KeenART Media: Celebrating 20 years of Picture Framing!

 The Canadian business KeenART Media will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year. From its start as a retail store in 2002, the family-run business evolved with their services.  It now offers a wide range of fine art print and custom framing services to customers all over Canada and the US. 

With the company's years of expertise, we guarantee the highest quality of art products. We offer a wide selection of custom frames for all your art making and wall display needs. They all vary in color, textures, finishes, material and depths. 

Picture frames

One of our most popular types of picture frames is the canvas floater frame. This suits canvas or thicker artworks that have visual elements close to the canvas edge. As the artwork sits on the inside lip of the floater frame, one can adjust the gap width between the art and frame. This gap will create a “floating” effect around the artwork.

Our biggest collection of frame mouldings are the classic frames. Whether one is looking for a modern looking or ornate frame, we offer an option that best suits a variety of needs. For an extra layer that complements a wood frame, one can add a linen liner around their paintings. These serve the same purpose as a matboard, separating the artwork from its frame.

Acrylic, mat and other framing boards

Our talented in-house framers can create supporting pieces for one's specific framing needs. We custom make plexiglass or acrylic sheets, museum quality matboards, and backing boards. They also come in various colors, textures, and widths to cater to different visual art styles.

Canvas and wood panels

The framing services offered are not limited to picture frames. In recent years we have started offering non-standard sizes of canvas and wood panels. The canvases have primed/unprimed fabric and heavy duty stretcher frames with depths from 7/16" to 3". The cradled wood panels have a Baltic birch front panel and a basswood cradle with depths from 1/2" to 5". Our talented framers can create a panel to any requested size.

Framing guides and resources

Aside from providing services, we also take the time to help and educate our customers. Whether one is a DIY-er or a fine artist, we provide online guides for customers to learn more about what they buy. How-to articles, art tips and videos are available for anyone who checks out our website.

Some Interesting Resources to check out:

FRAME ASSEMBLY GUIDE - Dovetail System: https://www.canadaoncanvas.com/include/dovetail_guide_framing.php 

FRAME FITTING, SECURING THE CONTENTS OF A FRAME: https://www.canadaoncanvas.com/include/guide_framefitting.php 

ALL ABOUT GALLERY LIGHTING AND YOUR ART SHOW https://www.canadaoncanvas.com/include/guide_art_gallery_lighting.php 

Framing hardware 

Our online guides often mention different picture framing tools used while framing. To make customers' shopping experience easier, we also offer these products to buy. Some hardware we offer include clips, artwork spacers, wires, hooks, cleats, buttons and bumpers. Because these may be unfamiliar to the average person, our team is always available to answer any concerns online or over the phone.

Ready Made Frames

While the majority of the business's services include custom framing, we also offer a small collection of ready-made frames. Among these we have options such as (jersey) shadow boxes, bulletin boards, snap, and oval frames. Because these frames have limited artwork sizes and styles, our team would suggest a custom frame to have more options.

The business has grown a lot since 2002 but this does not mean the growth should go stagnant now. KeenART Media aims to remain up to date with the current trends in the art and home décor industry, to evolve with our customer's needs. We hope you can join us in celebrating 20 years of creating unique, long lasting pieces of art that people will cherish for decades. 

 

Work From Home Office Decor

While most of us are working remotely these days, the number of distractions at home can cause a plenty of challenges. Having a space dedicated to work can help eliminate these problems so you can focus on your work. With any home office having the right balance of functionality, design and decor as well as personal touches creates an inviting space that also inspires you to get some work done. Check out these simple ways you can add personalized decor to your surroundings.

Add some flair to your desk with acrylic blocks. These small table top displays make a big impact. They are perfect to give as gifts or can be added to any other room in your home. These free-standing acrylic blocks are face mounted on 1" thick acrylic using optically clear double-sided adhesive and rear of prints are protected with 1mm thick backing. You can easily customize them by adding your photos or art to help brighten up your day.

Click here for more information about our customizable acrylic blocks.

If you already have some art or photos at home, put it in a frame for some instant wall decor. 

Check out our wide selection of custom picture frames for your photos and artworks by clicking here.

Since you'll probably need a cup of coffee to help fuel you throughout the day, you might as well have a mug with a fun design on it. We offer printed mugs that you can customize with a photo of your loved ones or add some of your favourite art. Our mugs are a great gift idea for friends and family, and you can also use them to promote your business.

Visit our website for more information about our custom coffee mugs.

Printed Face Masks

We now offer custom printed face masks! They're a fun and creative way to protect yourself and others. Print custom face masks in full colour with your business or organization's logo or get as creative as you like with your own graphics. 

We use dye sublimation which works by infusing a surface with dye from a printed image by adding heat and pressure. The fibers of the surface are permanently coated with the dye ink allowing for bold colours and your design won't fade or crack.

Want to learn more about dye sublimation? Click here for more information.

Our reusable, washable, non-medical grade masks have three layers. The two outside layers are made of polyester and the inside layer is made of cotton. Masks have a black trim and stretchy ear loops which are comfortable to wear. We offer three sizes: child, adult large and adult medium. We recommend washing your masks after each use.

For more information about custom printed face masks contact us here. 

Holiday Gift Ideas 2020

Can you believe that the holidays are just around the corner? Finding a gift with a personal touch can be challenging, but we have a some great gift ideas to make this easier on you.

