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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Every artist’s journey begins somewhere – perhaps with a spontaneous sketch on a small notepad, a vibrant colour study on a tiny canvas panel, or an intimate exploration of a new technique. Yet, within every creative soul lies the ambition to transcend boundaries, to translate those initial sparks into something grander, more impactful, a true statement piece that commands attention.

As artists, we pour our hearts and souls into every brushstroke. We meticulously select our materials, from the finest paints to the premium canvases we handcraft here at HM Canvases. At HM Canvases, we're your dedicated partner in artistic expression, delivering quality canvases crafted with passion.

The journey of creating art begins long before the first brushstroke, with a fundamental choice that profoundly influences every aspect of your masterpiece: the painting surface. The canvas you select isn't just a backdrop; it's an active participant in your creative process, impacting colour vibrancy, texture, longevity, and even the final emotional resonance of your work.

For centuries, artists have sought surfaces that embrace their pigments and stand the test of time, preserving their creative legacy. While canvas offers wonderful flexibility, the robust and steadfast nature of wood and plywood panels has continually captivated artists.

As artists, we understand the thrill of a blank canvas, brimming with untapped potential. But before that first brushstroke is applied to the surface, there's a crucial step that lays the foundation for lasting beauty and ensures the integrity of your artwork: priming.

At HM Canvases, we understand that a perfectly prepared canvas is the foundation of your artistic expression. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you assemble your stretcher frame and stretch your canvas with confidence, ensuring it meets the high standards your art deserves.   

Ever picked up a beautifully painted canvas and noticed those unassuming little wooden triangles tucked away in its corners? Or perhaps...

At HM Canvases, we take pride in making high-quality Stretcher Bars. As the ‘Bones’ of a canvas, selecting the right stretcher bars is...

A great frame doesn’t just surround your artwork—it elevates it, protects it, and tells its own story. Picture framing is both an art and a

When creating a work of art, the right canvas is more than just a surface—it’s the foundation of your artwork