Seems like there are so many new art mediums to choose from when printing artwork. I am definitely glad that the limited option of prints under glass in basic frames has expanded to all these new formats.
5 Art Mediums for Displaying Horse Art
Canvas printing for Horse Photos
My favorite choice in the past 15 years has been canvas wraps, also referred to as giclees. My digital file is uploaded to the website of the printer of my choice, then I can select the photo be wrapped around the edge or sides of the canvas or I can select a color or mirrored image to wrap around the edges. I can even add a floating frame if I want. Now I can even choose mdf (Medium Density Fibreboard) backer board as the structure or wooden stretcher bars. I think the wooden bars are more upscale but seem to get a tighter wrap of the canvas when it is staples to the mdf board. Then I also get to choose open or dust cover and the hanging hardware. So, there are lots of options with this style of art medium. These three images shown here on canvas wrap are from my Salt River Wild Horses Collection
The reason I like the canvas as my favorite medium of choice for horse art is that is gives the appearance of a painting and it is a soft and gentle printing result and reflects the soft and tender horse photos that I create.
Acrylic Printing for Horse Photos
During the “Click” Photography Show in 2020 at The Phippen Western Art Museum, I printed four of my horse images on acrylic. I had not done much printing on the medium of acrylic and I was happy with the results. One thing that distracted me was the reflective surface. I do not enjoy the reflective surface of the acrylics.
Metal Printing for Horse Photos
Printing on metal or aluminum has become very very popular in the last few years. I love the metal look on landscapes and other nature scenes. However, it feels too cold for my intimate horse photos as well. Even the matte metals, which have much less glare still present too modern for my style. And I really love modern decor.
Fine Art Prints and Framing
Just say no to glass- even the non glare glass. I personally don’t enjoy handling items with glass or shipping items with glass. I don’t mind the non-glare and the frame choices at all. I think the matted and framed look is still classy and timeless. I just don’t want to be the one packing and shipping it. LOL
Wood Printing
Finally, there is printing on wood. I have used this medium for my horse photos on several occasions and I do like it. It’s of course, heavy and a bit more challenging to hang but I really enjoy the way the grains of the wood add to the western photos of cowboys and cowgirls and some horse photos.
So, there are 5 mediums as choices for printing my horse photos. Still many others like kitsch items: cell phone cover, glass cutting boards /serving trays, clothing, facemasks, lunchboxes and more. These are just plain FUN!
However you like it- I’m just glad you do like it.
Jody Miller is a professional photographer specializing in Horse Photography, Equine Photography, and Equestrian photography. Her work can be viewed online here in her gallery section, and she is also featured at these Arizona Galleries: Van Gogh’s Ear Gallery on Whiskey Row in Prescott, AZ and Coops Coffee House at Talking Rock Ranch. Several images are also available at The Phippen Western Art Museum