What is a Giclee Painting or Reproduction?

Giclee (pronounced Gee�clay) is a French word that means to spray or squirt ink. Giclee reproductions are created from an extremely detailed digital file that is sent to a very specialized printer. Think of it as a very high end inkjet printer. However, these specialty printers are a far cry from your personal desktop printer. Giclee printers are very large, and capable of handling different forms of media such as painter's canvas, heavy bond watercolor paper, and other specialized printing material.

Giclee printing produces extremely accurate reproductions. In fact, it is nearly impossible to tell it is not an original oil or watercolor painting... unless you actually touch the canvas or print. The final print has all the color variations, tonalities and textures of the original painting.  This process is widely used by the best museums and galleries around the world.

What is digital painting?

Digital painting combines traditional painting techniques with digital tools.  It is different from computer-generated art where the computer renders the drawing via push button filter. 

I create the painting, directly on my Mac, by using a Wacom tablet and a stylus pen.  The Wacom tablet can be compared to a canvas or watercolor paper surface.  The stylus pen is my paintbrush. 

When I complete a digital painting, the file is archived and then printed directly onto watercolor paper or canvas. 

When I commission a painting from you, what do I need to do?

I would require a photograph from you.  Digital photography is the preferred format and may be sent via e-mail. Use at least a 3 megapixel camera for the shot. The higher the megapixel, the better the image quality.

 

I am also able to produce a larger painting with higher resolution cameras. Use your camera's best shot setting, and do not try to color correct it or rename it. Send it to me as is.

 

After reviewing your image, I will be happy to send you a quote and talk with you about your specific needs.

 

If you choose, I can take the shots for you. If I have to drive 500 miles for a photo shoot, your painting will be a little more expensive.  I use an 8.2 magepixel Canon with various lenses.

 

You may also send the print itself for me to scan. I realize how important ALL your images are (they may be the only ones in existence) and I will treat them as if they were my own. You will get them back in the same condition.

 

A 50% deposit is also required for me to begin working on your custom painting.

  

How much will my custom painting cost?

 

I want to produce incredible custom art for my clients at a reasonable price. Pricing a custom painting is difficult without actually seeing what it is you're looking for.

 

More detail in a painting requires more time on my end. Less detail requires less time on my end. So I'll provide ballpark pricing for different sized art.

 

18" x 24" on canvas would be roughly $400-$500 for the custom art work, and $220 for the production. Production includes printing, coating the canvas to make it waterproof, and then stretching the canvas.

 

24" x 36" on canvas would be roughly $650-$850 for the custom art work, and $440 for the production.

 

36" x 48" on canvas would be roughly $1200-1600 for the custom art work, and $875 for the production.

 

These are general prices and custom sizes are available to suit any particular need you might have.

 

I also give great discounts on multiple prints, and prints on watercolor paper. They make truly unique gifts for family members and friends.

  

How long will my painting last?

 

80 to 100 years.  Hand it down to your grandchildren!

 

Do not hang my paintings, or any art,  in direct sunlight.  Any art will deteriorate if it is exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays.

 

If I buy the artwork or Giclee print on rolled canvas, where do I get it stretched and framed?

Most frame shops and many art stores are equipped to stretch and frame canvas. I will ship directly to you either stretched or rolled canvas.  Prints on archival watercolor paper should be matted and framed.

What type of paper, canvas, or other media do you offer for your artwork?

I print directly to canvas and heavy watercolor paper.

What happens if I purchase one of your paintings or Giclee prints and I am not satisfied with it?  Can I return it?

If you are not completely satisfied with my artwork, I will gladly refund the purchase price (less shipping) of any painting or print purchased through my website. Assuming of course the artwork is in its original condition and in the original packing material.