Giclée Prints

The word Giclée comes from a French term that means to squirt. It has become a very popular marketing term that now refers to a high quality, archival, limited edition reproduction of a given work of art.

What is a Limited Edition?

A limited run of reproductions of a painting.

Normally, the number of reproductions in a limited edition is set by the artist. Usually the number ranges from as few as 25 to a more typical number of 100. These editions are then signed and numbered in the artists own hand someplace on the paper on which the edition was printed. An indication that you have a limited edition Giclée is that you will see on the print something like “1/25″ and there will be a signature or logo of the artist. The “1/25″ indicates that you have the first of 25 prints in that edition. These marks are usually in pencil.

Depending on how good the original photography was on the work of art being used for a Giclée, the reproduction can really be outstanding. Colors are extremely close to the original works of art because of meticulous color adjustments by a professional. Paintings are place right next to a print for reference to ensure that the intent of the artist is achieved.

What is Archival Paper?

The prints are done on archival paper. ‘Archival’ indicates that the paper is ‘acid free’. That means the paper will last hundreds of years without yellowing or deterioration. The right paper is extremely important. But equally important (if not more so) are the inks used.

Dye based inks, like those found in home printers, have a relatively short life-span. After even a few months in sunlight or even daylight, dye based inks will be faded. Inks used in Giclées of my artwork are pigment based, like oil paints, and therefore fade much more slowly. In fact, pigment based inks have been shown to last as long as 150 years in normal lighting conditions!

Integrity

You can be certain that any Giclée prints of my work will be truly archival, using acid free papers and pigment based inks. And when I say an edition is 25 prints long, you can be sure that I will sell no more prints of an edition after they reach 25. Of course, you can always buy the original, which will last hundreds of years!