20 YEARS IN BUSINESS: To Frame or not to Frame? That is the Question

KeenART Media is a family business that has been providing best printing and framing services to hundreds of artists and art-enthusiasts all over Canada and The US. And we are excited to welcome you on the Eve of our 20 years anniversary  and hope to inspire you to create, while we are providing our best aid in moments of creative despair. 

Not only do we offer over 30 different framing and printing services but also wish to guide you in case any questions arise on your artistic path. This is why in order to Thank our wonderful clients we have created a Manual, describing how to pick the best framing option for your artwork. 

Custom Picture Frames 

Now that you are done with your artwork, photograph or print, it is important to know what kind of frame will suit your creative wishes, as despite its simplicity, a correct frame will add a new dimension and appearance to your final work. But maybe pre-made frames have never sparked any interest in you or looked very distant from your desired look. In order to avoid choosing from already made frames, we offer a service that will allow you to pick every single detail, from size and color to material and will provide you with your very own Custom Picture frame. 

We present to you over 1000 wood and metal mouldings in a variety of sizes and styles. 

The mouldings are categorized by color or style, and pricing is based on width, height and moulding profile.

The process of ordering a custom Picture frame is simple and elegant, as all that is required from you is:

1.  Picking the molding you want

2. Selecting the width and height

3. Adding it to the shopping cart.

Easy, right? But what if you do not find yourself as an expert in picture framing? How would you know what kind of frame will benefit your artwork the most? Let us help you figure it out! 

Let’s start with the basics

 Wood or Metal Frames?

Choosing a material of the frame is curial, as it can drastically change the appearance of your work and either highlight or decrease its value. Two most popular choices that guarantee high quality wood and metal frames. 

If you are looking for a classy and old-fashioned framing, we highly recommend wood frames. Wood texture presents a piece through a more professional and expensive style. It is favored for oil paintings and photographs, as it creates a warm and cozy ambience that can highlight the brightness of the final product. 

 

Yet, if you want to go for a modern and risky look, metal frames are your perfect match! Many abstract artists use metal frames to add more pizazz and edge to their work. It is more unusual to see a metal frame over a wooden one which makes it more unique and innovative. The sharp texture and silver lining of the frame will not take away from the work, but will present it through a more subtle and creative lens.

*Also, note that the colour of your frame can help your work to stand out and add to the overall feel of the piece.*

Canvas Floaters

Now that we know what kind of material to choose from, let’s talk about a different style of frames. Unlike regular frames, familiar to all of us frames, Canvas Floaters (also known as floater frames) look much more extravagant and bring your work to the next level... quite literally! 

The “floating effect” is created by mounting a canvas on stretcher bars that sits neatly on the inside lip of the frame. That is a perfect option for those who do not enjoy a frameless look but wish to find a way to  avoid suppressing their piece at its edges.  

Whether your canvas is a thin (¾”) or thick (2”+) wrap, whether you're looking for a simple matte border or a gold-edged modern masterpiece, a beautiful, solid wood floater picture frame is the answer! 

 Custom Stretcher Frames

Stretcher frames are traditionally a wooden framework “support” on which an artist or a canvas printer fastens a piece of canvas. If you choose to have a stretcher frame, there are two most popular options that we provide:

Custom-Made Preassembled Wooden Stretcher Frames

Pre-assembled stretcher frames are always available in custom sizes. Milled from clear finger jointed Pine, a stretcher bar is used to construct a wooden stretcher frame onto which canvas can be mounted.

 

Note: It is important to acknowledge that larger canvases require thicker frames in order to provide as much stability and security to your final work and avoid potential cracks and breaks. 

*We offer 13 profiles with depths from 7/16" to 3". For oversized frames above 72x40"*

Ready to Assemble Stretcher Bars:

Uncertain about ordering a pre-assembled stretcher frame? We’ve got you covered! We offer a variety of “ready to assemble” stretcher bars that come in different sizes from 5” to 96” in length and ¾” and 1 ½” depth. 

*These quality Basswood Stretcher strips are pre-cut and spliced for easy assembly, and designed so the canvas is always one half inch from the strip to eliminate "ghost" impressions.*

I am settled on the material and size. Is there anything else I need to get? 

Once you have decided on a material, colour and size, you may wonder, is there anything else you will need, in addition to your frame? Now, the process of picking add-ons that will align with your vision can seem intimidating at times, but we are here to help you untangle the mystery of additional framing tools and options that will make your frame complete and stunning. 

There are 5 things you may consider  which may help your final product look much better: 

Custom cut MatBoards - a simple tool that will bring your artwork from “pretty” to “perfect.” Matboards are used for many artists in order to provide a distinction between your work and a frame and allows a final product to look more neat. They come in different colours and thickness, so be careful to include all details if you will choose to work with Mats. 

