If you're an art enthusiast, you've probably heard the term "Giclée" thrown around before. But what exactly is a Giclée? And what makes it so valuable? In this blog post, we'll break down all the basics from what a Giclée is to how it's made and what makes them unique and valuable.
A Giclée (pronounced “zhee-clay”) is a digital fine art print that has been produced using high quality archival inks on either paper or canvas. The Giclée printing process involves carefully layering multiple colors of ink onto the surface of the substrate, creating an accurate reproduction of the artwork while maintaining its original colors and textures. Giclées are also known for their longevity; they have been tested to last up to 200 years without fading or deteriorating.
What Makes a Giclée Unique and Different from Traditional Prints?
Unlike traditional prints, which are usually printed with only 4 colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), Giclées are produced with 8-12 colors for optimal accuracy. This allows for greater detail in color reproduction as well as more subtle tones and shades that may be lost in other printing processes. In addition, traditional prints require plates to be set up for each color used—a laborious process that often results in costly production costs—while Giclée prints do not require any plates or screens because they are created digitally.
What Increases Their Value?
The value of a giclee print is dependent on several factors. The first factor is the artist’s reputation - if an artist has gone through rigorous training and has built up a successful portfolio over time, their prints will naturally have more value than those created by lesser-known artists. Additionally, limited edition prints can also increase their value as these are rarer than traditional open editions. Finally, embellished Giclées - which involve hand painting over the top of the digital print - can also add to their value as these pieces have been enhanced with an extra layer of skill and creativity from the artist themselves.
What are the different types?
There are two main types of Giclées – paper prints and canvas prints – but there can be variations within both categories depending on your needs. Paper Giclées provide an economical option for those looking for something affordable yet still high quality; however they tend to be more fragile than canvas prints so care must be taken when handling them. Canvas Giclées provide an ideal option for those looking for something more durable; these prints come ready-to-hang with gallery-wrapped edges that give them a professional finish without any additional framing required. Embellished Giclées offer something even more unique – each piece is one-of-a-kind due to its hand painted finish making it truly special!
Whether you're just starting out your art collection or adding to your existing one, investing in a high quality Giclée print can make all the difference! Not only do they offer superior color accuracy compared to traditional prints but they also look great displayed both indoors or outdoors due to their archival qualities – making them ideal investment pieces that will last generations! With so many options available–from paper vs canvas to embellished finishes–there's sure to be something special out there just for you! So why wait any longer? Start exploring all that giclees have to offer today!