Tagged: canvas

April 24, 2024

Caring for your Artwork: 5 Simple Ways

Having an artwork is an investment both emotionally and financially. Whether you’re the painter or the art collector, making sure that your painting is in pristine condition should never be a difficult task.

Here are five simple ways on how to care, clean and store your artwork:

Dust regularly. Keep your paintings in tip-top shape by dusting them regularly. If the painting is on a wall, bring it down first and place it on the floor against a wall at an angle before dusting.

Use a soft, clean brush or a microfiber cloth to gently sweep away dust and dirt. Think of yourself as a painting detective, revealing the true beauty hidden beneath the grime! Avoid feather dusters since its fibers could latch on the canvas and edges of the paint itself.

Avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight—the painter’s best friend and worst enemy! While natural light can enhance the beauty of your artwork, prolonged exposure can cause colors to fade and canvas to deteriorate faster than last week’s leftovers.

Keep your paintings out of direct sunlight or consider using UV-filtering glass to protect them. It’s like giving your masterpiece its own pair of sunglasses!

Check the temperature and humidity. Whether you’re hanging or storing your painting, it’s important to pay attention to the room’s temperature and humidity. Avoid extreme heat and cold temperatures since these will damage your artwork.

According to art experts, between 21-24 degree Celsius is the optimal temperature to keep paintings. Be mindful of ceiling lights which can deteriorate your painting in the long run. Also, keep your paintings away from air conditioning units, radiators, fireplaces, and air vents.

Store properly. When it’s time to tuck your paintings away for a little rest, give them the VIP treatment! Store them vertically in a cool, dry place away from damp basements and hot attics.

If you’re stacking them, make sure to place protective sheets between each painting to prevent scratches and smudges. The front of the canvas should be stacked against the front–and not the back, of another canvas. Make sure that the stretcher bars rest over stretcher bars so there are no sharp edges (corners) pushing into the canvas of another painting.

Tip: Put paintings on crates or other stable platform to prevent the them from touching the ground that exposes them to dirt. And, if you live in a flood-prone area, these crates will keep your paintings safe and dry.

Handle with care. Always handle your painting with care. Hold the artwork by the frame or edges and prevent touching the surface of the painting. The oil in your fingertips can damage the artwork.

Always have acid-free paper, bubble wrap, corner protectors, foam cushions, etc. on hand. These inexpensive items will protect your painting while in storage, and during moving or shipping.

Want to learn more about how to ship your painting? Check out How to Pack and Ship Canvas Art for more!

Keep in mind these simple tips so you can enjoy your painting for many years to come.

Remember, happy paintings make for happy art lovers!

If you’re looking for high-quality canvases, contact us! Whether you want a custom-sized or standard size canvas, our staff is ready to help you.

Featured image: Birmingham Museums Trust

April 19, 2024

How to Pack and Ship Canvas Art

Packing and shipping framed canvas art requires careful attention to ensure the artwork arrives at its destination safely and in pristine condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to pack and ship framed canvas art:

1. Gather materials. Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials. You’ll need a sturdy cardboard box slightly larger than the artwork, acid-free paper, bubble wrap, air cushions, packing paper, packing tape, cardboard corner protectors, and a marker for labeling.
2. Wrap the artwork. This step has many layers. Take your time during this step.

Make sure that the frame is secure and there are no loose piece (hanging hardware, wires, etc.) that could damage the art during shipping.
Use acid-free paper to wrap the artwork. This will protect the piece from marks and indentations that could damage it.
Tightly wrap the artwork in cling film. Start from the back of the frame and wrap the cling film around the artwork several times.
Wrap the framed canvas art in several layers of bubble wrap. Take note that the bubbles should be facing away from the surface of the painting. Ensure that the entire surface of the artwork is covered, paying extra attention to the corners and edges, which are vulnerable to damage during transit. Secure the bubble wrap in place with packing tape.

Tip: When packing a very large framed artwork, it’s better to remove the glazing since there’s a greater risk of the glass breaking during transit. Put a clean sheet of cardboard on the painting to protect it.

3. Protect the corners. Place cardboard corner protectors over the corners of the framed canvas to provide additional reinforcement and protection against impacts.

4. Prepare the box. Line the bottom of the cardboard box with a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap to cushion the artwork. If shipping multiple pieces, separate them with additional layers of packing material to prevent them from rubbing against each other.