*Click here to analyze what kind of MatBoard is most suitable for your composition.*

 Custom Plexi Cuts - also known as acrylic glass, or plexiglass, is a transparent thermoplastic often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. Despite its lightweight, Plexiglas is very resistant and will guarantee high protection and easier use when it comes to fabrication.  

*Click here to learn more about PlexiGlass.*

 Custom Size Boards and Pre-Cut Boards - another option that you may consider is adding “backing” to your final work, when placing it into the frame. We provide all kinds of variations from Gator to Foam Boards. 

*Click here to learn which Pre-cut or Custom-size board will benefit you best.*

 Framing Hardware

And your final “cherry on top” would be learning about Framing Hardware, an essential part of framing. Here we have attached a link to several articles that will guide you through a process of framing hardware services. 

And here you go! Now you are an expert at picture framing and all that is left to do is grabbing your piece of art and precisely choosing what would be the best way to display it. We hope that our article was able to clarify your questions and inspire you to use only professional and high quality services that KeenART Media provides with love and care! 

Fun and useful Resources:

PICTURE FRAMING: STANDARD SIZES AND GENERAL GUIDELINES

  https://www.usaoncanvas.com/include/guide_picture_framing_rules_standard_sizes.php 

HANGING AND DISPLAYING ART

 https://www.usaoncanvas.com/include/guide_art_hanging_systems.php 

HISTORY OF THE PICTURE FRAME

 

https://www.usaoncanvas.com/include/guide_history_picture_frames.php 

FRAME ASSEMBLY GUIDE - Dovetail System 

https://www.usaoncanvas.com/include/dovetail_guide_framing.php 

At Eternity’s Gate: What Hides within Vincent Van Gogh's Paintings?

Even if you find yourself being far apart from the world of art or do not recall the last time you stepped in the hallways of a gallery, you are most likely familiar with the name Vincent Van Gogh and perhaps even saw his world-known works. Yet, the paintings of a Dutch Post-Impressionist may make you question why so many people go insane when they see his art? Perhaps, you may think that if his paintings are embellishing walls of museums all over the world, he was always treated with respect, knew his true calling and had an easy and successful path to get to the fame that he has gained. Maybe he chose Post-Impressionism as the way to stand out from the crowd which was what caused his growth, or maybe he was simply a rich man, trying to kill his boredom through oil and canvas? But what if none of those assumptions are true? 

In 2018, Julian Schnabel directed his most personal motion picture called “At Eternity’s Gate,” a biographical drama, about Vincent Van Gogh and his deep connection with the world of art. The film was shot in areas in which Vincent Van Gogh spent the majority of his life and focuses on pain and agony that is hidden behind a canvas. Despite the fact that he was able to strike a new artistic style and build a foundation for a new path of painting, his fame did not come to him while he was alive. He was considered a madman, and a failure and only glimpse of judgement, poverty and complete isolation from his surroundings were his companions. Vincent Van Gogh suffered from psychosis and depression that are visible in his artworks. Behind the colorful shades of bright-yellow sunflowers or beautiful layout of stars in the night sky, he captured his existential dread and distress that often appeared in forms of manic episodes leading to hallucinations and auras. 

The movie shows how the only stream of light was his desire to create, as he knew that no one will enjoy his work, he did it solely for himself and found “peace” in running away from terrors and hiding in nature’s landscapes that he was placing onto his canvas. “At Eternity’s Gate” shows his entire life-long story and its devastatingly sad ending, which happens when Vincent chooses to take his own life in one of the fields where he enjoyed painting, concluding his difficult life and setting him free. 

Essentially, when you look at any of his masterpieces, you do not see a plain painting created in a particular style. You see a captivation of feelings, emotions and a “cry for help.” You catch yourself wondering how a person with such a dull and tough life was able to catch beauty and happiness in simple phenomenon and places? He was never known for presenting an authentic setting, but his gift of storytelling through his own perspective. 

Knowing the story behind the mastermind and his work, you may change the way you look at what you see. Vincent Van Gogh's journey is a great example of what defines an artist, as while many chase fame and financial benefits, a true artist uses his medium as a diary which projects his beliefs, worldview and leaves a piece of themselves behind, once their time on Earth has come to the end.  

If only Vincent Van Gogh would know what an immaculate impact his vision would do to the modern world of art and how replicas of his works would appear in our everyday life, from art exhibits to t-shirt prints and fine art reproductions. And as he was able to conquer a new movement, all that is left for us is to keep admiring his work and remember at what cost it was made. 

