What's a Giclée?

It’s one of the most common questions we get.

In the simplest term, you could say a giclée (zhee-clay) is a “reproduction,” yet it’s far more than that.

Giclée was coined by master printmaker Jack Duganne in 1991 to describe digitally reproduced fine art prints. It originated from the French verb gicler (“to spray”) referring to how specialized large-format inkjet printers use small sprays to produce the print.

Rather than your typical dye-based printer, a fade-resistant pigment-based ink is used. The result is a print that matches the color, luminosity, and precision of the original painting. We can print on either canvas or fine art paper.

The process to create a giclée is less intensive than an oil painting, thus more budget-friendly. From Caravaggio to Thomas Kinkade, artworks fill homes and offices thanks to the technology of giclée printing.

While original oil paintings cost over $1500-$3500, our giclées start at $35 and increase based on the size. Our hope is to have a Clyde Owes piece in the home or office of every nature-lover, something beautiful, affordable, and of the highest quality to honor my father’s work.