Hello Fellow Artist! 🌻

Hello Fellow Artist!

I hope you all had a relaxing Labor Day weekend and are back to your easel!

👀 I thought you might enjoy a peek behind the scenes at my process of creating giclée prints—and a little more info about what they actually are!

First, some exciting news—my original watercolor paintings and giclée fine art prints are now available at The Winding Deer Trail Gallery in Geneva, Illinois! It’s a joy to see them in such a beautiful setting and even more meaningful to be recognized as a local artisan in a gallery that celebrates and supports our community’s artists. FYI, here's the address for my local peeps: 📍 316 Franklin Street, Geneva, IL 60134

What Exactly Is a Giclée Print?

The term giclée (pronounced “zhee-clay”) comes from the French word “gicler,” meaning “to spray.” This refers to the specialized process used to create these prints. Instead of mass-market printing, giclée prints are the highest standard in the art world—a museum-quality reproduction designed to capture the essence of the original artwork with remarkable precision and longevity.

Because of these qualities, giclée prints are widely respected by collectors, galleries, and museums.

When I had my Etsy shop, I never mass-produced my prints. I purchased the Epson P900 Professional SureColor printer, which uses only archival ink. The purchase has been worth every penny. ☺️

(I now sell my prints on my website, as Etsy's standards have declined and no longer prioritize the handmade artisan.)

Anyhoo, I print on archival, thick watercolor printing paper; it's as close to an original as you'll get! If you'd like recommendations, just hit reply to this email and I’ll be happy to help.

The printing part is fun and easy—as long as you have a good digital image of your artwork to print.

Creating the Digital File

Before the printing process begins, the artwork must be captured digitally. There are two main approaches:

• Scanning: A flatbed scanner, such as those made by Epson, can create a high-resolution image of your artwork. This method works especially well for smaller pieces.
• Photography: For larger works, or when a scanner isn’t available, a mobile phone or digital camera can be used to take a clear, well-lit photo.
• Here are a few tips: Hold your phone level with the edges, and fill the frame with just your artwork. Keep it steady—a tripod works, or tuck in your elbows to stay still.

🌅 Once the image is captured, adjustments like brightening and fine-tuning the values (the lights and darks) can help the digital file more closely match the original painting. I use Photoshop—but the simpler editing apps on your phone will do just fine.

Ready to Print!

Decide what sizes you want to print. Believe it or not, I've found the most popular are the larger sizes! I only offer 8x10 and 11x14 matted prints on my website. Those are standard frame sizes, so it's easy for the customer to frame.

👉 The result is a piece of art that feels authentic, vibrant, and ready to be treasured.

Where to See Giclée Prints in Person

For those interested in experiencing the difference firsthand, giclée prints can often be found at fine art shows and alongside original works in professional galleries.

This accessibility makes giclée prints a wonderful option for collectors who want to enjoy fine art without the price tag of an original while still knowing their purchase will stand the test of time.

Thanks so much for being part of my creative community. I love sharing my journey with you; I hope it helps (even a little bit) your own journey in art. 🎨 Molly'sFineArt.com​

Cheers and Happy Painting! Molly 🌻

P.S.. 💌 Just for my email subscribers—use code JOY20 for 20% off all prints, valid through Sunday! ⬇

​Shop Prints & Originals​

👇 Join me and paint with me!

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