What is a Giclee Limited Edition on Canvas?
Giclee's are a contemporary fine art reproduction medium that combines cutting edge ink technology, 200+ year archival media and precise scanning and proofing. Andrei’s giclee limited editions are some of the closest reproductions of original artwork by any contemporary artist today. Derived from the French language and the literal translation of the word ‘giclee’ means “to spray ink.” Adopted by modern large format printers, the process involves using advanced computerized print heads that can achieve 1440 pixels per square inch (PPI). In layman's terms, that is detail that cannot even be discerned by the human eye (Fun Fact: a person with 20/20 vision can see 876 ppi at a distance of 4 inches a number that gets smaller the further the distance*).
The Difference between Museum Grade Scanning rather than Photography
Resolution is incredibly important to reproducing exquisite fine art. Hence, before the artwork is even reproduced comes the most daunting, the most important and even the most time consuming task of scanning and proofing reproductions to the original artwork. The most common way artists today digitize their artwork is obviously photography. Either analog slides that are then scanned and digitized or by a digital camera. Although most cameras today are capable of capturing a staggering level of detail via high megapixel count, even with the smartphone in your pocket, they are not capable of editing color and detail with absolute precision; with some exceptions, of course. This is because the lens and sensor or film recording the photograph is shot from a distance away from the subject. In turn, the documentation process loses some information. That is why in order to record the most accurate data of original art involves getting up close and personal. Thus, utilizing a large format flatbed scanner. These are the same scanners that are used to archive masterpieces in museums around the world. Furthermore, it allows the artist to make the most subtle adjustments to the images in post production without compromising image quality.
Andrei’s Reproduction Advantage and Value
Andrei Protsouk is partnered with a professional team of scanning experts that uses some of the most advanced large format glass scanners in the industry. These machines scan all his work true to size; capturing not only the most precise colors but the detail of the brush strokes as well. Andrei then rigorously proofs every print personally. Therefore, his reproductions are some of the most accurate, technologically advanced and true to the original in the art industry today. This ensures that each print has the original artist’s touch and is why they often appreciate in value over time.
The video below shows the process from the conception of the original artwork to scanning and proofing limited editions.
From Large to Small: Quality Assurance, Hand Embellishment and Giclee Enhancement
After each print is reproduced they enter a meticulous and involved hand embellishment process by the artist. Using UV protected acrylic mediums, Andrei enhances his prints even further in order to bring the reproduction to life with texture and sometimes even oil paint. This process ensures that each reproduction is truly one-of-a-kind and includes the artists involvement in every piece. Lastly, before each piece is shipped, they are all signed and numbered on the front and back. This process is applied to even the smallest open edition giclee on wood that retails for $100.00; where the print is adhered to a fine piece of birch plywood. Andrei takes pride in the quality and attention to detail in all of his work and wants even the most casual collector to behold something that is unique and a special creation.