Fine Art Reproduction Services
Fine Art Printmaking
We provide large format giclée printing using the latest generation Epson Stylus Pro 9900 with
UltraChrome HDR archival inks. The Epson 9900 is capable of producing prints on a variety of substrates, including
various fine art papers and canvas, at sizes up to 44" wide, and an unlimited length. The Epson 9900 is well suited
for fine art prints and high quality photographs. The Epson 9900 offers unparalleled color consistency, a rich gamut
of colors, and rich color depth and detail. |
|
- 10-color Ultrachrome HDR Ink Technology: All new high-density pigments for an extremely wide color
gamut and improved scratch resistance. Improved longevity in excess of 75 years or more.
- New Three-level Black Ink Technology: A three black system dramatically increases the printer's
gray balance while eliminating color casts. The midtones and highlights have a smoother tonal range than other
printers, and often surpass the quality of traditional offset lithography.
- Premium Archival Media: We use only the best acid-free 100% cotton and cellulose fine art
giclée papers and canvas, made specifically for use with high-end giclée printers.
- Protective Coatings: We offer protective coatings as an option. These liquid laminates provide
additional ultraviolet and scratch protection, as well as enhancing the giclee print with a gloss or matte finish.
Proofing
Proofing is the process of preparing an image for print, removing any digital imperfections in
the digitized image, and matching the print output with the original piece of art. We offer two types
of proofing depending on the needs of the client:
|
Screen Match Proofing: This is the most affordable, and makes sense when exact color
matching to the original isn't critical, or when the original isn't available (such as when working
directly from a digital file uploaded by the client). In this case we color balance the image using
our Sony Artisan monitor under controlled lighting conditions to get a great match to the original,
and then produce a proof print to accurately show how the final image will look when printed full size. |
|
|
Print Match Proofing: For the discerning client who insists on exact color matching, print
match proofing is the correct choice. After screen match proofing, we produce a test print on the same
substrate that will be used for the final fine art print. The print is then compared to the original piece of artwork
under controlled lighting conditions, and additional adjustments are made until the client is satisfied
with the result. Once a final proof is approved and signed by the artist, we will create the final giclee prints. |
|
Graphic Editing
|
Editing is the process of altering the digital file so the final giclée print matches
the original. In some cases the artist will want
us to correct an imperfection in the original piece of art, remove mistakes, or remove signatures from the
original artwork. We have the expertise to handle the most demanding digital editing needs. While basic editing
services are included in the proofing process, we charge extra for advanced digital editing. All digital adjustments
are made to a separate file so the artist will always have the original, unmodified digital work for posterity.
|
|
Examples of editing include:
- Signature removal from original art
- Removing stains or cracks from original
- Cloning edges for gallery finishing on canvas prints
- Removing scratches and imperfections from old film
- Removing mistakes from original at artist's request
- Enhancing or correcting color from the original
- Collage work, and other Photoshop digital editing
- Colorspace adjustment (AdobeRGB, ProPhoto, CYMK, Ektachrome, etc.)
Art Scanning
|
The digital capture of your art is perhaps the most important step in the process of fine art reproduction.
Your print can only be as good as the scan, so every great print begins with a great scan. Therefore whenever
possible we prefer to scan the original artwork in our studio with our digital scanning systems. In most cases
we will use our Better Light high-resolution 4x5 digital scanning back camera. This is considered by museums to be
the finest technology available for capturing fine art masterpieces.
The Better Light scanning back can digitally photograph the subtlest details without the extra step of
shooting and processing film. Artwork in sizes of up to 5'x7' are mounted in our copy system, expertly lit, and
scanned directly. For oil paintings and large acrylic paintings with high gloss, we use a special polarizing
system to ensure that color is accurately captured without glare.
|
|
Laser Alignment: When we capture your original, we use sophisticated laser optical tools to ensure
that the art surface and camera scanning back are perfectly aligned for the best possible digital capture. Even
the focusing process is managed using digital tools to ensure perfection. For unframed and un-mounted artwork
we use a vacuum easel system to guarantee the art is perfectly flat during capture.
Framed Work: Our Better Light scanning back camera system allows us to accurately capture artwork
that is framed without the need to remove the art from the frame, thereby ensuring the art isn't excessively
handled or damaged during the scanning process. For work that is framed behind glass, we can shoot through
the glass in many cases, but it is not our preference. It's best to un-frame the art in order to remove the glass,
but the art can be left matted. But there is no need to handle the artwork directly (as would be the case with a flatbed scanner),
making this the best method for delicate drawings and pastels.
Cost: Our Better Light scanning system is also cost effective. You can have a piece of artwork scanned
and digitized for the same cost or less than a photography studio would charge for a film transparency, and there
is no extra step involved in digitization. Not only that, but once you have a digital copy of your artwork on
CD or DVD, you can rest assured that it will remain preserved without the risk of damage that film can incur
over the years.
Line Art: In some cases we will scan super fine line drawings with one of our high-end flatbed scanners. But regardless
of the method used, you can be sure that we utilize the finest methods available to accurately capture and digitize
your artwork at its full potential.
Film Scanning
For film and slide scanning we use an Epson 4870 Photo scanner. We have found this to produce good quality scans in
most cases, and is very cost effective, providing a good balance of quality and affordability. For more demanding film scanning we
use a drum scanner.
Giclée Finishing Services
Canvas Stretching: We can stretch your canvas giclée print to the size and dimensions you specify. We have
a full range of canvas stretcher bars in stock. Please see our pricing page for more details. We carry standard
stretcher bars from Daniel Smiths, and we make our own when special sizes are required.
Gallery Profile: Otherwise known as frameless gallery installations, gallery wrap, or
museum wrap. This is also shown above in
editing services. For gallery profile or museum wrap stretching we clone the painting out
1" (one inch) for standard gallery wrap, and 2" (2 inches) for museum wrap on all sides, so when
stretched over the canvas it appears to be painted around the edges of the frame. For photography
the image is simply printed at the size specified + margins, so photographers need to prepare
their images accordingly.
Protective UV Coating: Your artwork can be coated using several types of coating. We offer Clearshield Gloss,
Glamour II gloss, and Ultracoat gloss finishing for added UV protection and longevity. The UV Coatings, both matte
and gloss are generally only used for canvas. In fact, we highly recommend that most canvas prints be UV coated for
protection, longevity, and to bring out the colors.
For watercolor paper prints and photo prints we use Hahnemuhle protective spray when requested.
Deckled Edges: A deckle edge can add a nice finishing touch to your artwork. We use a special
technique to hand tear the edges of your print to match the look and character of mould-made rag paper.
Certificate of Authenticity: A certificate of authenticity on the back of the work can ensure
potential buyers that a limited edition print run is indeed limited. It states the number printed by the
printer to date, when it was produced, as well as information about the artist and the original art scan.
When an artist asks us to do a limited edition including the COA, then we keep track of the number of
prints, as well as the date printed, and will stop printing that image
when we have reached the end of the edition.
Graphic Arts Services
We can provide graphic arts services to artists and corporate clients who need graphic artwork,
photoshop editing, adobe illustrator work, Flash animation, etc. The charge for graphic arts services
is $75 per hour and is all inclusive of studio costs. We are MAC and PC compatible.
|
