Canvas Panels and Boards

 Canvas comes in many shapes, sizes, and forms and can seem quite overwhelming when trying to narrow down exactly what you’re looking for. To help simplify the process, in this article we will be discussing Canvas Panels. Understanding what it's made of and what it can be used for will help make the selection a lot simpler.  

Here at KeenArt Media we provide a wide range of canvas of all kinds, as well as offer a large selection of Canvas Panels alone! Our lightweight Canvas Panels are available in 5 convenient different sizes such as 6” x 8”, 8” x 10”, 9” x 12”, 11” x 14”, and 12” x 16”. The panels come pre primed in a thick double layered acid-free acrylic titanium gesso. This surface texture allows minimal paint absorption as it has a “tooth” gripping consistency which supports multiple mediums. Since these panels are flat boards, the canvas edges are folded under and sealed to prevent fraying or separation. 

Sizes:

• 6 x 8

• 8 x 10

• 9 x 12

• 11 x 14

• 12 x 16

Since these canvas panels come in thin compact sizes, they are the perfect tool for students to create their works on. This is because they are both easy to store and travel with. These panels can be used for many versatile mediums such as acrylics, oils, paint markers, water soluble oils, spray paints, alkyds, and permanent markers. 

Can be used with:

• Acrylic Paint

• Oil Paint

• Permanent Markers

• Alkyds

• Spray Paint

• Water Soluble Oils

• Paint Makers

Canvas Panels are a simple and effective way to begin your creative process! They are quick and easy to use and require no prepping maintenance, and also work well with a large selection of mediums. This sturdy panel is the perfect choice for both beginners, students, and those who require easy storage!

For more information: Vancouver On Canvas - Canvas Panels & Boards

                                       Fredrix Artist Canvas- Canvas, Boards, and Panels

Scroll Canvas - NEW

    Interested in creating a unique piece of art but still can’t find the right materials? Look no further, our new Scroll Canvas is the perfect surface to create your art on! Our regular stretched canvas is perfect for a classic, traditional approach with its simple stretched borders. However now our new Scroll Canvas is unique but not too out there, it comes on a thin flat canvas with wood panels on the top and bottom to create a scroll-like effect. This super simple upgrade can take your art to the next level! This canvas will be a perfect addition to any room in your home.

Sizes

• 12 x 12

• 12 x 16

• 16 x 20

Fredrix Scroll Canvas is made from a 100% cotton canvas that is already acrylic primed. The lightweight wood panels attached to the top and bottom are dual purpose, as they create the perfect scroll visual as well as connect to a hardboard backing for stability and structure. This backing also cancels out wrinkles or curling that the canvas might usually endure. This thin flat scroll canvas also features jute string at the top for easy, durable hanging. 

The Scroll Canvas is perfect for all types of artworks! Its pre primed surface makes it ready for use as soon as it arrives. This canvas is perfect for acrylic and oil painting as well as a variety of other mediums such as paint markers, spray paint, vinyl letters, and permanent markers! Featured in three different sizes, the scroll canvas is available in 12” x 12”, 12” x 16”, and 16” x 20”.

For more information on where to get your Scroll Canvas: Scroll Canvas - Vancouver Art Supplies, Fine Art Materials & Picture Frames For The Visual Arts

For more products like this: Canvas & more - Vancouver Art Supplies, Fine Art Materials & Picture Frames For The Visual Arts

Painting for Youths!

    When it comes to painting, it can seem overwhelming with all of its diversity. From different mediums, to different styles, as well as endless materials to even paint on! With the help of this article, painting will be broken down for you to understand. Including the different types of paints and what they do as well as helpful tips and tricks for beginners! Doing a small art project a week is the perfect way to spark the creative side as well as gain practice and build confidence. 

One of the most important steps when it comes to painting is knowing how to break down and understand a painting, even before you begin creating one. The easiest way to break down any art medium is by understanding its Form, Content, and Context. The Form of an artwork is strictly what you see, including its lighting and shadows, contrast, colours, linework, medium, and size to name a few. The Content of an artwork is the story you see within the art, whether it be a scene of a garden at sunset or a child playing by the river. The Context is the back story; when it was made, how it affected its audience, and how its meaning has grown over time. In simpler terms, Form is for the artist, Content is for the story tellers, and Context is for the history buffs. For example, looking at The Invasion (1892) by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, it is an oil painting composed mainly of cool colours such as greens and blues with stark contrasts and lighting focused upon the central figures. The image seen appears to be a half nude woman in a blue cloth surrounded by cherubs or cupids in the forest. It was made in 1892 as a private aesthetic painting, strictly to visually appeal with no deeper meaning in its point in history. Also, it holds themes of classic Greek mythology as well as the idealization of the female form.

