F.A.Q.   (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.  What's a Giclée?

Q.  Is Forever Beach artwork collectible?  Will it increase in value?

Q.  What is an 'Artist's Proof', and why does it cost more than regular Giclées?

Q.  Does my artwork come to me framed?  What are stretcher bars?

Q.  How will I know my Giclée is authentic, and not some overseas sweatshop fake?

Q.  How much is shipping, and is my artwork safely packaged?

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Q.  What's a Giclée?

A.  The term Giclée (pronounced 'jee-clay') refers to a museum-grade printing process.  It's the modern version of a lithograph ~ which artists have distributed in numbered, limited editions for decades ~ yet perhaps needless to say results in a far superior end product.  The quality, consistency, and resolution of properly produced Giclées cannot be topped, and the medium used can be anything from paper to linen to archival canvas that will last for centuries.  Forever Beach uses only the latter.  [Back To Top]

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Q.  Is your artwork collectible?  Will it increase in value?

A.  We don't pretend to have a crystal ball, but we can say this:  the laws of economics are on your side, starting with supply and demand.  Anytime beautiful display artwork is produced in limited numbers, the combination of its desirability and short availability almost always work solidly in the collector's favor.  Now will you double, triple, quadruple your money?  Will it take two years, ten, twenty?  It seems we'll all find out together.  In the meantime, we always opine that the very best reason to own artwork ~ be it ours or anyone else's ~ is to enjoy it every day in your home or office.  [Back To Top]

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Q.  What is an 'Artist's Proof', and why does it cost more than regular Giclées?

A.  An Artist's Proof is the first Giclée produced, and is presented to Michael Starr for his approval before the run begins.  It is the result of arduous color matching, so that each Giclée matches the original image and measures up to Starr's exacting standards.  There is only one Artist's Proof per image per size, making it the rarest and most desirable single piece of the run, hence the higher price tag.  It is not numbered per sé, but is listed as an Artist's Proof with provenance assured.  See our Provenance page for more about the authenticity of your Forever Beach artwork.  [Back To Top]

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Q.  Does my artwork come to me framed?  What are stretcher bars?

A.  Stretcher bars are the wooden framework that any canvas artwork gets attached to, so that it will always be held taut.  Our stretcher bars are custom made by a cabinetmaker in upstate New York, who shapes, sizes, smoothes, planes, stains, finishes, and individually stamps them to our specifications.  Then he ships them to us, where we attach the canvas Giclée to the stretcher bars.  We use the gallery-wrap technique, which conceals the tacks on the back of the piece allowing immediate display as-is.  Even so, many of our patrons have a strong preference for old-fashioned decorative framing, and let their local frame shops match our canvas artwork to an appropriate frame design.  But that's entirely up to you, and again, it isn't necessary.  [Back To Top]

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Q.  How will I know my Giclée is authentic, and not some overseas sweatshop fake?

A.  We're just as concerned as you are about assuring the authenticity of every work of art we distribute, and have taken steps accordingly.  Every piece we produce is accompanied by an individually numbered, uniquely embossed Certificate of Authenticity that matches each individual piece.  Without it, provenance is suspect.  Visit our Provenance page for more details.  [Back To Top]

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Q.  How much is shipping, and is my artwork safely packaged?

A.  Shipping costs are determined by the size and weight of your item, and the packaging required to ensure that it reaches you in the same condition it left our gallery.  As such we package everything carefully to withstand what can sometimes be a bumpy trip.  Most artwork ships within 5 to 7 business days from the time we confirm payment for your order.  Everyone has their viewpoint about the major shipping companies, but our experience has convinced us that the U.S. Postal Service's Priority and Express mailing services are hands-down the best choice.  Visit our Shipping page for more specific information.  [Back To Top]