All About Magnetic Poster Frames!

Magnetic Poster Frames are the perfect option for displaying your photos and artworks! These easy to assemble hangers are a great alternative to picture frames. Coming in a variety of sizes and colours, these affordable displays are great for those on a budget looking to amplify their décor.

Magnetic Poster Frames consist of four thin pieces of wood, with each pair being magnetized together. All you have to do is place the wood piece with a magnet on a flat surface, magnet side up, and position your artwork on it. Then once the artwork is centered, place the second piece of wood on top to magnetize the art in place. Make sure the wood with the hanging strap is on the top side of your artwork. And voila, as simple as that you have a fully ready display!

These Magnetic Poster Frames come in a variety of sizes such as 8”, 9”, 12”, 19”, 24”, 37”, and are also available for custom sizing! They are also available in three different colours; Oak, Pine or Walnut. These shades vary from very light to deep natural wood colourings.

Size Chart

• 8”

• 9”

• 12”

• 24”

• 37”

• CUSTOM

Digital Art for Youths!

     In today’s modern society, new forms of art are being developed through the advances in technology. With that in mind, traditional art is certainly not a dying field but is instead modifying and mixing with the new age and creating altogether a new form of art, known as digital art. 

Digital art can be recognized as having a futuristic, almost life-like appeal to it with its vibrant colours and realistic technique. However that doesn’t mean all digital art looks the same, some artists create works that appear to be made traditionally, as it all depends on style. Digital art is formed using computer or multimedia arts and can create a large variety of artworks. Media arts have been around since the 1960s and are continuing to advance to this day. 

    There are many different ways to create digital arts as this term reflects a variety of art forms. One method of digital art that can be helpful for beginners, is to create a hand drawn image that is then scanned into the computer and edited from there, using software's such as Photoshop. This is a simple way to begin practicing sketching online and understanding the different tools offered as it requires a reference. A more advanced and commonly used digital media tool is the Wacom tablet, used by many artists. This tablet is designed for creating and editing digital art as well as comes along with its own pen. This is a very useful option for photographers, graphic designers, and artists alike. There are many different programs designed for digital art although they each are geared towards different specialties; some for sketching, some for editing, etc., as well as varying pricing. Adobe offers many programs that are narrowed down to specialties. Nowadays, there are plenty of free tutorials available online through services such as YouTube to help anyone at any stage. 

Digital art does not require much more than traditional art would in terms of materials. As it requires a computer or tablet, a digital art software, a stylus, and a basic understanding of drawing. Some consider digital art to be easier than traditional arts however it does have its own obstacles, understanding the program being used can be tricky getting started. Overall though, like any skill, practice makes perfect! With the right amount of drive and passion, anyone can be a digital artist! 

An example of a step by step portrait created digitally. 

Modern technology has advanced the art world in unimaginable ways and is quite accessible to all! Although creating digital art can be on the pricier side, most art forms do require a bit of investment. However with digital art, materials do not need to be restocked! With all the online programs and tutorials, anyone is able to learn this medium. Using a tablet is very similar to traditional hand drawn art except with many more benefits such as the ability to change the colour or brush stroke with the touch of a button!

To find out more about local artists who create with many mediums: Vancouver On Canvas- Local Artist Guide

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

Celebrating 20 Years of Printing Services!

KeenArt Media has been offering high quality printing services to clients all across North America since 2002. Aside from the quantity of services, the quality is also highly important to this company. KeenArt Media prides itself on being able to reward its clients with beautiful artwork as well as support many artists across the continent by helping promote their works! This family run business understands the importance of community as well as how to connect with other artists, other small businesses, and everyday people looking for somewhere to turn. Reflecting on all that has been accomplished at this business over the last 20 years can seem overwhelming, however this article will help break down all the printing services offered here at KeenArt Media.  

About us - Vancouver Fine Art Print & Giclée On Canvas Prints 

When one hears printing services, they often think of a fax machine or Staples. However here at KeenArt Media, we do more than just print an invoice. We offer printing services on a vast variety of materials, such as fabric, canvas, metal, wood, mounts, ceramics, and fine art papers. We use fine art archival inks on giclée materials! With all these options available, KeenArt Media still offers a quick turnaround time, competitive prices, and free shipping (over $99).

