done, but
for most people who are not in the framing business it would make
sense to have a professional stretch it. The framer just stretches
the flat canvas onto stretcher bars so that the piece can then
be placed into a frame. It is usually not expensive to have it
stretched, and then a standard frame or a custom frame can be
chosen to complement the artwork.
How do I frame an
original painting?
It is best to take
your original painting to a professional framer. Choose the frame
that best suits the painting. All original artwork comes on stretcher
bars and is pre-stretched.
Will it be hard for
me to find a frame?
Most of our prints
and originals are produced in standard sizes, so finding a frame
should be quite easy. Many local frame stores have standard frames
that will fit, or if you prefer having a custom frame built, your
local framer can help with frame styles and colors to fit the
piece. (The exception to the rule will be some of the giclee sizes,
which were determined by the size of the original, and produced
to fit the correct proportions of the original.)
How long does it take
you to do a painting?
That is a difficult
question to answer. Since I work in Acrylics I usually work on
two or more paintings at once. I will work on one while another
is drying, with possibly three or four at different completion
stages in my studio. Since I switch back and forth from one piece
to another it is difficult to say how long each one takes to complete.
Of course the size of the piece, and the amount of detail, will
also determine the length of time it takes. On the average however,
I would say each piece takes me a matter of days, not weeks, unless
it is a very large, detailed painting.
How do the actual
colors of the prints compare to what I am seeing on the website?
As all computers vary
in color according to the make and settings of each individual
computer there will naturally be discrepancies from one computer
to another. We feel quite certain however that when you receive
your giclee or print that you will be pleasantly surprised by
the beautiful, intense colors, no matter which print that you
order. The colors of our prints are rich and striking, but unfortunately
most computers do not do justice to the actual color and quality
of the prints. If however, you are disappointed in any way or
for any reason your money will be refunded.
I notice that some
of the prints have different sets of sizes available. Why is that?
The sizes of the prints
are determined by the size of the original artwork. Each one must
be printed to the proportions of the original.
Do you do commission
work?
Yes, we do. Please
contact Dee at the address
below or phone her at (707) 874-1649.
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