Archival Arts Impressions

The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD has an impressive collection of historic objects and scientific artifacts plus significant works of art in their distinctive museum.  While remaining open to the public nearly every day of the year, the simply titled  USNA Museum is situated on the grounds of the Annapolis Academy in Preble Hall. Jeff and one or two Archival Arts staff members have been paying visits to the museum to document a limited  number of paintings on exhibit in the legendary institution. After digitally scanning the irreplaceable paintings right on location with our Betterlight Scanner, the images are proofed and then archival reproductions are created at our facility in Halethorpe, MD. After suitable framing is selected the giclée canvas prints are transported back to the museum and added to the collection . The original oil painting of Thomas Jefferson is carefully scanned on the premises of the museum. Thomas Jefferson's...

Maryland artist Clara Nilles.  Artist Clara Nilles has been drawing and painting since her early childhood in Baltimore, Maryland. Frequent visits to the zoo during her young life laid the groundwork for her obsession with both land and sea animal imagery. Following an 18-year-career in business and finance Nilles answered the creative call and took the plunge to pursue her dream of being a full-time artist. Around this time Clara began coming to Archival Arts with a series of  radiant, acrylic paintings and pastels for scanning and printing.  It is always a joyful experience for us to see what new creatures have flowed from her head onto her canvas. We recently completed a rather large job for her, printing over a hundred brilliantly colored animal paintings on canvas for a gallery show in Annapolis, MD.  Here’s to continued success, Clara! "Candy Sprinkle Spotted Seals" - giclée on canvas by Clara Nilles "Moody Blue Octopus on Sahara Gold" -  giclé...

Artist Diana Voisin with a print from her "Barcode" series. Anne Arundel County resident Diana Voisin makes a trip with her paintings to Archival Arts a couple of times per month. We met Diana early this year when she arrived with her first in a series of large bar code paintings which we scanned and printed. It must have been a big hit because since then we have been busy not only filling additional print orders for this image but scanning more paintings for her as well. "Heart" giclée print by Diana Voisin A candidate for a degree in fine art at Anne Arundel Community College, Voisin also carries a major in graphic design. One can immediately sense the influence of her interest in design reflected in her paintings such as “Heart” and "Barcode" on her web site .  Busy with building her portfolio, the student artist tells us that she plans, upon graduating next year, to transfer to a university where she will continue her work to earn a Bachelor of ...

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...

 Baltimore artist Mark Cottman and Archival Arts' owner Jeff Salava with Cottman's mural, "Can't We All Just Swim Along" Award winning artist Mark Cottman, and owner of south Baltimore’s Mark Cottman Gallery , is a frequent customer to our shop. The extensive body of Mark’s work ranges from colorful, figurative paintings to abstract designs based on a myriad of images.  This month Mark Cottman Gallery is featuring a show titled “ Flower Power .” On display at the gallery are various imaginative paintings and prints of flowers all created by this self-taught artist. “African Violet Parade”  pictured below is  a good example of the sense of humor conveyed in much of Mark’s work.  "African Violets on Parade" giclée print on watercolor paper  His piece titled “Sunflowers Abundance” is another instance where we stop to smile at the clever way he makes us notice the imperfection of flower behavior in real life. "Sunflowers Abundance" giclée pri...

Artist Linda Biggs with one of her newest paintings titled "Peace Keeper" International Rainbow Fairy Artist Linda Biggs has to be one of Archival Arts' most prolific clients.  She regularly brings in new work to be scanned and printed.  Her fantasy imagery is always fresh and intriguing.  Linda tells us a  24" x 40" painting can take  2 - 6 weeks to complete from concept to the finished piece.  She paints with Holbein Watercolors on Fabriano 300 pound heavy weight paper.  Most of her work is 100% watercolor, without  masking or any other liquids or supplies.  Once a painting is completed she brings it to us at Archival Arts  where we make her fine art reproductions with certificates of authenticity.  You can finder her art on her website, Ebay, many gift shops that carry fairy art and various art festivals.  Linda’s products include original paintings, prints, note cards, small statues and more!  You can catch t...