Our Story
In 2016, my husband Lloyd and I began our love affair with Panama, a passion that deepened with each visit to the country. Our fascination with Panama City, especially the captivating old town known as Casco Antiguo or Casco Viejo, continued to grow. Fast forward to 2021, and we took the plunge, renting an apartment in the heart of Casco Viejo. This unique community is a melting pot of intriguing individuals from across the globe. Every single street and historic structure whispers tales of bygone decades and centuries, yet the neighborhood thrives amidst the challenges of today. The boundless opportunities that grace this place spark our senses and leave us in awe of its splendor.
Our Inspiration
As we integrated into the Casco Viejo community, we were honored to meet artist, Simon Johns who creates Paintings of Cities. His shared his vision of his latest project, a series of 20 images of 20 different cities. The first city he painted was his now home, Casco Viejo (he has gone on to do Amsterdam, Copenhagen and now Paris).
He captured the soul of Casco and left us wanting more. After we studied his paintings, we meandered through the streets of Casco Viejo and we literally saw the structures, the architecture with a different lens. We saw more, we saw beauty in the decay; art in the graffiti. We were so inspired, both of us have enjoyed photography during different chapters of our lives, so we grabbed our cameras started clicking, seeking ways to allow the history and architecture to tell a story that was worthy of a canvas. We did a scavenger hunt trying to locate Simon’s paintings and then just enjoyed sharing a compelling angle or undiscovered corner of Casco Antiguo.
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​I appreciate art, particularly artists who change my point of view or expand my way of seeing the world. As Lloyd and I rediscovered Casco Viejo with our cameras, we literally saw each building we passed differently, each balcony we thought of the people who once peered at the passersby on the street. What a gift. I approached Simon, encouraging him to make prints of his masterpieces, so that people could decorate their walls with the magic and beauty of this special place, let their walls share stories of yesterday and today. As an avid traveler, I believe that enchanted tourists yearn to return home with a charm in hand from a memorable trip. To me, a canvas printing is the perfect item. Each image, filled with charm and riddled with stories – stories of both old and new. As a fine artist, Simon assured me he had little interest in creating a business around reproducing prints, preferring to maintain his vision on his City Project. I asked him if he would be offended if I shared my images, my photos that were so directly inspired by him. He was honored, encouraged me to print my photos on canvas and share. He continues to be a tremendous resource and I encourage you to explore his work, I’d be happy to coordinate a visit to his studio if you are in town. Thank you Simon!
Our Products
Art Your Way
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Finding the Perfect Spot
Where does your art go? Which wall in your space is yearning for a fresh look? Delve into the specifics of your location, including available space, color schemes, and the room's energy. Once you've got a feel for what you need, identify the canvas that will infuse just the right touch of personality. Refer to the Product Info section for details on available canvas sizes.
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Mixing and Matching:
More than One?
Before you settle on a single piece, take a moment to ponder if a pairing, grouping, or collage might better suit your space. Many of our satisfied clients have ingeniously combined four or five smaller canvases, creating a captivating collage effect. Others have opted for larger images that harmoniously complement each other, crafting an entire mood within their space. In fact, it's not uncommon for our clients to leave with more than just one art piece, as they discover the art of enhancing their living space through the power of multiple captivating canvases.
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Framed or unframed?
The choice is yours: All our images are professionally printed with a Gallery Wrap display. Consider what works best for you. Framed canvases feature a 1 1/4" high-quality, treated wood frame equipped with mounting hardware and an open back. Unframed images offer the flexibility to select a frame that complements and further enhances the image to your taste.
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Need Guidance?
We're Here to Help!
​If you have any questions or concerns about selecting the perfect image, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to assist you in making the right choice, as we understand that decorating your walls is a statement in itself. We acknowledge that sometimes the size or color may not align with your initial vision, and that's perfectly fine. At ArtbyJR.com, we've got you covered. You can exchange any image within 30 days of purchase, as long as it's still in its original packaging. Your satisfaction is our priority.
Let's Work Together
Are you an interior designer? Retailer merchant? Project manager? Do you have blank walls that say nothing, do nothing? I have canvases filled with beauty, history and culture. Contact me today, so we can work together.