There are many ways to display photographic prints. From the traditional print in a frame with glass, to acrylic and aluminium bonding, and even printing onto wood, each method has its own characteristics. However, one printing style that is elegant, contemporary and timeless is the fine art print on canvas.
Canvas prints are created by printing directly onto a canvas material, which is then stretched over a wooden frame. Prints are printed using high-quality pigments that resist fading, and a coating is often applied to the surface to prevent scratching. The texture of the material adds depth and dimension to an image.
Using canvas for artwork has a long history. During the Renaissance Era, artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo used canvas as their medium. This period saw a shift from painting on wooden boards to canvas due to its durability and lightweight.
Although advances in printing technologies in the 19th-century allowed artwork to be reproduced onto canvas, it was still the preferred medium for original paintings. The silver gelatin process, invented in the 1870s, became the most common way to print photographic images.
The advent of digital printing technology has allowed high-quality image reproductions to be made on many different surfaces, but a print on canvas is unique. Digital printing on canvas bridges the gap between traditional paintings with modern photographic printing processes.
One of the most obvious and ‘arty’ things about canvas photographic prints is the texture. The canvas surface adds a tactile dimension to an image, creating a more lifelike and artistic effect, rather than printing onto photographic paper.
Longevity is important in the fine art world of photography. Canvas prints are generally considered more durable because the cotton-polyester blend is usually sealed with a protective coating that enhances its resistance to moisture, UV rays and physical damage. A well-printed canvas image can remain fade resistant for 100 years, which is great for the collector.
Canvas is lightweight, making in easier to hang and to transport. Glass and acrylic prints can often be very heavy, and care is needed when drilling holes into walls to support the artwork. Because of its lightweight, canvas prints can be hung onto walls with minimal fixings. And, they lay flat against the wall, which is seldom the case with framed images.
Although canvas prints are available in matte or gloss, our preference is always to produce a print with a matte finish. This results in a piece that can be viewed without annoying reflections.
One disadvantage of canvas photographic prints is the slightly softer finished result. Because of the texture of the material, images do look less-sharp than prints on photographic paper. However, canvas prints undoubtedly have a soft and warm aesthetic, often favoured by interior designers.
At Granite Photography gallery, we have chosen canvas prints as the preferred option. We use a world-leading and award-winning printing company to ensure that our products are perfect.
The softness and contemporary look of a well-produced canvas fine art print can be enjoyed for many years.
Get 20% off this lovely limited edition fine art print on canvas. Use this code GFOFCC.
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