Erudite Expressions (Prints)

I recently received an 8″x10″ canvas print from ZaZa Gallery, a small company owned by Hugh Parker and his wife. The husband and wife team started out as an art company, but have since focused on creating canvas prints for customers. I received a complimentary 8″x10″ print of one of my images, Overlook in Mijas, which may be found on my photoblog here. In return, I’ve agreed to write a review of the canvas print which follows below.

Introduction
I ordered the canvas print on Friday, February 27 and received the canvas print by FedEx Ground on March 9. The package I received was large, as can be seen below:

the package (after I opened it) in which the print arrived; the original package was securely wrapped

I quickly tore open the package and found that the canvas print was snuggly fit inside a large bubble wrap, as seen below:

the canvas print was wrapped in bubble wrap

Initial Impressions
After unwrapping the print, my initial impression was that it looked fantastic. I did notice that the sides of the canvas were a bit moist from the application of ink, but the ink did not bleed. This moisture did not affect the quality of the final print, as the ink on the sides of the canvas dried off about half an hour after I removed it from the bubble wrap.

Appearance
The canvas has dimensions of 8″x10″, with the image wrapped around a half-inch “Masterpiece” wooden frame, as shown below:

the canvas print after unwrapping

The stretched canvas is stapled to the back of the wooden frame, and the job is done well:

the back of the canvas print

One thing to notice is that the original image I uploaded is not compromised in terms of its dimensions: the canvas is stretched in such a way as to reproduce the portions of the image which are to be stretched on the half-inch wooden frame. In effect, there is a seamless transition of the scene if you are looking at the canvas print from an angle.

Texture
The texture of the canvas print is apparent if you view it close-up. The fabric is of high-quality, and it appears that it is made of indented hexagons, as seen by these two images I captured with my Canon 5D and the Canon 100mm macro lens:

the texture of the canvas (captured with the Canon 100mm macro lens)

another macro image to show texture

Since the canvas print is meant to be viewed from a distance (at least one foot away), the texture of the canvas print when viewed from a distance is not readily apparent.

Colour Reproduction
Next item on the list to go over is the colour reproduction of the canvas print. Overall, the colour rendition is excellent, with vivid greens and yellows. In making an assessment of the colour rendition, I compared the canvas print to an 8″x10″ metallic print which I own. The comparison photo is below:

metallic print (left) compared to the canvas print (right)

Based on the comparison, I am inclined to say that the metallic print has a lot more punch and contrast compared to the canvas print. However, I should mention that the quality of the metallic print, by nature, creates a very contrasty image. The canvas print does have excellent rendition of the shadows, as can be seen when comparing bottom right corners.

Price and Value
ZaZa Gallery charges $25.00 for a canvas print, which is a phenomenal value for what you get. In most cases, you’d be hard-pressed to get a high-quality 8″x10″ inch printed and then framed for $25.00, but here you get a canvas print which is ready to hang for $25.00. I have researched places where you can order canvas prints, and ZaZa Gallery offers rates for canvas prints which are at least half that of its competitors.

Conclusion
If you’ve wanted to have some of your images printed on a canvas print but have previously found them too expensive, I highly recommend checking out ZaZa Gallery. They offer canvas prints in three sizes and very affordable prices: 8″x10″ ($25), 16″x20″ ($49), and 20″x30″ ($99). The quality of the canvas is impressive, and outside of the very minor issues I mentioned in this review, the value that you get for your money is unprecedented. I would definitely recommend you check out ZaZa Gallery if you are interested in attaining a high-quality canvas print.

Update (4/08/09)
1) Several viewers have inquired whether the package in which the print arrived was open. I should have mentioned this in the review, but the answer is that the package was intact. I took the picture of the box in which the canvas print arrived after opening the box; in retrospect, I should have taken the picture prior to opening the package.

2) I forgot to mention that you can upload your images directly to the server at ZaZa Gallery, or if you are so inclined, you can also e-mail your image.

3) I mentioned the prices of the canvas prints, but I neglected to mention the cost of shipping. For the 8″x10″ print, shipping by FedEx ground is around $12. For the costs of shipping for other canvas sizes and different delivery options, see my comment at the end of this post.

4) ZaZa Gallery accepts payment by check or by PayPal (you don’t have to have a PayPal account, as all that is required is a valid credit card).

the canvas print makes for a great gift