A Giclée print is the latest tool the artist has at his disposal to do quality reproductions in limited quantities. This new method provides light fast colors and faithful replication of the original. My prints are done on 140 pound d'Arches watercolor paper with the edition limited to 100 prints and 10 Artists Proofs of each painting. These will be signed and numbered in the order they are sold.

All print sizes are unframed sizes. Add roughly 8 inches to both dimensions to get the framed size. I use Nielson metal frames, usually in gold, unless otherwise specified, or the painting lends itself to a silver frame.

There is a choice in ordering. You may order the print framed and ready to hang or the print only, no frame or mat. The latter is naturally less expensive because of the frame costs and shipping.

In some cases the original may still be available for purchase. In this instance there will be a notation in the description and the price for the origina (usually $1200- $3000 depending on the size).

Giclée: The French term Giclee (pronounced zhee clay) means spray of ink and may be the finest four color reproduction available. Special fine art inks are sprayed onto archival paper and although printed at 300 dots per inch (DPI) they give an apparent visual effect of 1300 to 1500 DPI. Each nuance is so exactly duplicated that it gives the detail and definition of the original artwork.

How is a Giclée made: For reproductions, the technical part of the giclée process typically begins with either a digital photo of an original art work or a scan of a high quality copy transparency of the art work. In either case the file is downloaded onto a computer.

This is all done with sophisticated graphics software, and the possibilities for experimentation are virtually endless. A series of proofs helps fine-tune the image in preparation for the final printing.

Once the final proof (also known as a bon-a-tirer) is signed by the artist, the actual printmaking process is ready to begin.

At this point the paper, canvas, or other substrate is wrapped around a large drum in the printer. After careful cleaning of the substrate, the digital file representing the approved proof is processed by a computer controlling the printer, and the actual printmaking begins.

As the large drum rotates at a very high, controlled speed, a set of four nozzles begins to slowly traverse across the drum. As these four nozzles—one for each of the process colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—move across the drum, a highly controlled, incredibly small stream of ink is directed at the paper.

This stream of ink is composed of individual drops, each about three picoliters in volume (smaller than a red blood cell). It is controlled by the computer so that the image is faithfully reproduced on the spinning drum. After 45 to 60 minutes the printing process is complete.

The most frequent media is high quality watercolor paper and canvas. Archival characteristics or permanency is a very important factor in fine art printing. The weight of the paper, its texture, and its color are artistic decisions.

With an apparent 1800 d.p.i. (dots per inch) visual resolution and no "digital signature," it’s not surprising that distinguishing a giclée print from an original is very difficult. And it’s only going to become more difficult as new digital print technology produces more life-like prints better, faster, and cheaper than ever before.

Archival Paper: This type of paper meets the standards set for optimum longevity. Acid-free 140# D’Arches, 100% rag, textured watercolor paper is used.

The number of pieces of any given image is called the edition size. In this case the edition size is 100 Prints.

Signed and Numbered (S/N): Refers to art produced in limited multiples hand signed by the artist. For example a piece may be numbered 42/100. This means that the print is the 42nd signed of an edition of 100.

These prints are artist enhanced with the addition of gold leaf and in some cases Prismacolors©, thus rendering each print unique unto itself.