The two main mediums of painting are oil and acrylic, with one being traditional and the other being more modernized. With acrylic paints being invented roughly in the 1950s and oil paints being used as early as the 7th century. Acrylic paint comes with many perks such as fast drying, even coating, base coat deemed unnecessary, adheres to any surface, and water soluble. Oil paints on the other hand have a flexible depth of colour as well as can be applied in thin and thick glazes. The biggest difference between the two is the drying times, with acrylic drying in roughly half an hour and oil drying in roughly 24 hours. This is neither good nor bad, just dependent on the painter themselves and their preferences. 

Another popular painting medium is watercolour which is an easily blend-able transparent pigment that can be reactivated with water. A similar medium to this is gouache, with the primary difference being that gouache is more opaque than watercolour. These paints are perfect for creating dreamy pastel artworks and are easy to use as they can be reactivated with water, making the paint itself last a long time. However, these water paints can only be applied to certain papers and the paint can crack if too many layers are applied. 

                                         

Tips and Tricks for beginner painters:

• Use water based paints to start (i.e. acrylic, watercolour, gouache) as they do not require any toxic solvents

• Use masking tape to create a boarder or block out any areas you don't want painted

• Always create a light sketch as to not smudge the pencil

• Starting off with a base wash ( a light watery base of paint that goes under the painting ) on the canvas can make painting less intimidating

• Less is more! Always use less paint to start to avoid waste, as you can always get more

• If possible, prop the canvas up so its facing you, that way you will get a   proper perspective 

• Mixing white into the different colours creates more opaque paints

• Use dark shades of blue or purple for shadows as black can be too harsh

There are many benefits towards youth educational development through the arts. Through practicing art, young people will develop their learning in ways of thought, knowledge, expression, and feeling through the basis of creativity. As well, art can help build confidence within a young person. The skills learned through making art can result in an out of box thinking style and help with taking criticism and guidance from others. Art has many ties within other subjects such as math's, science, and history and can lead to a better understanding of all subjects when taught to think creatively. More benefits of art education can include a deepened understanding of culture as well as self, and improved cognition in the forms of verbal and visual memory, motor skills, and language communication. Overall, learning varying forms of art can lead to many personal growth benefits in young people as art has more power than just creativity.

Painting can seem intimidating and tricky when you're a beginner however with practice and time you will see results! Understanding the difference between types of paint such as oil, acrylic, watercolour, and gouache is the first step in painting. With the help of the tips and tricks listed above, as well as the breakdown of Form, Content, and Context, you will have everything you need to know to get started. And with all the education benefits that come along with the practice of art, there is no reason to not want to become a painter! Like any art form, practice makes perfect!

        Next week we will discuss a more modern take on art for young people, specifically artwork created using digital media! Stay tuned to find out more and see how traditional arts go hand in hand with modern arts, as well as tips and tricks on how to get started for beginners!

For more information on local artists supported by KeenArt Media: VancouverOnCanvas: Local Artist Guide

Top 10 Vancouver Art Galleries

 

1. Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery was established in 1931 and to this day is still one the most well respected galleries in North America. Open 7 days a week, this gallery explores the impacts of imagery through design, architecture, and visual culture. As a not-for-profit institution, the Vancouver Art Gallery believes in building community, engaging the world in creativity, and sharing perspectives with special attention to First Nations artists as well as Asia Pacific art. Their current exhibit features artwork such as mixed-media, sculptures, paintings, textiles and installation by artists including Yoko Ono, Jan Wade, Sandeep Johal, as well as Edith Heath and Emily Carr. Future exhibits will also include multimedia installations by Keith Langergraber.

