Jon Crane Gallery

Giclee (pronounced "zheeclay") is a French word meaning, "fine spray". It is a computer generated print that is produced by the spraying of an image on to fine art paper. The inks used are specially formulated so that the fine print heads can spurt jets of ink in minute droplets at high resolution. The image on a giclee print is the highest printing quality available and the closest representation that can be reproduced to resemble an original painting. Since 1999, Jon's images have all been printed using the Giclee process.
   Before 1999, Jon's prints were produced as offset lithographs, which is the most common process used for printing on a flat surface, using printing plates. An image is transferred to a printing plate, which can be made of a variety of materials such as metal or paper. The plate is then chemically treated so that only image areas (such as type, colors, shapes and other elements) will accept ink. Water and ink is applied to the plate. Because of the chemical treatment, ink only "sticks" to the image areas, which reject the water. Areas without images reject the ink. The plate is then rolled onto a rubber cylinder applying the inked area, and in turn the rubber cylinder (or "blanket") applies the image to the paper. The system is "offset" because the plate does not come in direct contact with the paper, which preserves the quality of the plate.

AP is the abbreviation for "Artist Proof" and refers to the first 10% of Jon's limited editions printed. They are traditionally one of a small group of prints set aside from an edition for an artist's use in the copyright and image proofing process. Artist's proofs generally draw a higher price than other images, and in Jon's case they are valued at $50 more than the standard edition prints.

Jon is well known for his unusual ability to create incredible detail with watercolor.  He has been painting for over 38 years, and in that time, Jon has developed his individual technique using high quality Kolinski sable brushes that come to a fine point paired with many hours of concentrated work in his studio.

We have one of the Black Hills' largest framing facilities and over 30 years of combined experience, so we are happy to frame family photos, prints, memorabilia, certificates, mirrors, and much more. Because we are dedicated to giving our customers the best of everything, we have searched out framing materials that allow us to meet or beat those 50% off framing sale gimmicks you frequently see advertised, BUT we can give you the added benefit of the best designing experience in the area.

Yes, Jon has lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota for over 40 years. He and his wife, Gail, make their home near Hill City.

Jon does not work in the gallery but in his very own, self-built studio on his property overlooking Rapid Creek.

Yes, we ship anywhere in the continental U.S. via UPS. Also, if we ship out of the state of South Dakota, there is no sales tax charged.

Jon loves to receive new ideas of scenes to paint but is very selective on what images may inspire him. If you have a place that you would like Jon to see, please send a photo and description of the location to, joncranegallery@gmail.com. If it is a building, please make sure it is NOT torn down, since Jon likes to visit the scene and take his own photos.

Yes, Jon takes a photo of the scene that he wants to paint and works mostly in his studio.

Yes, Jon produces on average 12-20 originals per year with a little over half of them being produced as limited edition prints. Please see the print journal on the home page.

Yes, all of the materials we use are acid free for conservation of your artwork, as well as UV protected glass.

Custom Framing timelines depend on whether we have the materials in stock, but usually it will take about two weeks. If you need your framing done by a specific time, we will work hard to meet your deadline.