FAQs

What is a Giclée print?

Giclée is pronounced zhee–clay. It refers to a print that is produced one at a time with a sophisticated printer. Giclée prints are made by a large, computer controlled ink-spray printer. The ink is sprayed on by a nozzle that travels on an arm back and forth across the canvas, almost magically putting down a fine mist that creates the image.

How are the original oil paintings made into prints?

The original paintings are photographed with a very high-resolution digital camera that takes about 15 minutes to capture the image and transfers the image directly to a computer file. This camera is capable of capturing the smallest details, including tiny dots that are coat buttons on a soldier far in the background of a scene.

A print, called a “proof,” is made from the computer image and reviewed by the artist for his comments on the color and other details. Based on these comments, the printer carefully adjusts the image and prints out another proof for Walter to comment on. This process continues until Walter is satisfied that the printed image is as close to the original painting as is possible.

What is a canvas print?

A giclée canvas print is a print made on artist’s canvas, which is very similar to the canvas the original oil painting was painted on. The printer uses sheets of acid-free, high-quality artists’ canvas that have been specially made by the manufacturer for printing. Regular artists’ canvas often has irregular weaves and knots. Although these weaves and knots help make up the unique character of an original painting, they are not suitable for the printing process. The finished canvas print looks just like an original painting.

How is a canvas print displayed?

Canvas prints are stretched on stretchers just like the original painting. A stretcher frame is assembled by joining together four pieces of wooden stretcher bars that are manufactured with matching grooves in the ends. The canvas print is then stretched tightly over the stretcher-frame and stapled along the sides. The print is ready to be framed and hung.

Do prints need to be matted?

The canvas prints do not need matting or a glass clover. The canvas print is stretched tight on wood stretchers like the original painting and is ready to be framed as it is.

The paper prints are printed on heavy-weight, premium paper and should be matted and covered with a glass or acrylic sheet when they are framed.

What is a S/N Limited Edition?

A S/N Limited Edition refers to an edition which is signed and numbered by the artist. The number refers to the maximum number of prints of the stated size that will ever be made. These prints come with a Certificate of Authenticity that is also signed and number by the artist. For example, an 800 s/n Limited Edition 18”x24” print means that only 800 prints sized 18”x24” will ever be made.

All canvas prints are S/N Limited Editions. The paper prints are an “open edition” - not limited in number.

How long does it take to paint a painting?

Walter’s paintings take a long time to paint - about 6-8 months. After deciding on a subject, he first makes several drawings on paper in order to work out the composition and certain details before painting starts. A canvas sheet is stretched on wooden stretchers and painted with acrylic primer. After the primer, a semi-transparent wash - thinned paint - is applied first.

In the case of firefighting paintings, the artist makes a detailed drawing of the main shapes on the canvas. Then, a basic under-painting is blocked in with paint, using real-life models and objects as well as sketches and photographs.

The final shapes and colors are slowly built up and finely detailed with many layers of paint. Most of the details are not drawn in, but are painted on top of the larger shapes and areas.

The process of building up the image entails taking the painting out of the studio and bringing it to the scene to fully capture the light and the finest details. See the making of 49 Truck.

How are the prints shipped?

Canvas prints are shipped flat because they are stretched on a wood stretcher frame. They are shipped US Priority mail with insurance. These packages will not be left at your door by the mail carrier because they have been insured. If you are not home to receive the package, the mail carrier will leave a note telling you to pick it up at the Post Office.

Paper prints are shipped rolled in a tube US Priority mail with insurance.

Why do the prints cost what they do?

The short answer is that the price of the reflects the time and cost of producing them.

The long answer is that the paintings take a long time to paint and are expensive to make. The costs

include travel and research for each painting; the fees paid to the photographer and printer; paints, canvas and stretcher frames; as well as the usual business overhead.

A good comparison of price is between the limited edition canvas print, which looks just like an original painting, and an original painting, which sells for many thousands of dollars. Compared that way, the print is a great bargain. A bad comparison is between the canvas prints and the prints that are found in various chain stores, selling for $10 - $50. Those prints are made by the thousands in China and Taiwan for literally a few pennies each and have less value than the frames that come with them.

Where are the prints made?

The prints and all components are made in the USA.

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