5. Position the artwork in the box. Carefully place the wrapped and protected framed canvas art in the center of the box, ensuring that it is positioned upright and does not touch the sides of the box. Fill any empty spaces with additional packing material, such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts, to prevent shifting during transit.

Tip: Make sure that you’ve filled the box with air cushions and/or insulation foam so the artwork doesn’t move at the center of the box.

6. Seal the box. Once the artwork is securely positioned in the box, seal the box with packing tape. Reinforce the seams and edges of the box to prevent it from opening during shipping.

7. Label the box. Use “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” stickers all around the shipping box. Include the sender’s and recipient’s addresses, as well as any special instructions for the carrier.

8. Choose a shipping method. Select a reputable shipping carrier that offers insurance and tracking services for valuable items. Consider opting for expedited shipping or additional insurance coverage for added peace of mind.

9. Schedule pickup or drop-off. Arrange for the packaged artwork to be picked up by the shipping carrier or drop it off at a designated shipping location. Be sure to obtain a receipt or tracking number as proof of shipment.

10. Monitor shipment. Keep track of the shipment’s progress using the provided tracking number. Notify the recipient once the artwork has been successfully delivered.

Packing a canvas art may take so much of your time, but it will give you and your client peace of mind. Also, remember that the time spent packing your artwork is a fraction of the time you spent creating it.

April 13, 2024

Where to Get Custom-sized Canvases?

At CanvasLot, we understand the importance of a canvas that complements your artistic vision. Our hand-stretched, custom-sized canvases are designed with the artist in mind, providing a blank slate for your imagination to unfold.

Why buy canvases from CanvasLot?

Custom-sized canvases. Our canvases can be custom-sized according to your needs. We offer small canvases for your minis and large canvases of up to 12ft.

High-quality surface. Our canvases have a sturdy and durable surface that can withstand the rigors of the painting process, including multiple layers of paint, blending, and reworking. This durability ensures that your artwork will stand the test of time without warping or deteriorating.

Any stretcher bar depth. We offer many different stretcher bar depth (thickness) for your canvas. Order online and get your custom-stretched canvas with the exact size that you need.

Hand-stretched to perfection. Our canvases are tightly stretched, especially in the corners, to give you the perfect tension when painting. You wouldn’t want your canvas to be sagging later and ruining your art.

Heavy-duty wood frame. We provide high quality and tightly-stretched canvases supported by heavy duty solid wood frame. We’ve been working with artists to provide canvases that professionals and enthusiasts will love.

Elegant reusable wood case with double wall cardboard. Protect and deliver the finished artwork to your clients in a professional wood frame case with double wall cardboard, custom built for the canvas. The wood case is also made from the same heavy duty hardwood and will last as long as the canvases come in it.

Back-stapled. All of our canvases are gallery-wrapped and back-stapled for a classic and elegant look. The canvas is tightly stretched and folded over the frame and is secured with staples on the back.

Free shipping. We deliver nationwide for free!

Looking for a canvas that reflects your unique style? Check out our website, Canvaslot.com, where we offer custom-sized canvas options tailored specifically to your preferences.

April 11, 2024

How to Manage Unsold Paintings

Managing unsold paintings can be a common challenge for artists. Here are some suggestions on how to handle and potentially monetize your unsold artwork:

Create an Online Portfolio. Build a professional website by using online platforms like Etsy, DeviantArt, or Saatchi Art to showcase your unsold paintings. This provides a centralized location for potential buyers to discover and purchase your work.
Social Media Promotion. Social media is your friend. Leverage social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Pinterest to showcase your artwork. Regularly share images, stories, and updates about your paintings to increase visibility.

Art Shows and Exhibitions. Join local art shows, galleries, or exhibits to display and sell your paintings. Networking with other artists and art enthusiasts at such events can also open up new opportunities.
Limited-Time Promotions. Create limited-time promotions or discounts for your unsold paintings to encourage sales. This can be especially effective during holiday seasons or special events.
Prints and Reproductions. Consider offering prints or reproductions of your unsold paintings. This allows you to reach a broader audience at a lower price point and provides an alternative for those who may not be able to afford original artwork.
Collaborate with Local Businesses. Partner with local businesses such as cafes, restaurants, or offices to display and sell your artwork on consignment. This can attract potential buyers who may not have visited traditional art galleries.
Art Leasing. Explore the option of leasing your artwork to businesses or individuals. Some people might be interested in rotating artwork in their spaces without committing to a purchase.

