Question 1

What is Giclée?

Accepted Answer

The word giclée (“g-clay”), is derived from the French verb giclée meaning “to squirt or spray.” Giclée is used to describe a fine art digital printing process spraying microscopic pigment-based inks with high-quality archival quality paper to achieve giclée prints of superior archival quality, light fastness, and stability. These giclée prints are capable of producing an extremely wide tonal range and color gamut.   These watercolor images are signed and numbered on archival paper.   A Certificate of Authenticity is included with the giclée prints, along with an artist biography.

Question 2

Do I frame a Giclée Print?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Giclée prints are printed on paper and will need to be framed.

Question 3

Can the size change?

Accepted Answer

Large prints can be made smaller. The proportion of the art will stay the same, for example, a horizontal rectangle 30 x 36” becomes a 15 x 18” rectangle.   Small prints are available in the size stated.

Question 4

Will you frame the painting for me?

Accepted Answer

Certainly. I will use the service of a local custom frame shop professional. Most of my paintings are framed in a simple black frame, letting the art take center stage. The price varies according to the size of the art. ​ Two additional weeks are needed to hire this service.   The frame will make the painting larger, which increases the shipping fees. Simply ask me for a quote.

Question 5

Do I frame an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

Oil canvas can be painted with a 1.5" depth and hung without a frame for a clean look. ​ In high-humidity geographical areas, stretched canvas is preferred to be framed to prevent the canvas from warping. ​ Framing is always acceptable to enhance the aesthetic quality of the art.

Question 6

How do I frame a watercolor?

Accepted Answer

Watercolors are painted on paper and will need to be framed.    UV glass is recommended to preserve the archival quality of the watercolor.   The function of matting is to get the glass away from the art, and helps prevent moisture build up.

Question 7

Why do you paint birch trees?

Accepted Answer

When I paint birch trees, I find beauty in the peeling, papery bark filled with imperfections – the same beauty we need to find by embracing our own imperfections in ourselves.  Capturing colors in a painting that are rooted in your personality brings comfort to you, and pure joy to me.

Question 8

How do you ship the art?

Accepted Answer

Unframed original watercolors are shipped flat in a box or rolled in a tube.
 Stretched canvases of oil paints are shipped flat. I prefer to use a local freight company, The Shipping Department, to pack and ship. They will build the protected box, and select the most efficient carrier. A quote can be obtained before we finalize your purchase.   
 Very large canvases have to be un-stretched, and then the linen canvas is sent the rolled. On arrival, the canvas needs to be professionally re-stretched.  Giclée prints are sent rolled in a tube.

Question 9

Why do you paint?

Accepted Answer

Watch the video "How the magic happens!"

Question 10

How can I be sure I love it enough to buy it?

Accepted Answer

To be sure it's "love at first buy," you only need to answer "Yes" to ONE of these three reasons:
 1. Does the painting spark a memory, reminding you of happiness from years gone by?  2. Does it make you smile, make your heart feel lighter?  3. Do the colors bring you peace? Are you refreshed by the greens, or do you feel comforted by a commonality of beige and browns?

Question 11

Can I still visit your gallery in Holland, Michigan?

Accepted Answer

The gallery is now closed as my husband and I retired after owning the shop for 25 incredible years. For this baby boomer, it was a happy-sad day as we turned the key in the lock for the last time. However, I’m finding it exhilarating having a chance to focus on your color needs for your home!

FAQs

When the Magic Happens

May Giveaway!

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