CANVAS WALL ART PRINTS? NO THANKS!
In the realm of fine art photography, there are various mediums available for printing, including acrylic, metal, fine art archival papers, and canvas. When I initially ventured into photography, I was keen on printing some of my images, but the cost of framing was prohibitive. Therefore, I opted for canvas wall art prints, which are relatively inexpensive compared to other mediums. If you're interested, you can check out https://www.canvasdiscount.com. However, bear in mind that quality comes at a price. A discounted print shop is unlikely to offer high-quality wall art prints.
During the summer, I attend various art fairs, where I have noticed that some photographers only exhibit canvas pictures in their booth. However, there is a noticeable difference in quality between those and artists who use metal prints or acrylic fine art. Large canvas prints tend to appear cheap with limited details, which is why I don't offer them on my website. Although some people prefer canvas prints, they are not the best option for high-end fine art prints. Instead, aluminum metal, backlit acrylic, or archival papers are the way to go.
The photograph of Palouse Knot Farm, captured with the 470 nm hypercolor filter, presents a striking and surreal vision of this rural landscape. The once-green foliage is transformed into vibrant shades of purple, creating an otherworldly contrast against the farm's traditional red barn and rustic structures. The cloudy skies of the Palouse, typically a dark blue, take on a soft, dreamlike appearance in light blue, adding a surreal tone to the scene. The sky, rendered in a pale and calming light blue, stretches above the farm, enhancing the ethereal quality of the image. Limited edition prints from the Infrared and Panorama galleries.
Matte Finish
When it comes to print finishes, canvas wall prints offer a matte look. The purpose of a matte finish is to diffuse light as much as possible, which comes at the cost of the color not being as vibrant as a glossy finish. For instance, if you consider a photograph of the Milky Way and a mountain from my Night Sky gallery, an aluminum metal or acrylic print would showcase all the intricate details of the stars and mountains. On the other hand, a matte finish would lack the dramatic flair and would appear quite dull in comparison. In fact, it might even put me to sleep. While it's true that matte finishes eliminate glare, they also compromise on the overall detail and impact of the print.
Textured
The textured nature of gallery wrapped canvas often results in the loss of small details and sharpness, ultimately leading to lower quality prints. When investing in high-quality photo wall art, low quality is simply not an option. While texture may have its place in fine art prints, losing out on the details is not desirable. I have several of my own images on display, and the canvas wall art fails to give me the look I desire. There's something about the texture and matte finish that doesn't seem to work. However, I must admit that when I first started printing, I didn't know any better.
Out of Style
The debate over canvas art prints has been ongoing for quite some time among fine art photographers. Many believe that custom canvas prints have become outdated and out of style when compared to backlit acrylic or aluminum metal prints. In fact, if you've seen a family portrait printed on canvas, it probably reminds you of the 1980s. While canvas has a place in painting and drawing, it doesn't give photos a modern look. Of course, trends in art come and go, so it's possible that canvas prints may regain popularity in the future. Only time will tell.
Storm clouds gather overhead, dark and heavy, casting an imposing shadow over the peaceful landscape of the Palouse. The sky is filled with swirling shades of gray, creating a dramatic contrast to the lush green rolling hills that stretch out in every direction. The wind picks up, sending a ripple across the fields, while the first signs of rain begin to form in the distance. At the center of the scene, a white farm stands in quiet resilience, its simple structure stark against the turbulent sky. The barn and farmhouse, weathered yet sturdy, seem almost luminous against the backdrop of dark clouds, their white paint catching the fading light from the horizon. Limited edition print from the Palouse gallery.
Canvas Sag
One problem that can arise with photo canvas prints over time is sagging. Horizontal sagging is the most common type of sagging, which occurs across the weave. If the print shop staples the print around the internal frame (stretcher bars), it will sag over time. To prevent sagging, the staples should be placed across the long sides first, then the short sides, to spread the tension evenly. However, humidity is another factor that can contribute to sagging. For example, if the print shop is located in Utah and the customer lives on the humid East Coast, the canvas print may arrive already sagging due to the difference in humidity levels. Additionally, the canvas may be tight during the winter but sag during the summer. If tightened during the summer, the canvas may warp the stretcher bars during the winter when the air is drier. This is one of the reasons why I don't offer large canvas wall art, as this issue doesn't occur with other print mediums.
