Discover the Beauty of Jeannette Berndsen Art Gallery with Giclées

Why would you buy a Giclée in stead of an original oil painting?

Someone might buy a giclée for several good reasons—here’s why they’re appealing:

1. Affordability Compared to Originals

Original paintings, especially by well-known or skilled artists, can be expensive. Giclées offer a more affordable way to own high-quality art that looks almost identical to the original.

2. Museum-Quality Reproduction

Giclées capture fine details, textures, and subtle color gradients, making them look incredibly close to the original artwork. For art lovers who care about visual fidelity, that’s a big draw.

3. Archival Longevity

Because they use pigment-based inks and acid-free papers or canvas, giclées can last decades without fading, making them a great investment for long-term display.

4. Limited Editions & Artist Signatures

Many giclées are sold as limited editions, often signed and numbered by the artist. That adds uniqueness and a sense of collectibility, even if it’s not an original.

5. Customization

Buyers can often choose the size, framing, and medium (like canvas or watercolor paper), giving them more control over how the art fits into their space.

6. Access to Art You Love

For fans of famous or deceased artists, giclées may be the only way to own a piece of their work—even if it’s a reproduction. It lets people connect with the art on a personal level.

Basically, giclées let people enjoy stunning artwork in their homes without the price tag or fragility of an original piece. Would you ever consider collecting or gifting one?

1. Print Quality

• Resolution: Look for high-resolution prints (300 DPI or more). The sharper, the better.
• Color accuracy: Reputable artists or galleries will ensure the giclée closely matches the original in tone and vibrancy.
• Ink type: Archival pigment-based inks are preferred over dye-based inks because they resist fading over time.

2. Material

• Paper or canvas: Giclées are usually printed on either:
  • Archival paper (like cotton rag or watercolor paper)—for a traditional art print feel.
  • Stretched canvas—more like an original painting, and can be hung without a frame.
• Acid-free & archival: Make sure the material is labeled as archival to prevent yellowing or deterioration.

3. Edition & Signature

• Limited edition: A numbered edition (e.g., 12/100) adds value and collectibility.
• Artist-signed: A signature (digital or hand-signed) is a plus for authenticity.

4. Seller Reputation

• Buy from trusted sources: Reputable galleries, artist websites, or fine art printers.
• Artist-direct: Buying directly from the artist ensures authenticity and often better prices.
• Certificates of authenticity: We include this for extra verification.

5. Price vs. Value

• Giclées shouldn’t cost as much as an original, but a well-made, limited edition piece from a known artist can still carry solid value.
• If the price seems too good to be true, it might be a low-quality reproduction, not a true giclée.

6. Presentation

• Framing: Ask if it comes framed, or ready to hang (especially for canvas).
• Size: Make sure the dimensions fit your space; giclées often come in multiple sizes.