Penumbra is an online print boutique focused on producing superb fine art prints by a diverse selection of contemporary artists, alongside with vintage artworks. We only use the best materials in our process, and all the work is executed in-house by specialist printmaking studio imagefoundry, located in Toronto, Canada.
We focus primarily on the North American collectors’ market but can ship worldwide.
How it works (for collectors)
It’s pretty simple! Find the print you want, complete the purchase by clicking “Buy” button and we send your print over to you! (you can also pick it up at our downtown Toronto location).
We only offer two sizes: small and large. Smaller prints ship in a heavy-duty cardboard folder, while large prints are rolled up in a tube. Prints are protected with a glassine overlay.
We use two types of paper: Hahnemuehle Museum Etching 350 for matte prints and Canson Baryta Prestige 340 for coated prints (very fine pearl/luster finish). Both are absolutely fabulous papers that will last many decades and potentially even centuries! We use Canon Lucia EX 12-color ink set for all our print production.
How it works (for galleries)
We offer complete logistical support for galleries representing artists whose works are sold through Penumbra. Each individual page can be branded accordingly, with logotypes, links and any relevant information.
We track each edition sale and retain the records permanently; after each completed transaction the funds are transferred automatically to the artist and the gallery, according to the agreed-upon commission. Pricing can be set up to be adjusted automatically as the edition sells out. Furthermore, we provide tools for selling works printed by Penumbra on artists’ and galleries’ websites – broadening the potential audience, while taking care of logistical issues such as packaging, shipping and tracking orders.
Penumbra is proud to be a pioneer in offering remote signing – an ability for the artist to sign their prints from anywhere in the world, as long as they have access to a phone with internet connection. As the artist draws their signature on the device screen, a small x-y plotter repeats the gesture and pencils the signature onto the print. We believe this feature can be a game-changer in times of coronavirus and global art audience.
How it works (for artists)
Penumbra strives to offer a balanced, high-quality selection of contemporary, modern and vintage works on paper. Currently we are not soliciting any additional work. That said, feel free to send us samples (digital only, please!) of your art and if it fits with our vision and our mandate we will absolutely work with you towards representing your art here.
It’s important to mention that we are only interested in technically-excellent, print-ready artwork that had been scanned and color corrected to the museum-grade quality standards.
Types of prints on offer
Depending on the artist, prints are offered either as a limited or open edition. Limited edition prints always come with a certificate of authenticity, and are signed, dated, and numbered.
In case of open editions, prints might be offered signed or unsigned – again, this depends on the artist’s wishes. All open edition prints feature our print studio chop – an embossed stamp that serves as a guarantee of authenticity of the print and quality of materials and execution.
