In the Giclee process, a fine spray of ink, more than 4 million droplets per second, is projected on a sheet of fine art paper whirling on a drum at 250 inches per second. Precise computer calculations control four ink jets combining to produce 512 shades dense, water based ink per jet. This latest advancement is the work of a very few sophisticated art print production facilities, utilising high resolution digital printers. These artist/technicians have gone beyond the boundaries of current technology, customising their equipment, creating new computer programs, and developing special inks and protective coatings. This marriage of art and science celebrates the Giclee fine art print - a precise reproduction with the look and feel of an original.

The reason this is such a unique process is that the image is transferred into digital data-not film. In this way there is no loss of resolution or colour density and the image can be enlarged up to a 46" by 34" print. The quality of the print matches the world's highest standards of colour and black and white image reproduction.

Besides the excellent resolution, the image can be printed on a variety of substrates. This allows a choice of archival rag paper, clear mylar, gloss paper and even canvas. In addition, both the paper and image size can be chosen.

Currently, the printer controls four million individual 15-micron ink droplets every second. A droplet is four times smaller than a human hair. Each of the four colours of ink - black, cyan, magenta and yellow travels in a continuous jet stream while a crystal frequency causes a wave pattern. This wave action breaks the stream up into tiny drops of equal size and regular spacing. The droplets required for a particular image are controlled for direct placement onto the paper which is rotating on a drum with a maximum speed of 250 inches per second. The system is so precise that a print can be run through twice and each droplet of ink will land exactly on the previous image's droplet of ink.

The colour quality in this ink jet technology is excellent. The preciseness of this printing method creates up to 32 gray levels for each colour. It also achieves a smoothness of colour steps in the gray scale which matches photographic processes. There are up to 512 shades of gray possible. This method gives a print a depth of colour along with the appearance of continuous tone for an amazing effect.

These prints must be seen in person to fully appreciate the uniqueness of this technology.

Limited Edition Prints
Signed & Numbered by Josephine Wall.
Contact Us for a gallery near you.