Fabric is an excellent choice of material when it comes to dye sublimation, our printing technique. We offer a vast selection of fabrics including; Mesh, Spandex, Jersey, Twill, Holographic, Woven, and Linen to name a few.  However there are two distinct material bases that are used which are Knit and Woven. The main differences between the two are that knit naturally drapes and flows (for items such as apparel, flags, or tablecloths) whereas woven is more sturdy and hardwearing (for items such as banners, signage, upholstery). The only common factor between these materials is that they must be polyester based. This is because the polyester absorbs and locks the ink into the material, making sure it won’t fade or crack. If you’re unsure about which fabric is best suited for you, we also offer fabric sample packs that include ten 7” x 7” polyester fabrics, however we do not accept fabrics supplied by customers. Our fabrics can be used for any clothing type such as T-shirts, leggings, masks, uniforms, active sportswear, and outerwear as well as items such as promotional banners or home wear such as curtains, tablecloths, or tea towels. All fabrics are recommended hand wash or machine wash cold and hang to dry. Our fabrics can be printed on any custom size no larger than 64” x 44”.

 

Polyester Fabric (above)

Vancouver Fabric Printing - Dye Sublimation on Polyester Fabrics 

Our printing services can be used perfectly for gifts, especially when the printed material is a ceramic such as a mug or an acrylic block. Using dye sublimation, we are able to print on ceramic mugs that feature a polyester coating. These mugs come in both 11oz and 15oz sizes as well as come in rather a pearl coating or a black coating with a white patch. The mugs come both dishwasher and microwave safe as well as come scratch resistant with long lasting durability. The finish of the ceramic mugs is a glossy appearance on top of any image of your choosing. The image can appear on one side for a dimension of 3.15” x 3.15” or wrap around the mug for a dimension of 8.46” x 3.15”. These mugs are the perfect gift for a loved one, a co-worker, or a client. The Acrylic Blocks are small 1” thick free standing clear acrylic blocks that have face mounted a print inside using a clear double sided adhesive. These blocks come in sizes ranging from 4” x 4” to 6” x 9” and can weigh up to 2.3lbs. The prints featured inside come in a glossy finish and the brilliant colour produced can last up to 75 years! These blocks are mainly decorative however they can be used as paperweights as well. We recommend that they are perfect as gifts or in an office space!

Vancouver - Mugs - Photo Gifts 

Vancouver - Acrylic Blocks - Photo Gifts 

Fine Art Printing doesn’t necessarily need to be printed on a fancy material, but can go back to its origins of paper prints. At KeenArt Media, we offer an assortment of fine art papers to choose from that way you will always take home something unique and special to you. Our fine art papers come in papers such as Hahnemuhle (William Turner, German Etching, Fine Art Baryta, or Photo Rag/Brilliant White), Moab (Entrada Rag Bright, Entrada Rag Natural), and Exhibition Fine Art Fiber (High D Max). We also offer Coated Papers such as Enhanced Matte and Double Weight Matte as well as Photographic Papers such as Premium Luster, Premium Glossy, Premium Semi Glossy, and Moab Slickrock Metallic (Pearl or Silver). The photographic papers are best for a professional photography appearance whereas our fine art papers are best used for museum quality archival prints or reproductions. No matter the material, our options in fine art printing are perfect for all artists, photographers, and designers alike! Aside from Fine Art Prints, we also offer Greeting Cards which are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just staying in touch. Our cards come in 5” x 7” foldable greeting cards, 5” x 7” flat cards, or 4” x 6” postcards. All cards are available in glossy, matte, or elegant linen finishes and use archival pigmented inks when printed on. The cards can be vertical or horizontal and come with a white mailing envelope.

