Reproduction Giclée Prints
Giclée prints can be found in the world’s finest museums, art galleries and private art collections. These fine art reproduction prints are nothing like a photo or poster print one could have created at any neighborhood print shop. A fine art reproduction giclée print will last well over 150 years without fading with proper care. Missy uses only the finest materials available to create her giclée prints.
Giclée Printing Process & Materials
After Missy finishes a painting, she has it scanned with a high-resolution scanner or photographed in high-resolution for archival reasons and to allow her to create prints. Missy sends these high-resolution artwork files to her trusted fine art printer. The fine art printing process must carefully reproduce both the rich colors and the beautiful textures of each brush stroke from Missy’s original painting and this is why she trusts only a master printer and expert in fine art printing to create her reproductions.
Only the finest fully archival, museum quality pigment inks and substrates are used to create Missy’s Limited Edition Giclée Reproduction Prints. Each print must pass Missy’s color and quality inspection before she will sign and number it. Missy’s Open Edition Giclée Prints are made with the same materials and attention to details as the Limited Editions though they are not hand-signed and numbered.
Printer & Ink- The giclée reproduction prints are created on a large format, high resolution printer, Canon’s IPF8400 printer, using Canon Lucia Pigment Inks which are rated to last well over 150 years without fading when the print is cared for properly.
Fine Art Paper- Missy typically uses the William Turner Paper by Hahnemühle or another fine art paper from the Hahnemühle collection. These fine art paper prints feature a 1-2 inch margin around the artwork and Missy offers several custom frame package add-ons.
Canvas- Missy uses either the Lyve Canvas or Renaissance Canvas by Breathing Colors. These prints are gallery wrapped around 1.5″ deep stretcher bars and finished with framer’s tape and hanging wire for a ready-to-hang professional finish. Missy offers several custom frame package add-ons for those that wish to frame their canvas prints.
Edition Types & Limitation
Open Editions are digitally signed and typically offered in just one mini print size (around six by eight inches) on fine art paper. Because they are Open Editions, an unlimited number of these prints may be created in that particular size and substrate. These will never sell out. Because these prints are digitally signed, they are shipped to you directly from the printer.
Limited Editions are hand-signed and numbered and typically offered in just three sizes on either fine art paper or canvas. Because they are Limited Editions, only a certain number of prints will be made available in each of the size and substrate options. The number of prints and proofs Missy creates in each edition can vary but this number is always clearly stated in her Edition Guide for each title. When a Limited Edition is sold out, the only way to purchase that particular print is through the secondary art market.
Please note, Limited Edition Print numbers may be distributed in ascending, descending, or random order. As opposed to hand-pulled prints, the print number does not infer any level of quality in Reproduction Giclée Prints. All prints, whether print number 1 or print number 1,000, will be identical in color and quality.
Embellished Editions are actully Limited Editions that have been ordered with an Embellishment Package. When purchased, Missy will embellish your print with hand-painted highlights, hand-painted texutured brush strokes, and/or other materials such as mica shimmer, genuine powdered minerals and gemstones, genuine gold or platinum leaf, UV Luminescence, Glow Luminescence, and other special materials. The exact materials used for each edition is listed on the product page and will also appear on the Certificate of Authenticity. Embellished Editions are also Remarqued with a special sketch, affirmation, quote, or even a special message to you from Heaven. This embellishment process turns the Limited Edition Print into a unique work of art, something between a reproduction and an original painting, and this increases its value.
Edition Guides
Missy creates an Edition Guide for each artwork title that clearly states each edition type offered, both limited and unlimited editions, and the number of prints and proofs available in each of the limited editions. In keeping with her promise for total transparency in her editions, Missy publishes each Edition Guide right here on her website so that you can read it before purchasing. These pdf files can be found on the edition’s product page, portfolio page, or in the Edition Guide Archive.
Signing & Numbering
While many artists sign and number their fine art paper prints underneath the image in the white margin, Missy has chosen to sign and number her prints directly on the printed image itself. For added security, on the verso side of each print, Missy also includes the print’s number and her full signature in pencil. This is because pencil cannot be copied like ink can.
By signing her paper prints this way, Missy eliminates the need to either cover the signature and number or expose them along with a strip of the white margin when framing the print. Missy’s method of signing and numbering also helps to differentiate her prints, which are giclée reproductions, from hand-pulled prints which are always numbered and signed in the bottom margin. It also creates continuity since canvas prints have no margin to sign.
Missy may choose to distribute her numbered editions from lowest to highest, highest to lowest, or randomly. In traditional printmaking with hand-pulled prints, the first prints made were typically better than the last prints made due to wear on the printing plates. However, with giclée reproduction prints, every single print is the same in quality because a digital file doesn’t wear out over time. This is why Missy often chooses to distribute her numbers randomly.
Certificate of Authenticity
Missy includes a certificate of authenticity with each limited edition giclée print she sells. Just like the certificates for original artworks, these certificates include a description of the artwork and the edition, they are hand-signed and printed on special security paper with multiple anti-fraud features. Limited edition prints also include a pair of security holograms with matching serial numbers, one is applied to the certificate and one is applied to the verso side of the print.
Framing
Surprisingly, custom frames can cost far more than the print itself when you go to your local framer or even the framing counter at your local arts and crafts store. It can be tempting to cut corners to save a little money but doing so would be a mistake. Missy’s original paintings and prints are created with only 100% museum quality archival materials so they will stand the test of time. However, if they are framed with non-archival materials, they will age and fade. Select only fully archival materials when framing to protect your print. Mats and backing board must be acid-free and the acrylic glazing should offer additional UV protection.
