An introduction to Giclèe art prints and how they are made

What is a giclèe art print?

A giclèe art print is an artwork printed on museum watercolor 310 g. acid-free paper without optical white and with Calcium Carbonate Buffer - 12 color pigment-based 100% cotton. With the great quality, it's almost like having an original artwork. The smallest details are clearly visible, and are even more prominent when framed with UV-70 art glass (anti-reflective glass). This gives very lightfast and intense colors which in turn are enhanced in expression when framed in the anti- reflective glass.

The process behind the individual art print

Handpicked pieces are made as Giclèes but always only as limited edition - e.g. 30 pcs, to preserve the exclusiveness in each series. The original painting is shipped by freight forwarder to the printer who takes professional photos of the painting. Light, angels, etc. are very important for the quality of the giclée when the painting is being photographed.

Afterwards the painting is then shipped back to the artist, and the printer starts preparing a test print of the giclée from the photos taken. Once the design is agreed on, and sample print is made (white border, colored border, no border) the test print is reviewed for any corrections in colors, size, etc. The test print is approved and the printer now makes x number prints as agreed, the finished giclée art prints are picked up (each in a separate package) for signature and numbering. Finally, they delivered to the glazier for framing.

Framing has great significance for the expression

The beautiful quality print looks best in a uv-70 anti-reflective art glass framing, as the colors are highlighted in the most beautiful way, and the very expression of the giclée can be enhanced further by colored passepartout and colored frames. You can mix and match between colored passepartouts and frames, or a torn edge with a distance list, and deep frame with colored bottom. There are various ways of putting your very own mark on your exact art print.

Heidi Rattenborg artworks and the framing process, © Heidi Rattenborg

Why choose an art print

And why has the giclée become so popular? It's because you get a lot of art for your money and the expression is sharp, stylish, beautiful, and very detailed. In addition, it is also still very unique, as there are only a few numbers per series. You decide yourself how you want your giclée to be. Should it have a sharp contrast colored passepartout, a dark glow on the frame or something completely different. Every single giclée is delivered to the glazier for framing, as it is never standard measure. This also makes your art print unique. And then they are popular because they are just so beautiful and detailed - the closest you can get to an original work of art.

Photo of giclèe ”what if” by Heidi Rattenborg, © Heidi Rattenborg