Vancouver Fine Art Prints, Art Print Art Posters Canvas Art, & Framed Art Pictures- Prints Plus Posters 

Vancouver Custom Greeting cards, Postcards, Photo Cards, Picture Cards - Make your own card online 

A Plaque Mount is a modern way to display your art without using a frame. Using a wood fiber plaque, the artwork is mounted on top and sealed with a matte, UV protected laminate. The wood plaques come with a beveled edge that is available in multiple different colours. Plaque mount art is permanent, durable, and long lasting as well as protected against moisture, smudges, and scratches. We offer five main plaque mount styles including Standard/Flat Plaque Mount, Box/Flush Plaque Mount, Float Plaque Mount, Matted Plaque Mount, and Combo/Raised Plaque Mount. 

Dry Mounting uses a poster or a photograph and uses heat to attach the print to a surface. The benefits of dry mounting include preservation, avoids wrinkles or tearing, and easy display. Dry Mounting a print can be done on multiple materials such as Foam Boards, Plywood, Sintra, Matboards, Coroplast, and Mighty Boards. This method is perfect for photos, posters, newspapers or magazines, maps, collages, puzzles, artwork, blueprints, certificates, letters and much more!

A Plexiglass Face Mount is similar to a plaque mount as it is a frameless display of art. However instead of laminating a print onto a surface, a Face Mount displays art between a sheet of aluminum and a sheet of clear plexiglass, then they are all fused together. This is done using a cold press. This permanent bond creates a 3D like effect with enhanced vivid colours. This is a perfect option for photographs or artwork printed on metallic or glossy paper.

Block / Plaque Mounting, Vancouver Mount & display photos on MDF 

Vancouver Custom Size Mounting Boards - PlexiGlass, Foam Cores, Dibond, Gator Board, Mighty boards, Sintra (Plastic), Plywoods, Coroplast, Matboards 

Vancouver Face Mounting Prints On Acrylic/PlexiGlass - Acrylic Face Mounting 

Our Canvas Prints are offered in four different forms; a rolled canvas print, a thin canvas gallery wrap, a thick canvas gallery wrap, and a framed canvas print. Our thin canvases come mounted on a ¾ stretcher bar frame whereas our thick canvases come mounted on a 1 ½ stretcher bar frame. Our canvas fabric is made from an archival poly/cotton blend that is acid free, water resistant, stretchable for framing, and instant drying. These canvases can be printed as small as 6” x 6” up to as large as 144” x 64”, as well as on round canvases. We use the special printing process of Giclée which uses high quality, archival, pigmented inks. When printing on canvas, there are four different edge wraps to choose from including mirror canvas wrap, pixel canvas wrap, image canvas wrap, and solid colours.  

Pricing, Photos On Canvas Prints Vancouver - Photos On Canvas Fine art Prints & Gifts 

We offer original handmade oil paintings here at KeenArt Media. Instead of finding and hiring an artist on your own to paint your images, we already have an artist on hand! All you have to do is select your photograph and we will have an artist create an original oil painting version within the month. Our artists are able to paint landscapes, portraits, florals, abstract, and classical reproductions. All the artists are highly skilled and experienced in oil painting, and you will be guaranteed a beautiful original piece of art! 

    KeenArt Media also offers a program in which local artists can upload their artworks to our website in order to get more exposure, and are able to sell their artwork through our business. This program is available to artists, photographers, and art galleries for free. All the artist has to do is upload their artwork, and set their prices and sizes offered. All information can be updated by that artist at any point in time.

Vancouver Handmade oil paintings from photos to artist Canvas - Oil Paintings Reproductions of famous artists; portraits, floral, landscapes, abstract oil paintings 

Vancouver Artist Gallery program , Giclée Art Print Art Posters Canvas Art & Framed Art Pictures- Prints Plus Posters 

Dye Sublimation is the printing process of using heat to infuse inks into a material. The materials we offer to dye sublimate on aside from fabric, are metal such as aluminum, and wood in particular natural. Each print is given a frameless appearance, is permanent and durable as well as scratch resistant, and easy to clean. The natural wood prints are made out of a maple veneer with a low gloss coating, all wood prints are ready to hang as they have pre drilled keyholes in the back. The metal prints are made from aluminum panels which enhance all photographic highlights as well as create a gloss finish. The metal prints come in three different display options including a table easel, float mount hangers, and a ¾ inset frame. Both the metal and wood prints are available in sizes as small as 2” x 3” up to 60” x 40”.

