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What is a Giclee?

As high tech computer technology has advanced, so too has fine art reproduction followed. A new process of reproducing fine art using state of the art computer technology has arrived, and this product is called a “Giclee”. Giclee is a French term meaning “spray of ink”, which describes part of the process. The word is pronounced “Gee-clay”.

The accuracy, clarity, sharpness and color vibrancy of reproductions produced by the Giclee process has astounded the art world. Fine art collectors around the globe have been quick to embrace today’s modern advances in technology and it is easy to see why. It is often very difficult to distinguish the original piece of art from a Giclee reproduction!

How the Process Works:

The original painting is scanned into a high-grade computer system using an $80,000 high tech resolution digital camera. This equipment has only been available for a year or so. Rather than taking a single photograph of the original painting, the painting is scanned in tiny sections using a grid pattern, which captures minute detail. Once in the computer, size, color, and many other options are available to the computer technician to reproduce the most accurate reproduction possible. The image is then programmed into a $20,000 high tech specialty art ink-jet printer. The ink-jet reproduces the image by delivering a fine spray of ink, up to a million mico-droplets per second. Each droplet is only one quarter of the diameter of a human hair. The incredible process allows for the display of the complete color spectrum with maximum resolution of color and density. Collectors need to be aware that there are inexpensive produced works that are mistakenly called Giclees.

Each Giclee, depending upon size, requires 30 minutes to an hour per piece to reproduce. John Paul Strain Giclees are printed on 100% of the highest quality rag archival paper and museum quality canvas, using the finest grade fade-resistant inks. Each Giclee is individually sprayed with an additional coat of UV protected varnish.

For the ultimate in fine art reproductions John Paul Strain Giclees will be collected and enjoyed for generations.

TM