Here, at KeenART Media we often work with many professional artists, and as much as we would love working with Vincent Van Gogh we do offer exclusive services that correlate with his famous paintings. There are a variety of pre-made options from “Starry Night” to “Le Semeur” that you may choose to print on any given media, including canvas, metal/wood panels, ceramic and fabric. 

Click here to place your order. 

Click here to learn more about our services and products 

20 YEARS IN BUSINESS: Everything You Need to Know about Our Printing Services

Every artist dreams to have an easy access to quality art supplies, framing and printing services, as well as the option to be closely working hand by hand with people who can assure them in fast and detailed aid, in moments of creative despair. And what are the odds to be able to find all of those helpful perks in one consecutive organization? 

Ever since the desire to help in providing professional assistance to art and photography artists and enthusiasts raised in the founder of KeenART Media, a once naïve dream became a reality. 

This year strikes a 20 year anniversary since the start of the company! To go back to the roots of the story it is important to acknowledge that the first successful steps were focused on arranging new at the time printing services, which we still offer in a variety of different sub-genres and would like to introduce them to lucky internet browsers and hopefully inspire them to get on this intriguing and creative path. 

Canvas Prints

Canvas prints are a very fun and affordable way to capture your artwork or photograph. Many of our clients choose such service for their selling purposes, art exhibit performances, as well as people who simply wish to decorate their workplace or home with a print of a meaningful memory or want to surprise their loved ones by giving them an opportunity to relive an important milestone that is captured on the print. Due to such sentimental and professional requests we carefully execute all stages of production and use only high quality materials and technology.

For Canvas prints alone, we are working with  ClearShield Type C Coating as a protective finish, which is formulated to be used over water-resistant canvas printed with pigmented inks. The printing technology itself is an inkjet printer that primarily is used for canvas prints and assures in keeping its natural texture, depth and brilliance that allows the light to reflect on the final work, giving you an option of a frameless result!  

*We offer canvas rolled prints and 5 different depth gallery wrapped canvases.

Our maximum print width is 64"; there is no limit on print length up to 150.”* 

What is gallery wrap? 

Once you have settled on your decisions to purchase a canvas print, we also offer a service of wrapping the printed canvas onto a custom-made wooden stretcher bar frame (also known as Gallery wrap) and stapled at the back, attaching the canvas to a frame, in order to assure the finished product with a modern and neat look. 

Fine Art Printing

*Fine Art quality Printing using Epson Inkjet printers & UltraChrome K3 inks*

Using the latest in imaging and print technology, we create stunning fine art prints that are hard to distinguish from the originals. The key to a high quality fine art print is in “fine paper” which is a high quality material that distinguishes itself from any wood-containing paper and allows light constancy and resistance to aging. 

*Framed Prints - once you are satisfied with the final result, don’t forget that we can provide our framing services in order to give your print a finished appearance and get it ready to be hung on your wall!*

Dye-Sublimation

Dye-sublimation is a modern method of printing on several different materials, such as ceramic, wood, acrylic blocks, metal, and fabric. That is  the only printing method that uses organic dyes which support the quality of the image, as well as helps in sustaining vibrant colors throughout and ensures that the design will last longer. It also creates a glossy effect on the material and the heat transfer defuses chances of quick damage and increases the protection of the final product.

Coffee Mug Prints

Applying the method of dye-sublimation on ceramic tableware turns a boring and plain mug into a fancy, unique and colorful accessory for your home.

Perks of Coffee Mug Prints:

• Permanent and durable (your image will not disappear in a long run)

•   Dishwasher and microwave safe (layer of protection will secure a print from water and heat damage 

• Scratch resistant (no need to worry about minor scrapes while caring a mug in your bag or purse)

T-shirt Prints

Dye-Sublimation is also known for resting beautiful prints on fabric, and what are the best way to show off a high-resolution photograph of an “inside joke,” favorite memory or even a logo of your company if not in a form of a casual wear that will be a part of your daily outfit or special occasion? Our T-shirts are 100% polyester jersey knit with cotton feel and come in sizes from Small (S) to 3XL. No need to worry about the durability of the print, as with the heat press that will transfer your print and ensures to last up to 10 years without fading away. 

 Face Mask Prints

For over 2 years the world had been preoccupied with fear, panic and distress. But no one said that even in such uneasy times you can’t look and feel pretty! KeenART Media cares about your protection and offers fun and unique replacement to ordinary medical masks. Our masks use polyester on both sides and the cotton layer in the middle to ensure best filtration and easy breathiness. 

They come in 3 different sizes: 

Small (S) - 6" x 4" - Child

Medium (M) - 6" x 5"

Large (L) - 8" x 5 1/2" 

Metal & Wood Prints

Another option for your dye-sublimated piece would be metal and wood prints. If you are wondering which option would benefit your work best, we offer you to look at the difference between metal and wood prints in order to help you with this decision making process. 

