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Endico Setup for Pre-press
Currently no printing method exists which
can provide the color range and dynamics (light to dark variation) equal
to Endico haute conduite watercolors. Therefore Mary does not aggressively
pursue making print reproductions of her watercolors.
However the Endico studio had to establish
standard procedures for achieving the best possible reproduction for
promotional and educational literature. The procedures that were
instituted are the result of over two decades study and testing. They
anticipate future development of process printing while giving acceptable
results using today's devices. It is an ongoing process, but certain
compromises are still necessary.
Most colors in Endico haute conduite
watercolors are out of gamut for all known printing and output devices, therefore
original scans are done at 16-bit color depth. This results in image
files which have an overly wide dynamic range compared to the original
watercolors and must be altered for correct
final output. However, this larger dynamic
range allows required adjustments to be made at print time (fine tuned
to a specific printer) while maintaining archive images that anticipate,
and are prepared for, future developments
in print and reproduction technology.
To facilitate today's required adjustments, the original scan
is provided to service bureau personnel along with a color match print produced on
an Endico studio inkjet printer. This studio
printer provides a more vibrant color than can be expected with commercial
print process, however, the match print is fairly close to the original watercolor
and thus allows
operators the means to make rational decisions based on the known
capabilities of their own output devices.
Due to the high quality of the
original 16-bit scans, plus carefully controlled output from the Endico
studio Inkjet printer, required changes to the file are minimal and can
be accomplished using only slight adjustments made
to the Levels... settings
in Photoshop (version 7.0). The settings used for the match print are then
reported to the service provider to give pre-press operators an
informed starting point. This procedure assumes a highly qualified print
coordinator who has a similar aesthetic to the artist herself.
The following table provides a generalized
comparison of dynamic ranges (that is to say black point to white point)
at each step.
|
PRODUCTION STEP |
<-- darker
DYNAMIC RANGE lighter --> |
|
Haute Conduite Watercolor |
|-----------------------------------------| |
|
Scan 16bit1 |
|-----------------------------------------------| |
|
Color Proofing Computer Monitor2 |
|------------------------------------| |
|
Inkjet Print3 |
|-------------------------------| |
|
Process Print4 |
|---------------------------| |
1
Powerphase FX 10,500 x 12,000 pixel
scanning back view camera
2 Barco V calibrated color proofing computer monitor
3 Epson 2000P Inkjet printer, using archival matte papers
and inks
4 Unspecified, job specific and dependent on service
provider
The relative dynamic ranges shown above are generalities
only, and are used
here merely to illustrate the principle.
They do not
refer to specifically quantified ratios. Additionally, although color gamut variances are too complex for easy
assessment, the ranges illustrated above may also be assumed to map similarly to color
information as well.
As for the 16-bit scan, no existing output device can
accurately show the full data captured. This leaves the content of the original
file somewhat speculative and is an issue the print and fine-art reproduction
industries are generally reluctant to discuss—absent the additional
clarity provided by judicious placement of smoke and mirrors.
In summary: an original, is an original, is an original. All
reproductions are merely subsets of the originals they reproduce and are not exact copies. In the
case of comparing an Endico haute conduite watercolor to all reproductions of
it, this difference is significant indeed. So although the printing procedures
used by the Endico studio result
in the best color match currently possible, the originals themselves must be
seen first hand in order to be truly understood and appreciated.
Here is a short video of the room set aside in the Endico
studio for critical
viewing: Museum Room.
this page last updated:
03/05/2020 10:49:39 PM |
