How often have you heard that life is not complete without beauty; and where is beauty more evident than in art? Thus, from the wealthiest to the modest, one would more often than not invest in at least one piece of art. And there are a growing number of individuals who desire an art collection of their own but are hindered by the cost of an original piece.

With the rise of fine art prints, collecting works of art is no longer limited to the wealthy alone. Fine art commonly refers to artistic expression that is geared towards aesthetic appeal rather than utility or commercial gain. Fine art is created using a number of different mediums and disciplines including pastels, acrylic paints, pencils, silkscreen, woodblock, oil paints, watercolors and even digital art to name a few. Subject matter is also as varied as the mediums and includes images from realism to abstract.

Traditionally, fine art prints are printed reproductions of original artwork. However, many would attest that the print itself is an original work of art. To create a fine art print, in the traditional sense, the artist forms an image through woodcut or etching. Ink is then applied to the surface of the woodcut or etching. Then the inked surface is transferred to paper making an impression or print. Prints are usually signed and numbered by the artist and would form part of a limited edition. Thus, through this process, the artwork becomes available to a greater number of individuals to be appreciated and enjoyed.

Within the realm of fine art prints, because digital imaging technology has improved so greatly, Giclee (jee-clay) reproduction has emerged as the premier process for reproducing original works into the print medium. This process has given new life to fine art reproductions and allowed artists to extend their reach to a larger audience. The process derives its name from the French verb “gicler” that means ‘to spray or to squirt’ and gives us a hint as to how the process works. In Giclee, the source of the reproduction is a digital image that results in the most accurate and detailed source image from which the reproduction is made. The digital image is then reproduced on high-quality ink-jet printers using archival inks and papers producing an exhibition quality Giclee fine art print with a life expectancy that spans generations.

Amazing accuracy is the best way to describe a Giclee image when compared to the original painting. This includes all the nuances, tonalities, and hues of the colors as well as the texture of the source medium including the weave of a canvas or the texture of watercolor paper. Moreover, no visible dot screen pattern can be seen. The printing process is more like weaving the images into the medium. Through this process, the artist is able to prepare an image digitally and print limited copies over time compared to printing larger runs that in turn requires a printing press.

The beauty of Giclee fine art prints is that they enable the artistically inclined middle class to collect art pieces themselves. Thus, this kind of hobby is no longer limited to the elite or the wealthy. These kind of fine art prints offer a significant savings to the high priced original art works they are created from. With their exceptional quality a Giclee reproduction is nearly indistinguishable from their source work and represent an exceptional alternative to original works for adorning homes and offices. They not only enhance the architectural or interior design of a room, but create a special ambiance as well. A Giclee fine art print will also serve as a great gift for loved ones for any occasion and is sure to be appreciated.