Vancouver Metal & Natural Wood Prints - Dye Sublimation on Aluminum and Wood 

For 20 years KeenArt Media has been perfecting the art of printing. Printing services of many methods and materials used to create endless options for our customers. From Canvas and Fine Art Prints to Metal, Wood, and Fabric Dye Sublimations to Plexiglass, Face, and Dry Mounts. As well as many gift options such as Mugs, Handmade Oil Paintings, and Acrylic Blocks! KeenArt Media strives to create the best printed products for your home, your clients, and yourself! Our printing services are guaranteed to meet your needs and help assist you in any photo reproduction way possible!

For more information: Vancouver Canvas Photo Prints, Custom Made Picture Frames & Plaque Mounts, Face Mounting Prints On PlexiGlass 

Printing on Fabric: A History of Dye Sublimation

    Printing on material items such as fabrics, metals, and ceramics is the perfect way to give a personalized gift. Using a special century old printing process called Dye Sublimation allows our company to create unique artwork. Each product comes out fun, original, and completely unique for the receiver.

Special Printer

    The printing process of Dye Sublimation can be applied to polymer coated wood, plastic, or aluminum, as well as polyester fabrics. This is done using heat and pressure, instead of using a printer directly on the chosen material. Before beginning to dye sublimate, the image is first printed on transfer paper using special inks. Then the paper is placed face down on the chosen material, soon after the heat and pressure are applied. The inks from the paper begin to sublimate, the process of turning from solid to vapor state, and saturate into the chosen material whilst expanding with the heat. After the material has cooled, the image is trapped permanently within the surface as the fibers have retracted.

    In 1957, Frenchman Noel de Plasse invented Dye Sublimation printing. Although at the time, it was referred to as transfer printing. De Plasse’s discovery found that dyes could easily sublimate when utilized with high temperatures. This approach was first commercialized by a company called Sublistatis SA. Prior to this revelation, the study of inkjets and an early encounter with piezoelectricity can both date back to the early 19th century. This is relevant as both were later on combined to create the process of sublimation.

Printed Fabric

    When printing on polyester fabric, it is unlikely that the images will fade or crack for many years to come. This is due to the fact that the dyes have been directly absorbed into the fabric, becoming one. The dye sublimated image is protected against UV damage, ozone gas, and air pollution which furthers its lifespan to decades. Over time the image will eventually fade when used regularly or with normal washing. There are two distinct choices of fabrics used. The first being a woven material for sturdy and hardwearing banner stands, exterior banners, or exterior signage. The second being an upholstery knit material that drapes and flows more naturally, and is best used for custom apparel, indoor flags and banners, photographic backdrops and table covers.

Printing on fabric is an easy process for an original gift! With our wide variety of fabrics available, you can create your own tapestry, clothing, or signage. We also supply t-shirts and face masks if you’re unsure where to start. Using the process of dye sublimation on fabric is a simple and long lasting product with endless possibilities for creation! Show us your creative designs and get them printed on fabric today!

Visit our official website for more information!

Happy Lunar New Year + Valentine's Coupon Code!

 Hello everyone, and a happy Lunar New Year to all!

As January winds down, another special day is peeking over the horizon - Valentine's! If you're planning on ordering something bespoke for your beloved, we've got a coupon code here to help:

Use our coupon code MYLOVE at checkout, and receive 20% off all regular priced canvas prints + art prints. Perfect for commemorating those travel photos of your journeys together, or transforming a couple of snuggling selfies from Instagram into memorable, celebratory pieces of art.

Or if you want to go above and beyond, you can go cloud-nine with a few heartfelt word clouds:

 

If you have any other ideas for a unique canvas gift, let us know! We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can always reach us for at orders@keenartmedia.com to discuss your ideas, or head over to  to VancouverOnCanvas if you're all set to go. See you soon!


KeenArt Media Ltd. 604-421-8000 (KeenART)
www.VancouverOnCanvas.com
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Thursday
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Friday