🎨 Behind the Scenes: Giclée Prints—What They Are and How I Make Them 🌅

Hello, Fellow Artist!

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

📍 For my local peeps the address is: 316 Franklin Street, Geneva, IL 60134

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—museum-quality reproductions 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. Instead, I invested in the Epson P900 Professional SureColor printer, which uses only archival ink. The purchase has been worth every penny. ☺️

These days, I sell my prints directly from my website. I print on archival, thick watercolor paper. It’s designed to last 100 years, and the texture makes each print feel as close to an original as you’ll get.

If you’re considering making prints yourself and would like paper recommendations, just leave a comment—I’d be happy to help!

The printing part is fun and easy—as long as you start with a good digital image of your artwork. There are two main approaches:

• Scanning – A flatbed scanner, such as those made by Epson, creates a high-resolution image. This works especially well for smaller pieces.

• Photography – For larger works, or when a scanner isn’t available, a smartphone or digital camera works beautifully.

✨ Quick tips for photographing artwork:
Hold your phone level with the edges so they don’t distort, and fill the frame with just your art. Keep it steady—a tripod works, or just tuck in your elbows. Once you’ve got a clear shot, make light adjustments like brightening or fine-tuning the values (the lights and darks) so the digital file more closely matches your original painting.

I use Photoshop, but the simpler editing apps on your phone can work just fine.

Once your digital file is prepped, you’re ready to print. The final step is deciding what sizes to offer. Believe it or not, larger prints are often the most popular!

On my website, I offer 8x10 and 11x14 matted prints. Both are standard frame sizes, which makes it easy for collectors to frame and enjoy right away.

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

If you’d like to experience the difference firsthand, giclée prints can often be found at fine art shows and alongside originals in professional galleries.

Giclée prints are a lasting choice for collectors—a way 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, and I hope it encourages your own. 🎨

🌐 Explore my originals and prints here: MollysFineArt.com

Cheers and happy painting!
Molly 🌻