40x56 Elite Professional 1.5" Deep B2 Stretcher Frame Kit

True 7:5 Photography Proportion - 40x56 Size

Another widely used proportion in photography is the 7:5 aspect ratio, but is relatively uncommon in art, save for the 5x7 size. It is commonly accepted as a pleasing proportion. Some artists choose this proportion to add visual interest by breaking away from more traditional shaped canvas sizes. There are only a handful of standard canvas sizes in this ratio, but there are a whole collection of (what we call) Lost Sizes in this aspect ratio, which are often unknown sizes that add intrigue to the final composition.

Explore other sizes in this same 7:5 aspect ratio:

15x21 • 20x28 • 25x35 • 30x42 • 35x49 • 45x63 • 50x70 • 55x77 • 60x84 • 65x91 • 70x98 • 75x105 • 80x112 • 85x119

Elite™ Professional 1.5" Deep B2 Bar • 1/2" Canvas Clearance

A Canvas Clearance of 1/2" is the space between the Bar and the canvas. Generally speaking, more clearance reduces the risk of the canvas touching the wood and creating unsightly lines during painting. Our design provides the optimal clearance so as not to impact your painting, but still leaving enough wood to the maximize strength of the Stretcher Bar.

Solid Wood is Archival - Finger Jointed Wood is Not

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 make are part of the archival process.

The principal reason manufactures use finger jointed wood is reduce cost, not increase archival value. Wood constantly grows and shrinks when the environment becomes hotter, or colder, or more humid, or more dry. Because finger jointed wood is made-up of multiple and varied pieces of wood, with varying grain patterns and densities, they each absorb and shed moisture at varying rates, which works on the glue joints that hold them together, causing the wood to bow and the joints to eventually fail, and certainly not consistent with increasing the archival value of your artwork frame support.

As a manufacturer, we do our part to conserve as much wood as possible, and still provide a quality made product that will out-perform any other in the marketplace.

• Super strong Elite™ B2™ Stretcher Bar is 50% stronger than most others in its class
• For this 40x56 large size frame, the frame provides the ultimate foundation for your art with increased strength and stability
• Produces a 1.5" deep stretched canvas
• 2-1/4" wide Stretcher Bars
• All Bars have an exclusive groove on the inside perimeter of the frame to which cross braces and Diamond Corner Braces attach
• Solid Ponderosa Pine or Fir from the Pacific Northwest

Forests need People, and People Need Forests

The concept of sustainability presupposes a comprehensive engagement of individuals in the art and science of forest stewardship, both in the present and for the well-being of generations to come. Humanity undoubtedly extracts wood from forests to supplement our needs, but they also play a crucial role in bestowing diligent care upon these ecosystems. This stewardship encompasses not only the responsible harvesting of forest resources but also extends to the safeguarding of clean water sources, the preservation of wildlife and their native habitats, and the mitigation of potential threats like erosion, fires, and diseases that could otherwise lead to untimely degradation of these precious woodlands.

Masterpiece® uses only lumber harvested from responsibly and sustainably managed timberlands.

Specially Dried and Heat Treated Lumber

We source our wood from a select group of top-tier environmentally conscious lumber mills in the Pacific Northwest. These mills specially dry and heat-treat the lumber to our specifications, resulting in about half the moisture content compared to wood from typical home improvement centers or lumber yards. This process makes the wood stronger, reducing the likelihood of cracking, splitting, or warping. While the wood we use comes at a higher cost, it ensures a more dimensionally stable end product. This stability is crucial for crafting fine professional canvases that support your invaluable art over time.

46x62 is the Canvas Size Needed for this 40x56 Frame

Please note that you will need a canvas that is at least 6 Inches larger than the actual frame size to ensure proper stretching. This will provide ample material to stretch the canvas and attach it to the back of the frame. If you prefer to attach the canvas from the edge of the stretcher frame, you can reduce the size of your canvas by approximately 3/4" all the way around the frame. This will allow you to paint on the edge of the canvas and hang your artwork without needing a separate picture frame. And, if you ever need to remove the canvas from the frame and re-attach it, you'll have enough material to do that too.

Rooted in California and flourishing since 1965, Masterpiece® takes pride in its family-led legacy of crafting North America's premier Stretcher Bars. Our quest for excellence isn't just a goal but a commitment, positioning us as the trailblazers in the domain of fine-art canvas. Our innovative patents have set new benchmarks, ensuring our offerings stand unmatched. Dive into the tactile experience of our products, and you'll instantly recognize the distinct Masterpiece® quality, a signature appreciated by both your clientele and future art connoisseurs.

One does like to make one's own mummy just as nice as possible. ♦ James Whistler

James Whistler, distinguished for his wit and flamboyance, was not just a painter, but also a character. This quote, with its unique blend of humor and depth, is a testament to his penchant for seeing art in unconventional ways. By comparing an artwork to a mummy, Whistler highlights the eternal nature of art. Just as mummies are preserved for posterity, artists too, in their own way, seek to immortalize their visions, making them as refined and beautiful as possible.

Our creations are akin to leaving a piece of our soul behind, a legacy that speaks long after we're gone. We, too, aspire to make our mummies – be it on stretched canvas, in sculptures, or in melodies – resonate with perfection and purpose. It's not merely about the end product but about capturing the essence of our spirit, ensuring its longevity and impact for generations to come.

---

We are innately drawn to the act of creation. We've channeled this drive to curate this inspiring quote and contex along with our own portrait we created of James Whistler..our tribute to the timeless dance of creativity. Go paint!