Giclée (jee-clay) is a French term, when applied to printing means a "spray of ink". Creating a Giclée print requires the utmost care and attention on the part of the technician. In the reproduction of art, the original art work is photographed on transparency film which is then scanned into a computer and turned into a digital image. The technician then fine tunes the digital image on the computer so that when it is printed the colors are as close to the original art as possible. This requires many test prints since the color on the computer screen never exactly matches the printed results. When the final evaluation is complete, the computer then relays the image to an inkjet printer, usually either an Iris printer or an Epson. The printer produces the image by delivering a fine spray of ink, up to a million micro droplets per second. Each droplet is four times smaller than a human hair. The display of a full color spectrum allows for the portrayal of the finest detail and vibrancy of the artist's original image and maximum resolution of color density. Each print from the digital image is identical to all before if it is printed on the same printer and media. The Giclée is produced using ultraviolet resistant inks and the medium is chosen for its longevity and compatibility with these inks. We use French “Arches” cold press water color paper when using a paper media which produces a softening of the color intensity. Since the inks are water based, these prints resemble a water color painting in their visual effect. Canvases are also chosen for their longevity, color gamut/luminosity and crack-free stretching characteristics. They are a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester (8 oz. - 18 point thickness), triple primed and gelatin coated fine art canvas. Once the ink is dry, they are triple sprayed with Lyson Print Guard Archival Top-Coat Spray which helps to protect the prints from moisture and fingerprint smudging. It also helps to block harmful image-fading ultra violet rays. Care must be taken to protect the prints. Like all prints, with exposure to direct sun, in time they will show some fading. Moisture can affect them. So it is recommended that when hanging these lovely image, they should not be placed in direct sun and if hung in a moist environment, the frame should be sealed against moisture. This will help ensure that the images can be enjoyed for generations. These fine art prints are offered in limited, the editions established by the artist. Giclée prints have been shown in museums and galleries throughout the world. When generated from original photographs shot on film, they are can be considered just like limited edition photographic prints on silver based photographic paper. In fact, they are liable to last just as long or even longer based on test by the by the Wilheim Institute by Henry Wilheim. We welcome any comments or questions (contact us). HOME | Contact Us | Order Art | About Our E-Gallery | Giclée Prints On every page of this site and the "gallery" sites of the artists that this site leads to, all rights are reserved to images, photographic reproductions, art and artwork and texts which are wholly owned and copyrighted by Peter D'Apris and each artist involved. The pages of the site are Peter D'Aprix©2001. No copying, reuse or partial reproduction permitted without written permission by the authors, Pete D'Aprix and any particular artist involved. This copyright is protected by copyrights laws. Visit the Library of Congress for U.S. Copyrights Law.