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Giclée Enhancement System

Giclée for the Decorative Artist:

Have you painted a project lately that you wish to share with family or friends? But, it is time consuming to recreate, and besides, it is more fun to try something new. Now you can produce a Giclee print direct from your color printer. Or, if you want it to be larger than the print size of you own printer, refer to the yellow pages for a photography shop or imaging service where larger sizes can be produced.

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 jpeg and sometimes the results are less than desireable because of poor lighting and shadows introduced during the process.

If your design is painted on a flat surface, scanning the artwork will produce the highest quality possible and 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© Inkset 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

Consumers and amateur artists can also create Genesis® Artist Colors enhanced Giclées for personal enjoyment at home following the steps above. Whether your preference is portraits, land and seascapes, florals or any other style, a Giclée enhanced with Genesis® Artist Colors will beautify any home's décor.

After sealing the prints with Genesis Inkset^tm, add contrast, 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. Your new enhanced prints are ready to be shared with family and friends.

Learn more about Genesis® Artist Colors.