GICLÉE - A Brief Background
The word itself - a French term that means “spray of ink” - is pronounced “zee-CLAY.”

The Process
A 4 x 5 or 8 x 10 color transparency is made of the original artwork, scanned to a digital file, and then downloaded to a computer or the artwork is scanned directly to a digital file. The image can then be manipulated if needed (ie: color corrected, blemishes removed).

The finished product is then printed by a fine art inkjet printer that sprays millions of drops per second onto a substrate (in my case, 140# acid free Somerset watercolor paper for the IRIS giclées and fine art acid free watercolor paper for regular giclées) thereby creating a continuous tone reproduction.

The Finished Product
Since Giclées feature deep, rich colors and lack the dot pattern associated with offset lithography, they have the look and feel of an original piece of art.

A critical component of the Giclée process is the type of ink used to produce the print. I have chosen a printing service that uses specifically designed inks for archival fine art reproduction. When properly framed and hung, the giclée inks can last for generations.

I recommend UV glass be used when framing an original watercolor or a limited edition Giclée print. Make sure not to hang the original painting or the giclée in direct sunlight. Following these two suggestions will protect both original and reproduction artwork, giving the pieces a long life.