Printing Options
When it comes to finding an online shop that specializes in canvas prints, there are countless options available. However, as the saying goes, "you get what you pay for." While websites like Greatbigcanvas.com and Easycanvasprints.com may offer cheaper prints due to high volume, the quality of their products can often be lacking. In fact, I once used easycanvasprints.com for a few prints, and two of them arrived damaged due to poor packaging. Additionally, some of these online shops sell their wall art to big box stores like Target and Home Depot. If you're looking for high-quality custom canvas prints, it's better to use a well-established company like Bayphoto.com. Bay Photo doesn't mass-produce their wall art; instead, you upload your own file and they print it for you. After uploading the file and selecting the size of the wall art, the website will inform you if the file is too small, and suggest that you resize it.
In my experience, prints from easycanvasprints.com arrived in a cardboard box with no padding and wrapped in plastic, resulting in damage during shipping. While the company was willing to remake the prints for free, I would have preferred to pay extra for proper packaging to ensure the prints arrived undamaged. Discount canvas prints may be suitable for chain hotels or other businesses, but they are not appropriate for collectors or fine art photography. As an artist who values quality and craftsmanship, I will not use discount print shops for my limited edition fine art prints.
Springtime in the Pacific Northwest is perfect for abstract, macro photography. I was walking into the grocery store and saw all these dahlias in the flower section. With cloud days ahead, I bought some and spent several hours working on different compositions. Limited edition print from the Abstract gallery.
Looks Cheap
Investing in high-quality fine art prints is important as it can leave a lasting impression on the viewer. While canvas prints may have been popular in the past, they can now look dated and cheap compared to modern options like metal and acrylic prints. When attending art shows, these new types of prints tend to impress viewers with their vibrant, clean, and sharp qualities. In contrast, canvas prints can appear lackluster and not have the same impact. While cheap art may be suitable for chain hotels, it is not a good choice for your home if you want to display fine art.
Conclusion
As an artist who sells photographic prints, I don't believe canvas is a great option for home galleries. While it may be suitable for large office buildings where tenants want affordable art to hang on walls, it doesn't offer the same representation and detail as other mediums. If you prefer canvas prints, I would recommend BayPhoto.com as they offer high-quality prints. However, personally, I prefer the vibrant colors and details of acrylic, archival paper, or metal prints over large framed canvas prints. You can check out my Prints and Framing page to see what I offer for fine art prints. But ultimately, everyone has different tastes, and it's up to personal preference.
In the Wallowa Mountains, the fall foliage adds a brilliant burst of color to the rugged landscape, with trees dressed in shades of fiery red, amber, and golden yellow. Amidst this vibrant display, a lifeless silver log lies in quiet contrast, its once-weathered bark now bleached by time and the elements. The stark, pale gray of the log stands out against the rich, warm colors of the surrounding foliage, offering a striking reminder of the cycles of life and decay. Limited edition print from the Landscape gallery.
Whether in color or black and white, everyone sees the justice system of America in a different light. the Washington State Capitol Building stands as a monumental symbol of strength and elegance. The grand dome, towering above the surrounding grounds, is a striking focal point, its detailed architecture enhanced by the interplay of light and shadow. The symmetrical columns and classical design evoke a sense of timelessness, while the surrounding trees and gardens provide a calm contrast to the building's imposing form. The absence of color allows the intricate textures of the stonework and the curvature of the dome to stand out, highlighting the grandeur and architectural beauty of this historic landmark. The scene conveys a sense of solemnity and reverence, evoking the enduring significance of the building in the heart of Olympia. Limited edition prints from the Black and White gallery.
