People search for all types of prints. Archival prints. Fine art prints. Giclee prints. Photo prints. Or simply, “prints.”

Does it matter what you get? You bet.

Giclee prints are crème-de-la-crème of fine art reproduction, and give you an opportunity to own art with unmatched fidelity to the original artwork.

Often, people search for fine art prints without realizing the difference that giclee prints can make. Giclee, derived from the French le gicleur (which means “the squirter”), refers to the process of spraying tiny spots of premium inks onto a surface like archival fine art paper.

With giclee, pigment-based inks are used rather than dye ink, which is prone to fading. The result is a visually engaging, detailed fine art print that replicates the original painting to the highest degree. There is a strong fidelity to the original work of art because the palette involved in the printing process includes 12 pigments, and adjustments to color and other variables can be readily made to match the original art. Giclee prints are archival, which means they are acid-fee and (with the proper care) resistant to fading or yellowing, ensuring their longevity.

Photos (L-R): Close-up of giclee prints of the original pastels “And Now I See,” “Lead, Kindly Light,” and “Graced” on Hahnemühle William Turner fine art paper

So what’s wrong with other types of prints? On the surface, nothing…but when a person cares about quality and longevity, then giclee is the best option when it comes to fine art reproductions. Whether you are a seasoned art collector or looking to give a piece of fine art as a gift, a giclee print of a soft pastel painting is sure to please.

After carefully vetting numerous vendors, The Acquired Palette works with a trusted giclee printer known for its superior fine art reproductions, so that original pastels, watercolors, and other works are reproduced with fidelity in terms of marks, chroma, color temperature, and other variables.

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, or want to invest in beauty for your own surroundings, be sure to invest in a giclee print that can last for generations to come.