Blog

Prints

Many of us have printed copies from our computer printers, gone to a professional for basic print and copy services, and likely used an online printing service for a variety of printing needs.  These types of prints are inexpensive, yes, but also inferior, not archival, and not what you should expect from a fine artist.  

Printmaking

As a Printmaker herself, artist Mary Mosblech explains the printmaking process much better than I could. She says, "Printmaking involves making a plate: carving into linoleum or wood, etching into copper, greasing a stone, or putting an image on silkscreen. The plate is then inked and each print is hand pulled using a press, creating an original [emphasis mine] piece of art."  

Limited Edition Giclée Prints

When I refer to my Limited Edition Giclée Prints, the “Limited Edition” part simply means I am  offering only a certain number of reproductions (usually 50 or 100) of that particular painting in that size, each one being signed and numbered by the artist (me).

The Giclée part is an art form in itself!  When I decide to have prints made, I take the original paintings to Jim Robbins, owner of Velham; and when he's finished working his magic, I have a number of prints that are virtually identical to the original painting, texture and all!  As stated on the Velham website, Jim matches “original artwork...ensuring exceptional color accuracy and detail... Giclée prints are produced by special, high resolution printers and are considered to be as close to the original artwork as is achievable.”  Jim will literally take a test strip of the print and lay it on top of the original painting, comparing and making changes until the copy is identical in every way possible.  (It's very impressive to see this in person!)

Not only are my Limited Edition Giclée Prints from Velham indiscernible from the original paintings (except for the number and signature and possibly size), they are archival. My Giclées are printed on Premium Archival Matte Paper, and the inks Velham uses are “estimated for up to 100 years longevity.”  

The bottom line:  Limited Edition Giclée Prints are a good choice for you if you are looking for an affordable, archival alternative to original art. Each Limited Edition Giclée Print from Jan Helton Artworks is signed and numbered, matted with conservation mat board (unless otherwise stated), and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Note: Only select paintings are available as Giclée Prints.

If you'd like to see the selection of Limited Edition Giclée Prints I have available for purchase, click here for portraits, here for birds, and here for cats.