What is a Giclee Print? What is a Canvas Print? Questions, About the Process

Want to know more about how my original paintings and prints are made?

Browse through these pictures above and get to know the difference between Giclee Fine Art paper prints, Canvas prints, and my painting process!

I can answer a lot of your questions here, but also feel free to contact me! I would love to chat with you!

Here's an organized, reader-friendly version:

What is a Giclée Fine Art Print?
"Giclée" (pronounced "zhee-clay") is a French term for the highest quality print reproduction process available. It requires:

High-resolution digital camera and printer
12-color archival ink system
Large format inkjet printer
Archival, acid-free paper

These specialized printers use precise spraying technology to match colors perfectly and apply ink with exceptional detail, creating museum-quality giclée fine art prints.

What is a Gallery Wrapped Canvas Print?

Canvas prints use the same archival inkjet printing process, but the image is printed on canvas instead of paper. After printing, the canvas is dried and sprayed with acrylic varnish to protect against fading, scuffs, and water damage.

The canvas is then stretched over a handmade wooden frame (about 1.5 inches thick) with the image wrapping around the edges and a wire on back for easy hanging—ready to display right out of the box!

I personally think canvas is the best look. The natural texture makes it feel like you own the original painting. While canvas costs more upfront than paper, it's actually comparable in price when you factor in matting, framing, and UV glass for paper prints.

How Are Prints Made from My Paintings?

Once I complete a painting, I bring it to a local gallery here in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they photograph it with professional studio lighting and a high-resolution digital camera.

The image is downloaded and color-matched to the original painting on their computer. We review printed proofs together until it's just right, and then the digital file is finalized and ready to print!

My giclée fine art prints are printed with archival inks on 100% cotton rag hot press bright paper—thick, luxurious, acid-free, and archival quality. The colors are vibrant and the prints are stunning in any size!

Will My Print Fit a Standard Frame?

Yes! Since my original paintings come in various sizes, I add a white border around each print to bring it up to standard frame sizes (like 11×14 or 16×20). This gives them a pre-matted look and makes framing easy.

For safe keeping, prints arrive in crystal-clear protective sleeves with acid-free cardboard backing. Smaller prints ship flat in rigid mailers, while larger prints ship rolled in a tube. All items are insured for damage during shipping.

How Should I Display My Purchase?

Giclée Fine Art Prints: Best when matted, framed, and protected with UV glass. Choose a frame that complements the artwork, not necessarily your décor!

Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints: Ready to hang as-is, or can be framed without glass. The frame sits on the edge of the stretched canvas.

Original Paintings: Canvas board paintings need a frame but no glass. Gallery wrapped canvas originals can be hung as-is or framed without glass in a floating frame.