Archival Arts Impressions

Laura Gardiner - Reproduction Expert Some of our customers have already had the pleasure of meeting Archival Arts’ Reproduction Expert Laura Gardiner. Others have only glimpsed the side of her face as she is absorbed in skillfully proofing artists’ digital files. She operates our Betterlight scanner, programs the large format printers, and even makes the stretchers and panels for mounting your art. She is equally adept at handling the final stage of framing and can answer many of  your questions about our services and products. A 2010  graduate of UMBC, Laura holds a BA in Visual Arts with emphasis on Photography. We’ve included here some of Laura’s artwork from her award-winning senior exhibit in the Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture on the campus of UMBC. Laura poses at her 2011 show with some of her models. "Jill" (12" x 18")  2010 photograph by Laura Gardiner "Saira" (12 x 18")  2010 photograph by Laura Gardiner. In ad...

Artist Kathy Thompson with "Paris at Sunset"  We are delighted to welcome one of our newest clients, painter  Kathy Thompson . She comes to us from Silver Spring, MD where she  paints all sorts of vivid, European influenced imagery.  Kathy finds the bulk of of her inspiration from French impressionists ranging from Monet to Matisse. In fact it was the paintings of these 19th and 20th century "revolutionaries" who spoke to her so loudly that she made the decision to seriously pursue her painting. A prolific painter, Thompson brought us at least a dozen works last week.  As we work scanning, proofing and printing  this series one could very well feel a connection to the allure of the provençal culture. On this side of the Atlantic you might find Kathy participating with a group at  Washington, DC's  International Art and Artists  where she is a member. Please join us here with a post in welcoming Kathy to  Archival Arts .  Bienven...

Call us for an appointment during our summer promotion. 410-247-7771 The decision of which family relation inherits the precious ancestral portraits no longer needs to be a source of dispute or rivalry within the family. In the past few years we have been scanning and reproducing these priceless paintings and, in some cases by request, have restored and altered the images as well. More often than not, following this creative procedure, the high-quality reproductions are distributed to many of the relatives allowing them to enjoy the remembrance of their fore bearers in their own homes. It can have a very unifying effect. It is up to you, the client, to make the decision how to proceed once we scan your original. Recently we scanned a portrait and faithfully restored and reproduced several stretched canvas prints. Once they were appropriately framed, it was very difficult to discern which painting was the original.  Currently Archival Arts is showcasing this service with a su...

Joan Gaither holding a print of her quilt "National Black Theatre"  Baltimore artist and educator Joan M.E. Gaither, Ed. D spent some time with us this July afternoon. On several occasions Dr. Gaither has brought the staff at Archival Arts an oversize project such as this very large quilt she made for the National Black Theatre. We love the challenge of scanning her big pieces and then printing them on smaller paper and canvas. One could spend hours studying the myriad of images she assembles to complete her quilts.  When discussing her work, the documentary story quilter says " As an artist, I’ve discovered that my voice is informed by an interest in mixed media, fibers, and photographic images that allow close scrutiny of surfaces and metaphors for personal meaning." "Black Watermen" quilt by Joan Gaither. "Trails, Tracks, Tarmack" by Joan Gaither.

Joe Krastel picking up his framed art here last week. When East Baltimore’s Joe Krastel  is not painting some of his favorite Maryland subjects he’s working very hard at his thriving design company called Just Extreme Graphix.  Located in East Baltimore for over 16 years, Joe’s business has grown into a very busy shop where they design and print T-shirts and apparel which are shipped throughout the United States. Over the past six years Just Extreme Graphics has demanded the bulk of Joe’s time and talent. He freely admits that his goal now is to rejoin the art fair circuit part-time where he will sell his paintings and reproductions directly to patrons. This objective is what brings Joe to our shop repeatedly for printing and framing giclées  of his work. We wish him much success as he begins to spend more time on his passion for painting. We’ve included a few images of his below. And if you’d like to reach Joe for business at his shop you may phone him at 410...

Annapolis artist Cheri Coulter has been with Archival Arts since our early days at the old South Balitmore location. It is interesting to see and chat with her when she is dropping off  exciting new work or picking up a series of giclée prints at our newest location on Benson Avenue in Halethorpe, MD.  A true artist, Cheri has spent her entire life devoted to painting as well as other creative disciplines such as sculpture and photography.  You can catch Cheri at the Whitehall Gallery in Annapolis where she is the part-time manager. Stop by and say hi to her next time you are down that way.  In keeping with the season we've included some of Cheri's colorful work below. "A Toast to Summer" giclée print by Cheri Coulter "Bonnie's Water Lily" giclée print by Cheri Coulter

 If you are reading this blog you're probably already selling prints of your art or are considering selling prints.  Either way, hopefully you have done  a little research on making prints or have found someone to make prints for you.  In my 10 years of printing experience, I have discovered one factor that is overlooked time and time again by both amateur and "professional" art printers.  This factor can greatly reduce the quality of your digital file, and ultimately affect your sales.  I'm talking about image   clarity . 1950's Brownie camera with plastic lens. I know I know, that's a no-brainer right?  If you make prints, of course you want them to be clear.  The problem is, due to our over-exposure to mediocre photo prints, we have been trained to accept blurry images as OK.  In my opinion it all started when Kodak came out with the Brownie camera .  Before the Brownie, photography was mostly limited to professionals who us...