I thought it might be helpful to explain what makes a print/reproduction archival-quality or giclée, and how does it differ from a poster-quality prints. The term archival and giclée, in this case, are basically interchangeable, and speak to the quality and lifespan you can expect from a print. They are museum-quality reproductions. The longevity and quality of a giclée print will always surpass a standard print.

There are three factors that differentiate an archival/giclée - the printing process, the ink, and the surface it is printed on. Let’s take a look at each.

THE PRINTING PROCESS

Giclée prints are printed on inkjet printers. Inkjet printers spray archival-quality inks on an archival-quality surface. This process offers a superior quality reproduction, which is essential to pick up all the depth, textures and details, from the original art work. Prior to printing, all my artwork goes through a careful, high resolution scanning process, so all that beautiful detail can be seen, in the reproduction. The detail and dimension of these prints is amazing! I am so grateful to have found a lab that can achieve this level of quality.

ARCHIVAL INKS

Both the ink and the surface must be archival for a print to be called a giclée. Inkjet printers use pigment-based inks, while standards printers use dye. “Fugitive” is a term that refers to a pigment that is less permanent, when exposed to certain elemental conditions. Giclée inks are far less fugitive, and are much longer lasting. Inkjet printers also have far more ink cartridges, allowing them to be far better at capturing color accuracy.

ARCHIVAL SURFACES

I offer my reproductions on on paper and canvas. The paper prints are on 100% cotton watercolor paper. I did a lot of test prints and this was my favorite paper and it most accurately replicated the surfaces of my original paintings. Some of my artwork is printed on archival-quality canvas, so it more closely resembles the original artwork. Both surfaces have a luxurious feel with impeccable details, and they are acid-free, making them the perfect surfaces for longevity.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR ARCHIVAL REPRODUCTION

• Hang your artwork away from areas that get prolonged exposure to direct sunlight

• Frame paper prints with a mat, to avoid having the glass sitting directly on the surface of the print.

• Avoid exposure to high levels for pollutants (smoke, etc) and paper prints should avoid areas of high humidity.

• Prints on rag paper do best framed behind UV protective glass.

“Bare Earth” Mixed Media Painting by Jennifer Lorton

Desert soil is sandy, coarse and parched but it is also filled with a determination and positive energy that is palpable. It holds firmly to the resilient life that manages to thrive despite the harsh conditions. It’s compelling and inspiring to see the wild things that dwell here. The stark beauty of this place calls for respect of all life, that manages to endure in the inhospitable heat and dryness. The earth exudes faded tones, and richly textured grooves and divots that share timeless stories of growth and strength. “Bare Earth” was painted as a tribute to this story and was created with earth pigments, rain water, wood ash and paint.

I’m currently in beautiful Utah, surrounded by majestic red rocks. Zion National Park is near by, with its spectacular colors. Whether hiking to find rocks, or pulling over to gather a handful of soil from a parking lot, the rock hound in me feels like a kid in a candy store. From a deep russet to a pale blush, this area offers a vast array of colors within the red range.

I’m looking forward to returning to the studio to grind these treasures into natural earth pigments that I can turn into lovely art supplies, or spontaneously fold into my paint and plaster. It’s a slow, but rewarding, process grinding them, with a mortar and pestle creating a fine silt. From there, I will mix them with various binders, to create oil paint, watercolor, and soft pastels.

I love the idea that my artwork is infused with the energy/beauty of nature. Including the elements, in my work, I hope it acts as an homage to earths goodness. I feel a powerful connection to nature’s energy, as I create with these materials, and I believe this connection adds a layer of gratitude to my finished work and also to the environment where my artwork is ultimately displayed. Good vibes abound, as I paint, and I hope that you can feel that as you look at my artwork.

I wanted to share some beautiful details from one of the cloud paintings. Focusing on the details, some unique abstract compositions emerge. I find I like some of these abstract compositions as much as I like the painting as a whole. The textures are so compelling, when enlarged. This painting has already found a permanent home, but I may make prints of some of these detail photos.

I’ve always found it inspiring to discover a muse, and dive deep. I often find inspiration by the shore. My plan was to do a series of work inspired by the dunes, near the beach, but with Covid19, much of the access to the beach was closed, and it felt safest to stay away from the few crowded beaches that were open. So, instead I looked up, to the beautiful cloud formations above. I love that clouds have always offered me a was to stay connected to nature, even when my access to nature was limited. I recently decided that clouds might be my spirit animal - and although they are not technically an animal, I feel a deep connection to them.

I have never felt any desire to search for dog, dragons, or anything else, in their formations, instead, I am content to just take in their graceful movements, energy, symbolism, and ethereal qualities. They represent natures power and beauty at its finest.

So, I began exploring, sometimes realistically, but often just allowing the abstract forms, to represent emotions that these puffy masses invoke in me. I found the process to be soothing, and energizing, all at the same time.

I’ve created a bunch of tiny studies, on paper, and a number of larger works on my favorite plaster surfaces. With each cloud I painted, I became more enamored with the process. This process is ongoing, but I look forward to sharing this collection with you in the near future. Release date coming soon.