Find them at:

Vancouver Art Gallery 

750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7

(604) 662 4700

2. Centre A: Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art 

The Centre A: Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art has been committed to showcasing the artistic perspectives of the Asian/Asian-diasporic community since 1999. The exhibits feature provocative and stimulating conversations regarding migrant experiences. Through art, Centre A has found a way to play an active role in the local contemporary community in regards to broadening cultural engagement. Their current exhibition includes a multimedia installation by artist Sona Safaei-Sooreh, as well as multiple ongoing exhibitions year round.

Find them at:

Centre A | Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art 

268 Keefer St Unit 205, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X5

(604) 683 8326

3. Western Front

The non profit artist run centre known as Western Front was established in 1973 by a group of 8 artists who collectively purchased, curated, and ran the institution. Together they created a multidisciplinary society of arts for the local and international art community. Presently, Western Front exhibits many art mediums such as music, visual art, performance, media art, and literature while also offering artists in residency programs. Current and upcoming events include works by artists Sriwhana Spong, Tiffany Ayalik, and the Toque Craft Fair. 

Find them at:

WESTERN FRONT 

303 E 8th Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5T 1S1

(604) 876 9343 

4. The Polygon Gallery

The Polygon Gallery believes that art should be accessible to all which leads to their multi lingual exhibition tours, talks, and outreach programs featured in English, Farsi, Spanish, French, and Mandarin, all of which is by donation. With a commitment to diversity, the gallery exhibits many photographers and related media outside of the Eurocentric lens, and instead a reflection of the community, especially in relation to Indigenous peoples. Aside from promoting emerging Vancouver artists over the last few decades, the Polygon Gallery provides an interactive environment for young people interested in learning about the arts. The current exhibition features Dina Goldstein’s OG Punk collection, as well as the upcoming Steven Shearer solo exhibition.

Find them at:

The Polygon Gallery 

101 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3J4

(604) 986 1351

5. Arts Off Main Gallery

Since 2003 Arts Off Main has been a collective art gallery come to life by a group of seven artists. Prior to this the space had been a cafe. Now Arts Off Main is a space for the group of artists to sell and showcase their works, as well as offer consignment for other artists. The gallery features a variety of mediums and talents, with many artists coming and going over the year, so always expect to see something new each visit! Their current exhibitions feature Elana Sigal’s Hidden Beauty, as well as Jan Rankin’s Moral Letters. As well, the gallery features permanent artist partners Gary Nay, Tom Antil, Lee Sanger, Eileen Mosca, Norma Jean Mccallan, Natalie Way, Cindy-Wynne Kolding, and more featured artists!

Find them at:

ARTS OFF MAIN GALLERY - Arts Off Main Gallery | Vancouver | BC 

1704 Charles St, Vancouver, BC V5L 2T6

(604) 876 2785

6. Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery 

Located at the University of British Columbia, this gallery contains over 5,000 artworks in relation to contemporary art. The Belkin Art Gallery seeks international perspectives, research mandates, and a goal for civil society. Since 1948 the Belkin Art Gallery has promoted discussions revolving around contemporary art issues, histories, curatings, and criticisms. Their current exhibition Drift: Art and Dark Matter is presented by a group of four artists, as well as an upcoming exhibition Laiwan: Traces, Erasures, Resists.

Find them at:

Home Page - Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery 

1825 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2

(604) 822 2759

7. Contemporary Art Gallery

This independent non profit gallery is one of the leading spaces for contemporary art in Canada. With artists featured from Canada and around the world, the CAG produces not only exhibitions but also residencies, outreach, learning, off-site projects, events, publications, and community engagement programs. With an emphasis on education, the CAG produces talks, workshops, youth programs, and multilingual guided tours. 

Find them at:

Contemporary Art Gallery - Contemporary Art Gallery, Vancouver 

555 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6R5

(604) 681 2700

8. Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery

With a purpose of internationally showcasing the First Nations, Inuit, and Plains peoples cultural art, the Coastal Peoples Fine Art Gallery has been successfully supporting Indigenous artists since 1996. The diverse artists exhibited at the gallery showcase their mythic stories through culturally expressive artworks made both traditionally and contemporarily. With a wide collection of art such as jewelry, glasswork, sculptures, textiles, paintings, carvings, and much more! The current exhibit features Corrine Hunt’s Kapiguxw’id / Gathering, which includes a multi media display of the artist's reimagined cultural heritage. 

