Understanding the Art of Giclee Prints:
A Modern Masterpiece for Gifters, Collectors and Decorators
Author: Liz Wilson April 2024
In the world of fine art, the pursuit of preserving the original essence of a painting has led to the adoption of innovative techniques—one of which is giclee printing. If you’ve ever marvelled at a reproduction that seems as vibrant and detailed as the original artwork, you might be looking at a giclee print. In this blog I will explain what exactly a giclee print is and why they hold such a special place in both artists’ and collectors’ hearts. Especially mine at Liz Wilson Art Work.
The Definition of Giclee Print
The term “giclee” comes from the French word “gicler,” meaning to squirt or spray. Giclee printing is a type of inkjet printing—but not the kind you might have at home. Instead, it involves complex, high-quality machines that can spray the ink onto the canvas or paper with incredible precision. The result is a stunning replica of the original work that retains the tonalities and hues of the original painting.
Why Choose Giclee?
Unparalleled Precision and Quality
Giclee prints are renowned for their high resolution and precision, which allow for a near-exact reproduction of the original. This makes them particularly popular among artists like myself and my guest artists, who do not want to compromise the detail and colour of their original artwork. I recall my first original art reproduced in a giclee print. It was so accurate even I struggled to know which was my original watercolour painting and which was the giclee print. You can see ‘Maggie Mae’ here’.
Longevity and Durability
Using pigment-based inks and high-quality archival papers or canvases, giclee prints offer substantial longevity that can exceed 100 years without fading, making them a valuable addition to any collection.
Accessibility Eco-friendly Art for Artists and Collectors
Giclee printing allows Artists like me to provide prints on demand, instead of in large batches, reducing waste and carbon emissions with the advantage of lower upfront costs. All this makes it easier to offer affordable quality prints of my own and of my collaborating Guest Artists via my secure website LIz Wilson Art Work, proudly launched at the end of 2023. Here we maintain control over the number of prints in circulation and offer selected Limited Editions. This most importantly helps us remain true to a mission of adopting eco-friendly processes and approaches within life and within our art practice.
How Giclee Prints are Made
The process of creating a giclee print involves several detailed steps:
Digital Scanning: The original painting is digitally scanned at a high resolution. At Liz Wilson Art Work we partner with local owned and operated Brisbane print masters. Their state of the art German made marvel of engineering, the SMA Versa Scan 4870 allows unsurpassed accuracy and dives deep into the original image to capture 600 pixels per inch, for fine art detail, nuances and textures to be reproduced.
Colour Correction: We the artists, collaborate with the experienced Brisbane printing technicians as they adjust the colours and ensure that all of my prints faithfully represent my original artwork.
Printing: Using state-of-the-art printers, the image is then printed onto the chosen medium whether it be canvas, fine art paper, or another substrate.
When it comes to fine art prints on paper, Liz Wilson Art Work is printed from a Flat bed Printer which boasts an enormous 1220 mm x 1778 mm. Using only Archival Epson Ultra Pro inks and a choice of museum grade, acid free cotton rags. Liz Wilson Art Work also offers the more budget-friendly option of a high grade art paper on a selection of our prints. Art Paper is perfect for a quality reproduction that does not have to last multiple generations yet bring a lifetime of colour joy. See below images of our paper range.
Who Should Consider Buying Liz Wilson Art Work Giclee Prints?
Giclee prints are ideal for:
Art Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate fine art and want to decorate their homes or offices with beautiful, lasting artwork.
Art Collectors: Those looking to own or gift a piece of exceptional Australian artwork without the higher price tag of an original.
Interior Designers: Professionals who need high-quality, durable artwork to complement their designs.
Liz Wilson Art Work giclee prints are a perfect blend of art and technology, offering an accessible option for buying art and appreciating art, that maintains the beauty and integrity of original paintings. Whether you are a seasoned collector, a new art enthusiast, or someone looking to enhance their s or a friends living or workspace, a Liz Wilson Art Work giclee print is an excellent choice.
By incorporating giclee prints into your collection or decor, you not only support me as an Emerging Australian Artist but also acquire an art piece that holds its value and beauty over time.
Explore the colourful world of Liz Wilson Art Work giclee prints and let your spaces tell stories as vivid as the artworks they house.
Introducing Our Archival Fine Art Papers
TEXTURED COTTON RAG
Ilford Matt Cotton Medina 320GSM.
Ilford Matt Cotton Medina is a great choice for high-end prints where budget may play a small part. Its premium, heavyweight quality with no optical brighteners creates high-colour consistency and gamut alongside excellent image stability. It satisfies even the fussiest of fine art print buffs.
GLOSS COTTON RAG
Ilford Gold Fibre Gloss 310GSM.
Ilford Gold Fibre Gloss is a classic throwback to a bygone era. This traditional, fibre-based photo paper offers a baryta-like surface that seamlessly transitions between contrast, shadows and highlights. It’s ideal for superior-quality black-and-white printing with an exceptionally wide gamut for colour, detail and tonality.
SMOOTH COTTON RAG
Ilford Smooth Fibre Gloss 310GSM.
Ilford Smooth Cotton Rag is the perfect printing choice when crisp detail is the desired outcome. The 100% cotton, fourdrinier-made rag paper is ultra-smooth and includes no optical brighteners for a clean, matt surface. High colour consistency and gamut with core image stability completes the package for premium fine art printing.
MATTE ART PAPER
SIHL Matte Coated Paper 250GSM.
SIHL TrueColor Matt Coated Paper 250gsm is a bright white paper designed for reproduction of posters, graphic images, home décor, advertising and indoor signage.
FSC® C107058 certified paper