Missy uses only fully archival framing materials in the frame packages she offers in order to protect the artwork from damage. For fine art paper prints, Missy uses only museum quality acid-free mats and backing board. These frames also include Conservation Clear or Conservation Reflection Control acrylic glazing by TruVue. These acrylic choices block up to 99% UV rays and the Conservation Reflection Control option reduces glare as well.
Missy offers several framing options for both paper and canvas prints and she can create custom frame packages for her collectors. She gets her museum quality frames, mats/liners, and acrylic glazing at wholesale cost and passes the savings onto you. For the same frame at your local frame shop or even the framing counter at a craft store chain, you will typically pay 50-75% more than what Missy charges.
Custom Frame Package
With access to over a thousand different frame moldings up to six inches wide for both traditional and canvas frames, hundreds of acid-free mat options in many colors, and dozens of canvas liners, Missy can frame your print in any style you could possibly want. You can use the comment box during checkout to let us know you are interested in a custom frame when purchasing any unframed print (or original painting). Or, if you would simply like to change the mat color or upgrade the mat in any of the frame packages Missy offers, just leave a note in the comment box during checkout to let us know this when you purchase any framed fine art paper print (the frames for canvas prints do not include mats).
Missy or a member of her team will then reach out to begin the frame package or mat selection process with you after you have purchased your print. Once selected, your custom frame package or your custom mat/s will be charged on a separate invoice. For custom mat changes, there is only an additional charge when you upgrade the mat to 8 ply museum board or when you choose a double or triple mat configuration.
Shipping
We appreciate your patience when waiting for your limited edition print order. Your giclée print is created specifically for you after we receive your order. It typically takes 6 weeks to arrive. Framed and/or Embellished prints may take several weeks longer. If you purchase during a Pre-Order event, please make note of the edition’s official release date. Prints do not begin shipping until 4-6 weeks after the official release date.
Most unframed prints on fine art paper are shipped rolled in a shipping tube. Framed paper prints and all canvas prints are shipped in a box. For international collectors, we can send canvas prints unstretched and rolled in a shipping tube if preferred. Simply leave a note in the comment box during checkout (we will refund the shipping cost difference).
All limited edition shipments are insured and require the collector’s signature for delivery. This is done to protect the edition. While a damaged print can be completely destroyed and then remade, a lost print is lost forever. Missy cannot simply make a new print and use the lost print’s edition number, this would compromise the integrity of the edition.
Please see the Return Policy for information on returns/damaged prints.
If you order other items, such as greeting cards or digitally signed open edition prints, we will split your order to process and ship these other items separately so that you will get them sooner.
Caring for Your Giclée Print
Canvas
Giclée prints on canvas are fragile and should be handled with care. These prints are stretched around 1.5″ deep stretcher bars and they receive a top coat to help seal and protect the print. However, the surface can still be marked and so it is best to leave the handling and framing of the artwork to a trusted professional framer or art handler. If you must handle unframed canvas prints yourself, please wear clean cotton gloves and take care not to touch the printed area or put pressure on the stretched area of the canvas.
Missy’s canvas prints are gallery wrapped, meaning the edges are clean and professional and the canvas print can be hung on the wall without a frame. If you prefer a framed canvas, Missy offers several frame options, both traditional frames and canvas floater frames, as add-ons when purchasing canvas prints. These frames will cost you less than you would pay at your local custom framer.
Both framed and unframed stretched canvas prints will be shipped in a box. However, for international orders, if you would prefer we ship your canvas print unstretched and rolled in a rigid shipping tube just let us know in the comment section of your order. This can reduce shipping costs and we will refund you any difference if this is the case. If you order this way, you will need to have your canvas print stretched by a professional framer near you.
Whether in a box or a shipping tube, the packaging materials are not meant for long term storage. The safest place for a canvas print is hung up securely on the wall away from sources of heat, humidity, and sunlight. If a print must be stored, please store it in a dark, clean, and dry environment such as an acid-free art storage box.
To clean the giclée canvas, a soft brush can be used to gently remove dust from the surface. Holding a vacuum attachment above the brush will make this process easier but be sure not to scrape the canvas surface. Cleaning solvents of any kind should never be used to clean the print. If your canvas print needs more than just dusting, Missy recommends that you bring it to your local framing professional or art handler for evaluation. We can help you locate a professional in your area or the nearest major city if needed.
Paper
Giclée prints on fine art paper are extremely fragile and should avoid being handled. Please leave the unpacking and handling of the artwork to a trusted professional framer or art handler. If you must handle unframed prints yourself, please wear clean cotton gloves and take care to handle only on the white margin that surrounds the printed area.
Unframed giclée paper prints will be shipped either flat or rolled in a rigid tube for protection. The packaging materials are not meant for long term storage. The safest place for a fine art paper print is framed and hung up securely on a wall away from sources of heat, humidity, and sunlight. If the print must be stored before framing, store the unframed print flat in a dark, clean, and dry environment.
Paper prints must be framed under glass or acrylic to protect the print from dust, scratches, and other types of damage. Missy offers several framing packages that use only conservation grade materials including acid-free matting and Tru Vue’s UV blocking Conservation Clear or Conservation Reflection Control acrylic. If you are having your print framed locally, your framer should also use only conservation grade materials to ensure the longevity and protection of the artwork.
Since your fine art paper print will be framed under glass or acrylic, it should not require cleaning. However, if something were to happen to your print, Missy recommends that you bring it to a professional framer or art handler for evaluation. We can help you locate a professional in your area or the nearest major city if needed.