Find them at:

Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery: Northwest Coast Native Art Gallery 

332 Water St Unit 200, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B6

(604) 684 9222

9. Monte Clark Gallery

The Monte Clark Gallery has been located in the cultural landscape of Vancouer since 1992. This hidden industrial gallery features both emerging and established artists of Canadian and International backgrounds. With exhibitions featuring drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and video. The gallery believes in community cultural involvement as well as committing to diversity amongst its artists of any stage in their career. The current exhibition features Vancouver local photographer Stephen Waddell’s Made/Unmade, which highlights the mundane yet is influenced by the theatrics of classical European portraiture. 

Find them at:

Home - Monte Clark 

53 Dunlevy Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 3A3

(604) 730 5000

10. Catriona Jeffries

Since 1994, the Catriona Jeffries Gallery has presented contemporary art through post conceptual art practices emerged within Vancouver and the relationships of these practices with international artists. Catriona Jeffries is a well known respected gallery that continues to curate projects within a historical trajectory. The current exhibition Some Number of Things by Raymond Boisjoly captures odd sequences of language in textual works using prints, vinyl, and aluminum to form multiple narratives.

Find them at:

Catriona Jeffries 

950 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1M6

(604) 736 1554

---

Here at KeenArt Media, we believe in supporting our local art community by showcasing local artists on our website and helping them sell their artworks to a wider audience. As well as share our favourite art galleries, as shown above! KeenArt Media is proud to help enrich the art world in any way possible, especially by providing products that will help every artist at any stage create their works!

 

    To find out more about local artists: Vancouver On Canvas- Local Artists Directory  

    To find out more about our art products: Vancouver Canvas Photo Prints, Custom Made Picture Frames & Plaque Mounts, Face Mounting Prints On PlexiGlass

Vancouver's East Side Culture Crawl

                                             

For the past 25 years Vancouver's Eastside Arts Society has hosted the Eastside Culture Crawl. This event has artists from Vancouver’s Eastside open up their studio doors to the public. These both emerging and internationally recognized artists share their crafts which include painting, jewelry, photography, pottery, weaving, glassblowing, furniture making, and sculpting. Aside from just opening their studio doors to showcase their work, these artists also contribute workshops, talks, and demonstrations. This contemporary event inspires both an appreciation and deeper understanding of the artwork produced by the featured artists. 

This year, the Crawl will have over 80 artists throughout a multi-venue salon style exhibition. With the work being shown at the Firehall Arts Centre, Alternative Creations, the Pendulum Gallery, the Herschel Infinity Room, and an online option called the Cultch. Exhibitions such as Surfacing, and Hush Now Sleeper. We Will Meet Again will be featured at multiple locations as well as plenty of artist talks and demonstrations.

This year's artists include multi-disciplined artist Lee James Abbott, mixed media painter Sorour Abdollahi, painter Fiona Ackerman, illustrator Polly Almond, shoemaker Amy Slosky, as well as artists with developmental disabilities at the Alternatives Gallery and Studio. Artist Talks include Material Matters: Engaging with Nature, Histories in the Making: From Research to Artwork, and Making for a Living: A Peek Inside the Business Side. These talks touch on topics such as using materials from your everyday surroundings, how to make a living creating art, and the process of making art while understanding its social history. 

From 1994, when the first Eastside Culture Crawl took place, only four artists participated. Over the years, these numbers have grown to host over 500 artists with over 45,000 visitors per event in recent years! With more sponsors, and studios participating, the Eastside Culture Crawl has made a name for itself and its community. Featuring artists of many disciplines who also host talks and demonstrations, both in person and online. Make sure to check out the Eastside Culture Crawl this November to show your appreciation for your local artists!

The Crawl is held on both November 12-14 and November 18-21, with weekdays being held from 5-10pm, and weekends being held from 11am-6pm.

• Firehall Arts Centre  

• Alternative Creations

• Pendulum Gallery

• Herschel Infinity Room

• The Cultch

Eastside Culture Crawl - A Visual Arts, Design, & Crafts Festival

For more articles like this visit: Vancouver on Canvas 

To find out more about local artists in your area and how to purchase their work visit: Vancouver Online galleries & artworks, Photos Art Print Art Posters Canvas Art & Framed Art Pictures- Prints Plus Posters