The terms "strainer" and "stretcher bar" are often used interchangeably, but for a professional artist, the difference is critical. Both are wooden frames used to hold a canvas taut, but their structural design dictates the longevity and archival safety of the artwork.

Every artist knows the feeling: the moment of excitement as you unwrap a new canvas, only for that excitement to curdle into frustration. Maybe the frame is warped before you even touch it, or the gesso is so thin it devours your expensive paint. For years, we lived this reality, pouring our time and passion onto canvases that simply weren't built to last.

When you look closely at a premium, professional-grade stretcher bar—like the Tulipwood frames we craft here at HM Canvases—you'll notice a subtle but essential detail: the inner edge of the wood, where it meets the canvas, is not a sharp, 90-degree corner. Instead, it features a bevel or a gentle, rounded profile.

We’re thrilled to introduce Alliem Art , a collaboration that proves the most beautiful creations often come from the most unexpected places. Founded by two artists, Ali  and Lou  (yes, our name is an anagram!), Alliem Art is more than just an Etsy shop—it’s a commitment to sustainability, quality, and the fascinating contrast of two creative minds. The Origin Story: Giving Wood a Second Chance Our background is in making canvases, panels, and tondos for other artists. In thi

It's a common question we hear at HM Canvases, especially from artists transitioning between mediums or collectors acquiring their first painting: Do I need to put glass over my canvas painting?

The creation of a large canvas is a monumental investment—of time, material, and sheer physical effort. But the structural journey of a masterpiece doesn't end when the stretcher bar is assembled. In fact, that's when the real work of engineering begins. For a canvas over a certain size, the simple, four-sided rectangular frame—no matter how expertly joined—is structurally insufficient. The raw material of the canvas, once stretched and primed, exerts a relentless, powerful i

Not all wood is created equal. This simple fact is the most critical lesson any professional artist must learn, yet it’s often overlooked.

You’ve finished the painting. It’s a masterpiece—a large, impressive work that has consumed your time and studio space for weeks. Now comes the final, often overlooked challenge: getting that large canvas off the easel and onto the wall safely. Hanging a big piece of art isn't the same as hanging a small photograph. The increased weight, size, and leverage require different tools, more careful planning, and a deep understanding of weight distribution. The last thing you want

When does making art officially turn into running a business? It happens the moment you realise that efficiency and inventory management...

The moment you complete an order for a premium canvas is a moment of excitement. But we know that excitement can be quickly followed by anxiety: will the canvas survive the journey? A dent, a puncture, or a warp from rough handling can ruin your project before the first brushstroke.

For many artists, the journey of creation focuses intensely on the visible: the texture of the canvas, the brilliance of the pigment, and the final flourish of varnish. Yet, beneath that surface, supporting every stroke and upholding the entire masterpiece, lies the stretcher bar frame—the unsung hero and the very skeleton of your artwork.

At HM Canvases, we believe your creativity should never be confined by standard dimensions. A custom-made canvas is the key to unlocking your unique vision, allowing you to work without compromise. While the idea of ordering a bespoke canvas might seem daunting, we’re here to tell you it's a simple, straightforward process.

Every home holds its own gallery. It might be a collection of treasured family photos, a child’s first masterful drawing, a certificate that represents years of hard work, or a beautiful painting you’ve poured your heart into. These aren’t just items; they are moments, milestones, and memories that tell the story of your life. But as time goes on, these valuable pieces are at risk from the slow, relentless effects of dust, sunlight, and everyday wear and tear.

For every artist, the creative process begins with a blank surface. While we often focus on the brushes and pigments, the most critical decision happens before the first stroke: the choice of gesso. The gesso isn't just a primer; it's the foundational layer that dictates how your paint behaves, how vibrant your colours appear, and how your artwork endures over time.

For any artist, the creative process is filled with questions. Some are about technique—which brush to use, or how to mix a specific colour. But just as often, the questions revolve around the canvas itself. How do you protect it? How do you fix it? Is it okay to… do that? These practical queries are just as important as the artistic ones, because a masterpiece is only as strong as its foundation.

Every artist knows the feeling of confronting a blank canvas. It’s a moment of both immense possibility and profound pressure. We often see it as a simple, static surface—a two-dimensional rectangle waiting to be filled. But what if we told you that the canvas itself is an active participant in your creative process?

Every artist pours their heart and soul into their work. Each brushstroke, every carefully chosen colour, and the hours spent in the studio are all part of a unique and deeply personal conversation between the creator and the canvas. But beyond the joy of creation, there’s a quiet, universal aspiration that resides within most artists: the desire for their work to endure. We all want our art to last, to be seen and appreciated for generations, becoming a piece of our personal

n today's digital world, our most cherished memories and creative masterpieces often live as files on a hard drive. That stunning photograph you took, the intricate digital illustration you spent weeks perfecting, or the scan of your painting—they all exist as pixels on a screen. But what if you could transform those digital files into tangible, breathtaking works of art, ready to hang on your wall and be admired for years to come?

That moment you unroll a beautiful painting, fresh from an overseas adventure, a savvy online art discovery, or a thoughtful gift, only...

Every artist, regardless of their level of experience, can attest to the unpredictable ebbs and flows of inspiration. There are...