Russ Alden Publishing Frequently Asked Questions

*  WHAT IS A GICLEE PRINT?
Giclee’ (pronounced “zhee-clay”) is a French word meaning “to spray”. This method of printing is a 20th-century digital process derived from the Iris large-format technology. Basically giclee´ prints are digital reproductions of fine art and is a high quality ink jet print using pigmented, light-fast inks on acid free fine art paper.

RussAlden’s giclee´ art prints are made using the finest material available to assure long lasting beauty. David’s artworks are available as limited edition pastels and depending on the actual art work; the limited editions may range from 200-300 prints and 10-20 artist’s proofs.

*  HOW LONG HAS DAVID BEEN DRAWING?
David is asked this question quite often. He likes to answer this question by stating: “I started taking my art work seriously when I was about 9 or 10 years old.” David’s art work has been a life-long evolutionary journey. When he was in his early teens, he did many oil paintings and some works in water colors. In the early 1990’s he began to change his style of drawings to capture those moments in life when we are somewhat “stress-free” and “living in the present moment.” He combines these “care-free” moments with nature scenes using his pastels as his preferred medium of choice.

*  CAN YOU BRIEFLY EXPLAIN THE PASTEL MEDIUM?
Pastels are pure powdered pigment which is ground into a paste with a small amount of gum binder and then rolled into sticks (not a chalk). The infinite variety of colors in the pastel palette range from soft and subtle to bold and brilliant. It has no liquid binder that may cause other media to darken, fade, yellow, crack or blister with time. Pastels from the 16th century exist today as fresh as the day they were painted.

*  ARE PASTELS PERMANENT?
They are known to be the most permanent of artists mediums if done on archival papers, properly framed and protected under glass.

*  WHAT DOES ARCHIVAL MEAN?
Free of acid. All art work that is intended to last should be created using archival materials.

*  WHAT TYPE OF PAPER DOES RUSSALDEN USE FOR ITS PRINTS?
The prints are actually produced using state of the art technology with the finest acid free 100% cotton hot press rag 310g/m2. The Giclee’ reproduction process used to produce our art uses the finest pigmented inks and is hand sprayed with UV inhibited lacquer to seal the print from ozone and UV light. Our art paper and reproduction process has been tested to be fade resistant for over 180 years.

*  CAN RUSSALDEN FRAME AND SHIP MY REQUESTED PRINT ORDER?
We are fortunate to have one of our primary printers and framing operations under the same roof. Your prints will be produced and framed using professional skill and attention to detail. Your prints will be packaged and shipped using FedEx or UPS.

*  HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY PASTEL PRINTS?
As with all works of art, pastels require a few simple steps for their preservation and enjoyment. Frame the painting under but spaced away from the glass. You should not hang or leave your artwork in areas of high humidity (e.g. bathrooms). Simply stated, you should provide an environment with low humidity and consistent temperature control. It is critical that you do not hang your print in an area of high direct sunlight or powerful artificial lighting.

*  HOW DO I CLEAN THE GLASS ON A FRAMED ARTWORK?
When cleaning glass on artwork, never spray directly on the glass. Spray with a mild cleaner on a soft cotton cloth and then wipe the glass clean. If you spray the cleaner directly on the glass it can run down and get under the glass, on the mat or artwork.

*  HOW CLOSELY DOES THE REPRODUCTION MATCH THE ORIGINAL ARTWORK?
The original art is captured using the highest resolution flatbed scanners which ensure that the brush strokes, subtle lines and color gradients are reproduced. Most clients can not distinguish between the two.