44 Inch Classic A1 Single Stretcher Bar 3/4" Deep #A1-44

Classic™ 3/4" Deep Bar • 1/16" Canvas Clearance

This Stretcher Bar is the standard in the industry for Stretched Canvases and works with standard picture frames. It provides 1/16" Canvas Clearance on both sides, you can stretch either side of the Bar.

• Produces a 3/4" deep stretched canvas (Actual depth is 11/16")
• 1-5/8" wide Stretcher Bar
• Precision machined corners
• Solid Ponderosa Pine or Fir from the Pacific Northwest
• The ends are mirror images of each other, so they naturally fit together; no other parts are needed
• Corner Keys may be purchased separately to expand the frame, only if needed to increase the tension after the canvas has been stretched

Finger Jointed Wood is not meant for Stretcher Bars

Solid wood makes the most dependable Stretcher Bar, because one homogeneous wood member is going to behave similarly across the entire length of the Bar. Whereas, with finger-jointed wood is made-up of multiple pieces of wood, sometimes on the actual joint itself, presenting multiple points of failure which no one can control.

We only use Solid Wood to build our Stretcher Bars because a solid piece of wood will last indefinitely. When we speak of archival value, it's not just the paint you use and the quality of your canvas and ground, even the wood choices manufacturers add or reduce value to your final painting. The fact is, you don't want problems, and finger joints only increase that risk of the wood falling apart in the future.

The glue used to bind finger joints is a water based adhesive and when that wood is exposed to high humidity environments, particularly with exterior walls, the glue joints can give-up. As a manufacturer, Masterpiece® does its part to conserve as much wood as possible, and still provide a quality product that will out-perform any other in the marketplace.

Tree Replanting - Essential to Sustainably Managed Forests

Harvesting timber provides humans with an essential natural resource, but replanting trees at a rate higher than a harvest is a key component in humanity's effort to guarantee a healthy forest for the future. Increasing our number of trees is just as essential to our economy, as the harvest itself, which is why we select only timber harvested from responsibly managed forests.

Canvas Size Needed for this Stretcher Bar

Most artists will stretch the canvas and attach the staples or tacks onto the back side of the frame. Doing so allows you to paint on the edge and hang your art without needed a picture frame. Generally speaking, you should allow 4 Inches of canvas beyond the size of your frame.

For example, if you were to stretch a 27x44 frame size, which happens to be a custom proportion, your canvas should be about 31 x 48. This allows you ample room to stretch and attach the canvas on the back. Should you ever need to remove the canvas from the frame and re-attach it, it still serves that purpose too. Should you want to attach the canvas from the edge of the stretcher frame, then you can reduce the size of your canvas about 3/4" all the way around the frame.

With deep family ties and a legacy spanning since 1965 in California, Masterpiece® has been the epitome of unmatched quality in Stretcher Bars across North America. Our commitment to pioneering excellence has crowned us as the forerunners in the world of professional fine-art canvases. Bolstered by our patented innovations, our products exude a caliber that's in a league of its own. One touch, and the unparalleled quality becomes palpable, leaving an indelible impression on your clients and all future admirers of your art.

The instinct of imitation is implanted in man from childhood, one difference between him and other animals being that he is the most imitative of living creatures, and through imitation learns his earliest lessons. ♦ Aristotle

Aristotle, one of the most revered philosophers in history, was deeply invested in understanding human nature and the workings of the world around us. In this insightful observation, he taps into a foundational element of our being: the act of imitation. While all living creatures exhibit some form of mimicry or learning through observation, Aristotle posits that humans excel in this domain. It is through this innate ability to imitate that we begin our journey of understanding, long before we can articulate our thoughts or comprehend complex theories.

This instinctive drive for artists to imitate can be seen in the early stages of our careers when we draw inspiration from established masters, replicating their techniques and styles. This act of imitation is not merely a form of flattery; it's an essential stepping stone. By imitating, we internalize various skills and gradually, over time, find our unique voice. And while the initial stages of our art might be heavily influenced by those we admire, it's through this process that we eventually carve out a distinct path for ourselves. Thus, while imitation might be our starting point, innovation and individuality become our destination. Aristotle reminds us that imitation isn't a sign of weakness or lack of originality; it's a testament to our shared human experience and the foundational way in which we learn and engage with the world around us.

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Creativity is everything to us artists, so while you bring canvases to life, we've breathed digital life into a likeness we made of Aristotle, and provide a quote and context to inspire your art. Together, our creations honor the past, present, and future of artistry. Start spreading some paint around your own canvas!