April 9, 2024

What Painting Canvas Sizes Sell Best

Painting on canvases may start as a hobby, but for most painters, selling their artwork is a primary source of income. Some left their full-time jobs to become full-time artists. They enjoy spending time doing what they love in creating and expressing their thoughts and feeling through paint and a blank canvas. For some artists, painting is a stress reliever after a hard day’s work.

Choosing the right canvas size can be a factor in selling your artwork. Aside from collectors having different tastes in art, having the perfect painting size can determine whether or not you’ll be able to close the deal.

So, what canvas size sells best?

While there’s a debate whether a small size painting sells better than larger ones and vice-versa, a medium-sized canvas is a safe place to start.

Canvas sizes such as 16″ x 20″ and 18″ x 24″ tend to sell well in the market. Paintings using these canvas sizes can fit the walls in most homes. This also gives you enough space to paint intricate details in your art without compromising the overall composition.

Explore painting on several medium-sized canvases. It’s a handy size that you can bring outdoors for plein air painting. It’s also a good size for portraits.

Other factors to consider

Target buyers

Think about your potential buyers. Are you targeting locals or tourists into purchasing your painting? Tailor your canvas sizes according to your collectors’ preferences.

Tourists like smaller artworks for easier packing and shipping. Small paintings can be quickly stored inside a suitcase or can even fit carry-on bags.

Small paintings are also more affordable. First-time buyers and those are in a tight budget will usually lean on buying a low-cost artwork.

Meanwhile, local collectors especially those who frequent high-end galleries, show areas, exhibits, etc. prefer buying large paintings. These paintings give greater visual impact and hang beautifully in wide and high walls. Large artworks usually grace the walls of hotels, restaurants, universities, and hospitals.

Market trends

Study market trends. Art trends determine which sizes are in demand. What’s high-selling last season may not be so hot right now.

For example, art buyers may prefer miniature paintings during Christmas time since these small artworks are great gifts to family and friends. These miniatures can be used to hang on a Christmas tree, too.

Selling venues

If you’re selling art online or in local art shows, smaller paintings are preferable in these venues. On the other hand, art galleries prefer larger-sized paintings.

Learn more about custom-sized canvases from CanvasLot.

July 24, 2013

The Wonderful World of Finger Painting by Iris Scott

Finger painting is an art activity usually associated with children. Kids love to play with paint, mix different colors, and put them on paper. You’ll get messy art, filled with an assortment of colors, which ends up on the refrigerator door. It may seem a childish endeavor but there is an artist who is creating a buzz in the art world for her beautiful finger paintings.

Iris Scott is an American professional painter who, by chance, realized the wonders of using fingers in applying paint on canvas. In 2009, after college, Iris decided to have a sabbatical to paint without distractions, without any worries. She rented a small studio apartment in Taiwan with a great view of the ocean. Taiwan, being a tropical country, experiences hot, humid weather. The communal sink of the building was located in an area where there was no air conditioning. She had to go out of her air conditioned room to be able to clean her paint brushes. It was such an inconvenience, having to leave her work in a cool place just to wash her brushes under the heat. Then, a serendipitous moment happened. Iris thought she could just use her fingertips to apply paints, without needing her brushes. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Colleen - Single Ladies Collection — Colleen – Single Ladies Collection

Iris admits that washing paint brushes has never been her strong point, so finger painting definitely is perfect for her. She uses surgical gloves when painting, achieving the correct color quickly. Instead of going out of her room to wash her brushes, she just wipes her gloved hands with paper towels and she can use another paint color in an instant. Once she starts painting, her fingers flawlessly dance across the canvas, like a pianist’s hands.

When she has inspiration to paint, she quickly sketches it out and paints immediately. Wearing her purple latex gloves, Iris applies paint directly from the tube. She keeps the paints thick and raw, preferring to use several shades and colors instead of mixing paints together.

Iris’ oeuvre is categorized as Post-Impressionist, with life as the main theme. She says that her paintings are similar to those of Edvard Munch, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.

For new artists, Iris advises that they should save enough money to take a year or two just painting everyday. Like her, leaving your comfort zone and living out of the country to focus on painting is best. Improve your skills and techniques, targeting to paint on a daily basis. This year-off is not for sight-seeing and pleasure only.

Image source: www.irisscottprints.com

July 22, 2013

Tips on How to Store an Artist Canvas

A perfectly pre-primed Canvas Lot piece, ready to take paint.

