Hi and welcome to the first instalment in my blog series, where you’ll find help in clearing up some jargon and industry terms that can make collecting art seem a bit daunting. My work is inspired by the sense of connection we have to each other and the world around us. I’d love to share this with you by making art more accessible, providing understanding of some of the more complicated language. This one explains a word you’ll encounter often on my website!

SO... WHAT DOES THE WORD MEAN?

Giclee (pronounced like zhee-clay) is a French word that comes from the verb ‘gicler’, which means ‘to spray’. This pretty much does what it says on the tin: giclee is a fine art printing method created using advanced inkjet printers that spray microscopic droplets of pigment-based ink onto archival-quality paper or canvas. This allows for original pieces to be reproduced with exceptional accuracy and longevity compared to standardised commercial printing. Giclee uses a wider colour gamut than mainstream printing techniques and combined with a high DPI (dots per inch) print, all subtle details, textures and colour nuances of original artwork can be reproduced.

Today, giclee is considered the highest standard of print for reproduction artwork.

KEY FEATURES

When reproducing artwork, artists of course want their prints to be as accurate as possible. Which is why giclee is so popular for exactly this purpose: its colour accuracy. Artists typically work closely with professional printers to colour-correct the digital file of the artwork so that the print matches the original as closely as possible. This is important for paintings or illustrations with delicate gradients, rich shadows, or complex tones. A well-made giclee print can be nearly indistinguishable from the original at first glance

What’s more, the archival quality of giclee printing means that it will last for a long time in great condition. As giclee uses pigment-based inks rather than dye-based inks, and it prints onto museum-grade, acid-free paper or canvas, they can last up to 100 years without noticeable fading – providing, of course, that they’re properly cared for and displayed out of direct sunlight. This way a print can last just as long as the original piece.

QUALITY

There isn’t a set legally regulated definition of ‘giclee’, so it’s worth doing a little research before you buy one. Quality can vary, but a genuine high-quality giclee print should involve high-resolution scanning or photography of the original artwork, professional colour management, pigment inks, and archival substrates. For my reproduction prints, my giclee prints are available in limited editions, signed and numbered – so they’re still exclusive and collectible.

WHY DO ARTISTS CHOOSE GICLEE?

Many artists rely on the sale of reproduction prints to make a living, and quite simply, giclee is the best quality way of producing them. For buyers, giclee offers an opportunity to own a beautifully crafted, museum-quality print, that faithfully represents the artist’s vision.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your art journey, understanding what giclee means helps you make more confident choices, and appreciate the care and craftsmanship behind each print. To browse my giclee prints head over to my portfolio now!