Giclée Enhancement System More About
Giclée Enhancement System
Quiet by George Debikey, Indianapolis, IN
Giclée and the Professional Artist:
Artists nationwide are discovering the ultimate way to enhance their Giclée prints. Genesis® Artist Colors can turn reproduction prints into more valuable limited editions.
An original work can be sold for thousands of dollars or, in place of selling the original, an artist can explore the Giclée technology and reproduce that original for pennies on the dollar. Giclée is an advanced "state of the art" printing method that closely replicates original paintings in all aspects. Giclée's have great advantages in beauty, quality and durability. The process can be used to print art that has been captured from the original painting, photography or digital artwork. You can produce several prints, enhance, sign and number them, then sell each print for at least 10 to 15% of the worth of the original. You can produce small numbers at a time, and always be ready to produce more. It will take only a few prints to equal the price you could ask for the original. And best yet, you still have the original for yourself and your family.
The first step is to "digitize" your artwork by using a digital camera or "scanner" to produce a jpeg image file. You can also take a picture with a standard or 35mm camera. Ask your photography service for a Picture CD along with your regular prints. Using a standard camera will add an extra step to get to a digitized image and sometimes the results are less than desireable because of poor lighting and shadows introduced during the process.
Scanning the artwork will produce the highest quality possible and create the most workable jpeg image. If you do not have access to a high resolution scanner or graphics program, consider hiring outside services to do these processes.
Next, load the jpeg image / digitized picture into a graphics program to size, crop, modify background, and/or just "clean up" the image. Sometimes nothing is required, but all adjustments are done in this step.
Now you are ready to print the picture. You may wish to first test print on standard or photo paper. Check the printer settings to ensure the output quality you desire. Most inkjet color printers will offer "Print Quality" settings. For instance, HP printers offer settings: Best, Normal, and Econo for the color output.
When ready, you may print on canvas or watercolor paper. Both products are available from art or office supply stores.
See links page for additional web site information.
For larger sizes or a High Resolution print, use outside services that can output the picture on heavier and /or larger size canvas.
Giclée Finishing Touches
Giclée prints can be damaged if exposed to moisture. The inks are water based and will smear if liquids are accidently splashed on the surface. By applying Genesis Inksettm Sealant over the picture, it will not only be protected but will give the look of a "work of art". If you want your print to have a smooth surface you can use a rubber squeegee or a sponge brush to spread it . These two methods will not leave brush marks. If you like the look of brush marks, use a brush to apply.
Use Genesis® Artist Colors To Enhance Your Giclée
Artists can also create Genesis® Artist Colors Enhanced Giclées which adds value and realism. After sealing the prints with Genesis Inksettm, add some contrasts, highlights or shadows to the image by applying Genesis Artist Colors. Some digital art reproduction companies such as Fine Art Imaging®, Grand Rapids, Michigan, offer a studio area where you can enhance your Giclée yourself or take advantage of their enhancement service. After signing and numbering, your limited edition enhanced prints are ready to sell.
Learn more about Genesis® Artist Colors.
If you choose to try the process yourself, here's how: