OFFSET REPRODUCTIONS
An "Offset Reproduction" is the most common type of fine art print. The original painting is photographed and printing plates are made from the negatives in a four-color separation. The ink is transferred from the plate to the paper using a large printing press. The only handwork done by the artist is the original artwork from which it was reproduced.
Offset reproductions may be signed and numbered in a limited edition. A signed and numbered print is a print from the edition that was individually inspected for accuracy and signed by the artist. Each print has its own number. If you own a print that was numbered 125/500, it means that the edition was limited to only 500 prints, and out of the 500 prints that were made, you have the 125th one that was signed by the artist. This does not mean that this is the 125th print off the press. Some believe that the lower the number, the better; but actually, the quality of the print is exactly the same for the number 1/500 print and the number 500/500 print.
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GICLEE' REPRODUCTIONS
A "Giclee' Reproduction" is the highest quality print available today. The word Giclee' is a French word meaning "to squirt" or "to spray ink". The process is digital printmaking with a printer that uses very tiny droplets of ink to create prints that cannot be duplicated by other printing techniques. Because the cost of Giclee' printing for the artist is significantly more per print than offset reproductions, the image is saved in a digital format. By doing this, the image can be retrieved, and each Giclee' print can be printed on demand.
Giclee' reproductions may be signed and numbered in a limited edition. A signed and numbered print is a print from the edition that was individually inspected for accuracy and signed by the artist. Each print has its own number. If you purchase a print that was numbered 30/250, it means that the edition will be limited to 250. You have the number 30th one that was signed and numbered by the artist.
Since the early beginning, the technology in equipment, media, lightfast inks, and craftsmanship have advanced immeasurably. Both the paper and inks meet archival standards. Unlike offset reproductions, these fine art prints can be printed on 100% cotton rag watercolor papers. This gives each piece a similar look and feel to an original work of art. Acid-free pigmented inks are used and the image resolution (DPI or dots per inch) is actually higher than traditional lithography (offset reproductions), resulting in strong contrast with rich, intense color. The details are eye-popping. No dot pattern is visible to the human eye. The new inks used in Giclee' printing have the same longevity as the watercolor paints I use in my paintings. The quality is outstanding.
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PROPER CARE OF REPRODUCTIONS
As with any piece of art, careful attention to handling and placement are important for best preservation. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat and moisture. Avoid flourescent lighting. If you are unsure about the lighting conditions, additional protection against ultraviolet rays can be added by using UV Conservation Glass. Acid-free matting and backing are highly recommended.
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Thank you for your patronage! Keith Andry, N.W.S.
