The Anchor & Palette Gallery offers two types of prints: Giclee and offset lithographs. Hopefully, the definitions below will clarify the differences between the two.

What is a Giclee?

Giclee (pronounced "zhee-clay") is a French word meaning "a spraying of ink." With the advent of Giclee, the art of reproducing fine art has become even more precise. Giclee have the highest apparent resolution available today -- as high as 1,800 dots per inch. In addition, since no screens are used, the prints have a higher apparent resolution than lithographs and a color range that exceeds that of serigraphy. Displaying a full color spectrum, Giclee prints capture every nuance of an original and have gained wide acceptance from artists and galleries throughout the world.

The term "Giclee print" connotes an elevation in printmaking technology. Images are generated from high resolution digital scans and printed with archival quality inks onto various substrates including canvas, fine art, and photo-base paper. The Giclee printing process provides better color accuracy than other means of reproduction.

The Giclee prints sold by our gallery are museum quality fine art reproductions printed with colorfast pigments on acid free paper, using the Epson 9500 and F inks at 1440 dpi. There will be no noticeable fading for 200 years if kept under glass and in museum level light up to 12 hours per day. The artist participated directly in overseeing the printing of his/her Giclee prints, approving the color and size. The prints are signed by the artist, and most are limited editions.

What is an offset lithograph?

Offset lithography is a complex photo-mechanical process used to replicate original works of art onto paper. This process begins with photography. Then there is a separation of the image into four "process" colors: cyan, yellow, magenta, and black. This is followed by the creation of screened "half-tones" and color proofs. Then the "stripping" of these halftones onto metal printing plates. The steps prior to printing are performed digitally. To print, inks are carried by rubber rollers called "printing blankets" to stripped metal plates to paper. This is where the term "offset" comes from.. Each color is printed separately so the paper may go through the press numerous times.

Only when the artist is satisfied, is the print edition finally run and each print personally approved with the artist's signature - a process which takes many months from start to finish. The result is a limited edition fine art print which, if properly cared for, can be treasured and enjoyed for generations.

The offset lithographic prints available through the Anchor & Palette are printed on 100% acid free paper. The inks used were the highest quality UV inks available at the time printed, however it is recommended that with the offset lithographic prints UV protective glass be used in framing if the prints are to be hung in any bright indirect sunlight. For more information, contact us at the Anchor & Palette.