Bellevue Fine Art Reproduction

Serving the Seattle area, Bellevue Fine Art Reproduction is a premier Fine Art Print Studio specializing in the digital capture and printing of fine art using the giclée printing process. Fine Art Printing for artists and fine art photographers is all we do.



Fine Art Reproduction Services

Fine Art Printmaking

We provide large format giclée printing using the latest generation Epson Stylus Pro 9800 with UltraChrome K3 archival inks. The Epson 9800 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 9800 is well suited for fine art prints and high quality photographs. The Epson 9800 offers unparalleled color consistency, a rich gamut of colors, and rich color depth and detail.

 Epson Stylus 9800

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.

 Sony Monitor

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 paper 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.

 Light Box

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:

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 most subtle 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.

Cambo Ultima View Camera with Better Light Scanning Back

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 unframe the art in order to remove the glass, but the art can be left matted.

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 a Microtek 1000XL, 12"x17" scanner that has 3200 optical DPI, and digital ICE technology to remove any dust and imperfections in the film. We have found this to be the finest scanner in the market for transparencies, rivaling drum scanning technology. We also use film transparency color matching to calibrate the scanner, ensuring the highest quality available.

Our Equipment:

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. /P>

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.

There are also occasions when we're asked to UV coat or varnish photo papers, such as gloss and luster photo papers. And while UV coatings can be used for Fine Art Paper, such as the Moab Entrada Natural or Lexjet William Turner Fine Art paper, it gives the paper a slightly plastic feel.

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.

Artist Representation

We are increasingly representing artists and acting as an agent at Bellevue Fine Art Reproduction. We have an ever increasing portfolio of Northwest artists and photographers who sell their giclee reproductions, as well as originals, and can assist in representing artists at art fairs, galleries, and local interior design and decor businesses. As we grow our fine art business in the Northwest we also want to assist our clients to grow, sell their art, and generate ideas to productize their artwork.

Graphic Arts Services

We can provide graphic arts services to artists and corporate clients who need graphic artwork, photshop editing, adobe illustrator work, Flash animation, etc. The charge for graphic arts services is $125 per hour and is all inclusive of studio costs. We are MAC and PC compatible.

Payment:

We proudly accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.
For local clients we can accept personal checks.

Visa Mastercard Discover American Express