Framed Prints

Did you know that you can easily turn your photos of people, places and memories into custom framed art in just a matter of minutes? We carry a wide selection of sizes, mats and frames so you can customize it to your liking. Framed prints are a beautiful way to decorate your home, office or any room. They also make great gifts for the holidays. For more information, check out our framed prints here: Framed Prints

Canvas Prints 

If you’re looking for a unique way to print and display your photos, canvas prints are the way to go. They have a natural texture and brilliance, something you can’t get from normal prints on paper. Canvas prints are very durable and don’t need to be framed with glass. This allows light to reflect off the canvas in different directions and makes your photo or artwork look stunning in any room. 

Ready to create your own canvas prints? Upload your files here!

Printing on Fabric

Another unique way to share and decorate your space with your artwork is with custom printing on fabric. We use sublimation printing to print on fabric which won’t fade or crack over time. From large backdrops to wall coverings and with a wide variety of materials, the possibilities are endless. 

For additional information on fabric printing, visit our website today!

 

Mother's Day Tips

Hello, it’s okay if you are a little behind planning Mother’s day gift. Remember she will appreciate

your presence and a big hug. Most importantly don’t forget to smile and take that trash out.

Trust me, this will show her that you care, but next year no excuse. Just get her something nice,

and plan well in advance.

How does a picture with you and your mom sound? Yes, this can bring back some beautiful memories.

Perhaps check out these new Acrylic Block prints. These are perfect for gifts. WARNING!! Having one

or two is nice, just don’t go overboard and do the same every year. Good Luck.

West Coast Watercolor Art Feature

The outdoors are a wonderful source of artistic inspiration, especially during the summer. The West Coast in particular is known for its vast variety of beauty, spanning icy-blue mountain peaks, deep lush forests and stretches of sand by a crystal-blue sea. Below are some of our favorite West Coast artists who specialize in watercolors or coastal features:



Watercolors by Carol Evans

Carol Evans is an artist whose work features the majestic views of British Columbia. Her art has been featured in galleries in Vancouver, Victoria, Gabriola Island, Salt Spring Island and in Nanaimo. Her applications of gradual washes of watercolor create an ethereal realistic result, capturing the lingering damp and fogginess that is known on the West Coast shore.

Coastal Prezence

Coastal Prezence is a family-run company artists in Victoria, B.C, specializing in pressed seaweed art. Unlike pressing flowers, seaweed is notoriously hard to work with, and to correctly dry and preserve them is an extremely labor-heavy process. That makes their delicacy all the more beautiful when laid, pressed and framed as they are. With time, the natural seaweed colors also begin to change... a truly captivating piece of West Coast art, in live-time.

Sue Coleman

If you've ever visited B.C, you would have definitely seen some of Sue Coleman's artwork during your trip. Painting from her studio in Cowichan Bay on Vancouver Island, Coleman's work is especially known for her interpretation of Northwest Coast First Nations' spirit animals in watercolor. 

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When it comes to preserving watercolor or water-based pieces, it is important to choose the right quality of materials. Backing boards and matboards should be acid-free, and the paper should never press against the glass of the frame, or else it won't breathe. Aluminum metal frames are also chemically neutral and resistant to rust, corroding or decay, and thus are perfect for archiving and preserving purposes. Check out our full collection here!

At CanadaOnCanvas, we have all the materials and expertise to help you preserve your delicate art pieces for years to come. Give us a call today!

KeenArt Media Ltd. Toll Free: 1-888-533-6278 

www.CanadaOnCanvas.com

Working Hours: Pacific Standard Time

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Thursday

8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Friday 

Boosting the Value of Your Home...with Art!

Whether you’re up-sizing, downsizing, or in need of a change, selling your home can be a tricky business. But, research shows that a well-dressed, organized home can be a huge factor in how much and how fast your house gets sold for. And what better way to show potential buyers the potential of the new house than with art?

1. Feature art that is open, inviting, non-specific and easy to relate to.

One of the first things a real estate agent may say to you when preparing your house for a showing is to “depersonalize” the space. This is so that the potential buyers focus on the qualities of the house, rather than a family vacation photo. However, hanging artwork such as Abstract art and Landscapes on canvas are a great way to strike a balance between both extremes: their feature can brighten or compliment the space, while remaining depersonalized enough for everyone to relate to.

2. Re-purpose something you already have.

Another way to quickly add some art to your home is to use what you already have. Take maps, for example. Maps are all the rage right now, and are inexpensive to purchase or print if you don’t have one already. Just stick it in a shiny moulding or a frame with personality and boom: instant art piece for a family room, den or office.

3. Show off your geek.

It’s now become more and more common for everyone to have a geeky side to them, whether it be gaming, movies, a tv series or comics. Display your prized artworks, whether it be fanart, an autographed print, or a large format poster. Plaque-mounted movie posters are an especially popular thing to do, which gives your home a bit of off-beat, subversive sophistication.

At KeenArt, we can help you dress up your home in the best way possible. Have a landscape photo from your travels? We can print it on canvas for you. Have a personal abstract piece you’d like to have enlarged? We can scan it in, digitize it, and help you print it at the size you need. Got a signed print from your favorite actor? We can help preserve it by framing it, or sealing it on on a plaquewith bevelled edges. The choices are wide and nearly limitless! Give us a call or email today, we’d be happy to help on any project, big or small.

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KeenArt Media is an online fine art printing and framing company, specializing in canvas, archival and photographic prints and reproductions. We are proud to serve and support artists from all over Canada. 

KeenART Media Ltd. www.CanadaOnCanvas.com

Toll Free: 1-888-533-6278 (KeenART)

Working hours: Pacific Standard Time

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Thursday

8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Friday