Canvas is a fabric usually made of cotton, linen, or a combination of both. It is available primed or unprimed, stretched or pre-stretched. You can buy a canvas in art supply stores or online, such as in Canvas Lot. Whatever the type of canvas you are using, you have to protect this essential material in your painting.

Unused canvas fabric
If you bought canvas on wholesale and you have some unused canvas left, here are ways on how to take care of your canvas:

Roll the canvas loosely around a firm center and cover it to protect it from collecting dust.
Store canvas away from direct sunlight or exposed to moisture or humidity.

Stretched and unused canvas
Here are the ways on how to properly store a stretched and unused canvas:

Store canvas vertically, standing along one edge. If you have several canvases, stack it face-to-face or back-to-back. The front side should always touch the front side of another canvas. Don’t stack canvas on top of another since it will lead to warping and cause it to sag.
Don’t store it in a garage, attic, or any room where you can’t control the temperature and where there is no good ventilation.

Stretched and used canvas
After you’re finished with your painting, here are tips on how you can store your painting as you await for its buyer:

Wrap the finished artwork in clean wrapping paper to protect it from dust and other pollutants.
Stack the painted canvas vertically against a wall, facing one direction.
Don’t store canvases face-to-face to prevent paints from sticking together.
Stack larger canvases near the wall and the smaller ones in front. Alternate the orientation of how the canvases are stacked.
Remove any eye screws, nails, or wires at the back of the canvas. If you have to attach hooks, screw the hook at the inner side of the stretcher bar. This avoids the ugly protrusions at the back of the painting and prevents poking, impressions, stains, or accidental tearing another stored canvas.
Use storage blocks or foam support to protect the canvas from the wall and neighboring canvas.
For oil paintings waiting to fully dry, store them in a room which is lit for a few hours of the day. Allowing the paint to dry in darkness causes the paint to turn yellowish.
If you are storing the canvas for a long period of time, place it above a rack to let air circulate underneath the paintings.

July 21, 2013

Best Restaurants for Art Lovers

Dining establishments are now incorporating art in their décor to showcase their collections and to also entice customers. Aside from offering delicious food, these restaurants and cafés also serve as art galleries, displaying paintings on canvas, sculptures, and other artworks. If you’re an artist, or an art lover, check out these restaurants:

Casa Lever, New York. Casa Lever is a fine dining restaurant in Manhattan which displays modern art. Several portraits of celebrities created by Andy Warhol grace the walls of this restaurant. The portraits include Sylvester Stallone, Aretha Franklin, and Giorgio Armani.

Four Seasons Restaurant, New York. Four Seasons Restaurant displays changing galleries of Modern Art, including artworks from Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Helen Frankenthaler. There’s an interesting story about American artist Mark Rothko. Rothko was commissioned to create a series paintings for the dining rooms. He created the paintings with “malicious intentions” but then decided to return the advance payment and kept his paintings for himself.

The Leopard at des Artistes, New York. The Leopard is an Italian fine dining restaurant in New York. The dining area displays the six panels of wood nypmhs and paintings by American artist Howard Chandler Christy which includes The Parrot Girl, The Swing Girl, and Fountain of Youth.

Tru, Chicago. The interiors of Tru looks like an art gallery, with its high ceilings, pin-spot lights, and white walls. It displays pieces from some of the best 20th century artists such as the King of the Pop Artists Andy Warhol, American geometric painter Peter Halley, and German abstract painter Gerhard Richter.

L’Escargot, London. Opened in 1927, L’Escargot houses an extensive collection of original artworks by some of the famous artists in the 20th century such as French painter Henri Matisse, English painter David Hockney, Spanish painter & sculptor Joan Miró, and Russian artist Marc Chagall.

Maxim’s, Paris. Maxim’s is famous for its Art Nouveau interior decor. It displays an extensive collection of illustrious masterpieces from the Belle Epoch. Maxim’s display more than 500 original, signed pieces from all over the world.

La Colombe d’Or, St. Paul de Vence, France. La Colombe d’Or is a hotel and restaurant located in an old medieval town in France. Paul Roux started it as a café bar in 1920 and then later opened an inn which attracted artists from neighbor towns. Many paintings now grace the walls of the restaurant since artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse who were frequent customers exchanged their works as payment for meals or their stay.

Image source: www.casalever.com

July 20, 2013

Stuck in a Rut? 5 Ways to Get Inspired to Paint

There are times in an artist’s life when he feels uninspired, unmotivated, and uncreative. It’s like there’s a creative lull, especially after finishing a major artwork. You feel like you’ll never be able to create another beautiful painting again, you’re tired of picking up your paintbrush and starting your first stroke on the canvas, you have no inspiration to work on. If you are in this phase, here are some ways which can help you get out of the creative block you’re experiencing.

