A French word "Giclee" (pronounced Zhee-clay) describes this spray print method and the stunning reproductions it creates.  This new medium is a blend of art and technology that achieves the intention of the artist more closely than any other means currently available.

Using data from the original painting gathered by a highly sensitive scanner, a state-of-the art graphics printer magnetizes, then sprays four million drops of water-based inks per second on to a spinning drum that holds the paper.  These environmentally-safe fine art inks are applied in droplets the size of a human blood cell with a computer controlled accuracy that is unsurpassed in the art world.  After the artist and the printer personally work on numerous proofs, the finished piece is printed.

With computer control of the ink jets, over 16 million gradations of color are possible.  The image can be infinitely fine-tuned by the artist.  This adjust-ability provides the power to reproduce original work more closely than any other non-offset method of graphic printing. (see note)

For my giclees on paper, I chose Arches Archival Rag Paper with Fine Art Inks.  This resembles the Arches Watercolor paper I use to create my originals very closely.  This particular Arches also offers resistance to mildew.

For the oversized format, I chose a high quality 100% cotton Duck canvas.   A large format printer is used with pigmented inks, which offer a 100-200 year life.

To leave a personal touch on my prints, I choose to hand embellish on many of them.

Martina Stephens.

Note: The above is taken from an article by Joyce Kasprzyk, President of Talon Graphics, Inc. and printed here with her permission.

If you are the owner of a limited edition Giclee Print on paper, you will find it useful in taking the following precautions. 
Although your fine art print is printed with long lasting dye based inks, you will still need to treat this print with care, not exposing it to bright light or contact with moisture and water, which will cause damage.
Giclee prints are sold through top museums as well as galleries and, if taken care of, they will give you long enjoyment!