What do you need to know about Metal prints?

The material in which your print will be manufactured is aluminum that comes in rectangular or round shapes. Metal Prints are commonly used by modern-art enthusiasts, as sharp edges and unique surfaces of the print adds inventive style to a final product as well as  enhances photographic highlights and accents on any image, due to its finish.

 

Our metal prints are available only in standard sizes.

Pick from two different finishes:

Gloss White for a true-to-color, vibrant image or

Gloss Brushed/Silver to allow the metal to show through any lighter areas of your image.

One out of many perks of going forward with metal prints is its frameless appearance and full freedom to expose the entire image, without hiding bits of it behind the frame. However, it is important to acknowledge that in order to display your print, you will have to ensure the safest and most efficient way of doing so, which is why we offer 3 display options:

• Table Easel ( Attach to back of panel to stand on table. For either horizontal or vertical display and Only for use with small photo panels.) (A)

• Float Mount Hangers ( perfect for medium size panels) (B)

• 3/4" Inset Frame ( Inset Frames are recessed from the edges of the print, so the print appears to float away from the wall when hung.) (C)

What do you need to know about Wood Prints?

Wood prints have the same idea and process of projecting the print onto a hard surface, however will add a slightly different “feel” to your final product. Many choose to go with the wooden texture in order to keep a warm and old-fashioned style, which is perfectly suitable for family photographs and pictures that narrate a correlation with nature, and outdoors. 

These are made with a maple veneer with a low gloss coating and have pre-drilled keyholes on the back that make them ready to hang out of the box! 

Despite the different approach to the same print, metal and wood prints share the same values and benefits such as:

• Frameless appearance

•  Permanent and durable

•  No glass to break or produce a glare

• Easy to clean, with only a soft cloth and glass cleaner

• Scratch resistant

Acrylic Blocks

“A small tabletop display with a big impact!” 

Acrylic Blocks are one of the most exclusive and fascinating products that we offer. Imagine placing your favorite memory or a meaningful art piece into a glass-like rectangular prism which creates a secluded environment for the print to reflect light and appear almost as a captivated piece, hiding its beauty behind the acrylic material. Oh, and did we mention that your finished product is guaranteed to last up to 75 years? Crazy! 

An additional Information about Acrylic Blocks:

Sizes: 4x4", 4x6", 5x7", 6x6" and 6x9"

Thickness: 1" with hand polished crystal clear edges

Media Print: Glossy finish Epson papers using archival inks

Backing: Rear prints are protected with 1mm thick backing.

Display: Free-standing ready to display

Plaque Mounting

Another fun way to print and display your artwork goes by the definition of Plaque Mounting. Essentially, all you have to do is print a picture you wish to work with and choose a surface in which the picture is desired to be mounted onto. Once your image has been printed, it will be "dry mounted" to the MDF board you selected. The process of dry mounting “sandwiches” your print, adhesive tissue, MDF board and a clear protective laminate which ensures a beautiful piece that radiates vibrant colors and flawless reproduction of your digital image. 

You may choose a board out of:

• STANDARD/FLAT MOUNT

• BOX/FLUSH MOUNT

• RAISED MOUNT

• FLOAT MOUNT

• MATTED PLAQUE

Additional Printing Services

Cityscape Prints and Classic Art Prints:

Never have time to go downtown and take amazing photographs of your beloved city? Or have you been looking to find a reproduction of your favorite Claude Monet or Vincent Van Gogh but could not figure out where you can get a quality work done? We’ve got you covered! We offer a variety of pre-made prints that could be done on any given surface, from canvas to an awesome T-shirt print, covering the majority of popular world-destination and  beloved masterminds of their craft all over the planet! 

Click here to explore our galleries:

https://www.usaoncanvas.com/artworks/gallery_cityscapeprints.php . (Cityscapes)

https://www.usaoncanvas.com/artworks/index.php?group=classic (Classic Art)

Handmade Oil Paintings

This has to be one of the most exciting services that we provide, as it is so personal and exclusive to each of our beloved clients who chooses to try it. If you have been wondering what would YOU or any close person in your life would look like as an oil-painting or if you wish to capture a certain moment through oil and canvas but cannot afford it anywhere else, we offer you a one in a lifetime opportunity of getting a Handmade Oil-Painting yourself, right from your laptop or smartphone. Upload your picture today and get a special, professionally made painting within 1 month! 

The last 20 years of working in the Printing and Framing industry had felt like one blissful day. It was filled with a lot of creativity, inspiration but most importantly with the unspeakable satisfaction of helping so many brilliant artists and photography-enthusiasts all over Canada and The United States of America. We are grateful for your support and dedication and if you are new here, we welcome you into our family and hope to hear from you soon!