1. Look around you to get inspiration. Get out of your studio and take a walk. Be conscious of your surroundings. Notice the things around you. Look with a fresh new perspective of your environment. Sometimes, because an object, a person, or an event is ordinary to you, you may not take notice of it. You’ll be surprised how simple, ordinary things around you can give you inspiration on your next painting. You’ll be able to express yourself more accurately if your subject is something which you can relate to, or something that you are familiar with.

2. Work on more than one painting at a time. This technique seems absurd. You are uncreative yet I’m suggesting you to work on two paintings. A painting, especially if it’s big-scale, can drain your creative juices in the long run. Working on the same project everyday can be a bit tiresome and tedious. To sort of “spice up” your painting sessions, try doing two paintings. If you’re finished with an area or element in the first painting and you’re feeling tired, you can then switch to the second painting. This allows you to rest your mind from the first painting and when you come back to it, you will see areas which you can improve and enhance.

3. Experiment with a different painting technique or medium. Humans are creatures of habit. We want to do the same things in the same way. If you’re feeling uninspired, try to create a new habit in painting. Learn a new painting style and start using it. This may be a trial and error exercise for you but as you go along, you’ll improve and hopefully, master this new painting style. It can even be your new signature style in your paintings. If you’re always working with oil paints, try using watercolors or pastels. Different media require different treatments, brush strokes, and handling. You may have to learn more about a new medium that you want to work on and studying about it may give you the motivation to start painting again.

4. Look at the artworks of other painters. Art galleries, museums, and art exhibitions showcase numerous paintings and other artworks. Seeing the creativity of other artists can also inspire you to do your own masterpiece. Look at the Internet for paintings done by famous artists and see if you can learn a thing or two about how use the same painting technique or materials in your own project. Check out art magazines to see what subjects are popular nowadays, who are the upcoming artists, or where you can get art lessons.

5. Meet with other artists. Get together with your art friends. If all of you are busy, schedule an appointment that all of you will keep. This is when you can share your ideas, frustrations, tips, problems, etc. Discussing with your art buddies can help you get fresh ideas, be motivated and refreshed. After a lunch or coffee with friends, you may find yourself filled with enthusiasm and eagerness to create another beautiful artwork.

Image source: www.thecreativecomplex.com

July 19, 2013

5 Tips in Buying an Artist’s Easel

In a previous blog post, I explained the different types of easels available to painters. With a wide range of easels out there, how do you choose the easel for you? Here are tips to help you in selecting the perfect easel:

Tip #1. Ask these questions to yourself:

What kind of painting do I always do?
What medium am I using?
What is my budget for an easel?
Where will I place and store the easel? Do I have adequate space?
Where do I usually do my paintings? Inside a studio or outdoors?

Your answers to these questions will help you decide on which easel is best for you. A tabletop easel is best if you like to paint small-scale paintings or you have very limited space in your room. Different medium require different easels. For example, if you paint with oils, use an A-frame or H-frame easel, or whatever easel that will provide you with a vertical working surface. If you use several medium such as oils and watercolors, a convertible easel is best. Aside from these factors, the budget and space should also be considered.

Tip #2. Check the sturdiness of the easel. The easel should be sturdy enough to hold your canvas, support the painting process, and will not easily topple. The larger the canvas you’re working on, the sturdier the easel should be. You wouldn’t want to work on a shaky surface wherein each brush strokes vibrate because the easel cannot give ample support. Make sure that you’re not buying a display easel which is lightweight and spindly. It is designed for showcasing paintings, and not for working on paintings.

Tip #3. Choose an easel that offers adjustability. Buy an easel which provides the greatest degree of adjustability. When painting, you may want to paint standing up or sitting down, you need to work on top of the canvas as well as at the bottom. You need to have an easel that can be adjusted to give you the right tilt so you can paint on different areas of the canvas.

Tip #4. Look for an easy-to-use easel. This tip is related to Tip #3. Check if you can easily use the screw and bolt mechanism of the easel. See if it tightens properly according to the height and angle you preferred.

Tip #5. Save money for a quality easel. Keep in mind that an easel is one of your biggest expense in painting. You may have to wait for some time and keep saving for a high quality easel rather than buying cheap easels. You will be using an easel for a long time so it’s better to buy an easel that would last.