Celebrating Memories On Canvas
Nothing has evolved more significantly and at a faster rate than the visual media, thanks to photography and its related developments. Capturing images in the mind and transforming them into art and sculpture was prevalent among all civilised human societies since the earliest times. However, it was only with the discovery of the printing process that the art of photography assumed importance and reached the heights of glory that we now experience today.
Initially, photos were taken on photographic plates and films by a still camera but the major revolution happened with the advent of digital photography. Digital imaging uses an electronic image sensor to record the image on a set of electronic data, rather than relying on the older method of chemical changes on films. The concept of digital photography caught up very rapidly among the modern generation as the process was considerably faster and near perfect. Unlike chemical photography (which resists manipulation because it involves films and photographic paper) digital photography is highly manipulative. Even images, shadows, light effects, manipulation of colouring to one’s choices and tastes can easily undertaken in digital photography.
This, in due course of time, paved the way for canvas printing that utilises digital inkjet technology. Images from photos, art or true copies of images could be reproduced on canvas and even made better than the originals both in clarity and colouring. Images can be supplied as negatives of films, transparencies, prints or digital files. If it is non-digital, then it has to be scanned and made suitable as per the resolution desired for the chosen size of the canvas.
The canvas print material is generally made of cotton. Sometimes, a more cost-effective variety of plastic based polycanvas is used, however, both these are good enough to reproduce photographic images onto canvas. Nowadays, modern large format printers are in demand for they are capable of printing on to the canvas measuring 60” or more. Among the modern inkjet printers capable of printing directly onto canvas are HP Design and the Epson Stylus. Again, the Giclee canvas printing is the most popular printing method for it is cheaper and gives the same clarity as the other prints. It involves spraying of more than 4 million droplets of ink per second. It is the best for taking canvas prints for renaissance to modern art paintings as well as for advertisement purpose. This is very popular in the UK.
After the image is printed, the canvas is trimmed and then glued or stapled to traditional wooden bars. These are either framed or hung as they appear or are protected with glass. The wooden frames can be of one’s choosing and are available in variety of forms, from plain to exquisitely carved ones. In other words, printing on canvas includes the latest in photography, the most current in digital inkjet technology, the glamour of the visual media and the art of the real traditional painter all combining to form that rare piece of visual treat unmatched by any other.