Frequently Asked Questions

What is a giclee?

Giclee (zhee-klay) is a French feminine noun that means a spray or a spurt of liquid. The word may have been derived from the French verb “gicler” meaning “to squirt”. The term “giclee print” connotes an elevation in printmaking technology. Images are generated from high-resolution digital scans and printed with archival quality inks onto canvas or fine art paper.

The giclee printing process provides better color accuracy than other means of reproduction. The quality of the giclee print rivals traditional processes and is commonly found in museums, art galleries, and photographic galleries.

Can I purchase Timothy Martin originals?

Yes. If you are interested in purchasing Timothy Martin originals, contact the artist to check on availability.

What is gouache?

Gouache (gwash) is an opaque watercolor paint producing a more vividly colored painting than an ordinary watercolor. An ancient medium, gouache paintings – often referred to simply as gouaches – require framing under glass, if they are reproduced on paper.

Why furniture?

Timothy Martin’s signature ‘style’ began as a pun. His first furniture piece was a painting called the ‘Wing Chair.’ The chairs’ ‘wings’ were birds’ wings and in the seat of the chair was – what else? – an egg. The reaction was positive to the furniture, so for the next show, nearly half the pieces were what has now become known as his ‘furniture series.’ There is no mistaking the influence nature has had on man’s creations: what could be more literal than a camelback couch, a wing chair or a claw-footed table? Martin merely reverses the process of interpretation – an then takes some artistic license!

Can I alter the size of reproductions?

The giclee process is wonderfully flexible. If you like a reproduction shown on this Web site, but the piece is too large for your space, it can be altered and made smaller to your specifications. Some images can be enlarged, as well, although retaining an image’s sharpness and detail may impose certain limitations. A premium charge may be applicable for altering reproduction size.

What about framing?

Framing of artwork can enhance the beauty and the value of the art. Carefully selected mouldings, mats, liners and fillets can enrich the splendor of the work, just as poor choices can detract from the work.

Mouldings are the outermost lengths used as frames. Mats sit inside a frame and are commonly used to showcase works under glass. Limited editions reproduced on paper would be framed under glass; those on canvas require no glass. Mats can be overlapped in multiples to complement colors or to create a deeper “shadowbox effect.” A liner is the equivalent of a mat for works on canvas; a liner sits between the outer frame and the artwork. A fillet is a very thin piece of moulding that is used for both works on paper and canvas and is a “finishing touch” used between the mat or liner and the art. Fillets are often a reflection of the outermost frame and create a unifying element and accent.

Timothy Martin has selected framing that complements each of his works. If you would like to have your limited edition framed, you may contact the artist for a description of his selection and cost. Timothy Martin passes his professional discount on to those purchasing framing in conjunction with his work.

Framing choices are limited only by wall space, the image you wish to showcase, and your budget. As anyone who has had work professionally framed can tell you, framing can add significantly to the cost of your artwork, but the right frame can make a significant difference on the value of your piece both aesthetically and financially.

What should I consider in terms of artwork dimensions?

All dimensions provided on the site are approximate for the unframed image. Don’t forget to take into consideration the increase in dimensions that will occur when artwork is framed. The larger the artwork, the larger allowance you should make for framed. For instance, if an image is 5” X 5” unframed, it may be 8” X 8” framed; an unframed image of 48” X 60” may increase to 60” X 72” framed.

How long will it take for my limited edition order to ship?

Please allow six weeks for the shipment of your limited edition.

How long will it take for gift and poster items to ship?

Most gift and poster orders are sent within 48 hours.