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Extra large awesome canvas print of African Beauty-Chi by Sonia Malboeuf
Extra large awesome canvas print of African Beauty-Chi by Sonia Malboeuf

African Beauty-Chi | Large

✍ Let this painting's story — touch your own

From My Personal Journal

 

I didn’t set out to paint a woman that day.

What I felt—deep down—wasn’t visual at all. It was ancestral
 like a hum beneath the earth, pulling something sacred to the surface. I had no sketch, no photo reference, no plan. Just intuition. Just this sense of something graceful and strong pressing at the edges of the canvas, waiting to be seen.

I remember whispering aloud to myself: “Let her walk in.”

And she did.

I could see her silhouette first—unapologetically upright. Not stiff, but centered. At peace with herself in a way that made the air shift. There was no face, because she didn’t need one. Her story didn’t live in expression. It lived in posture. In presence. In the fabric she wore and the way she carried centuries without ever letting them weigh her down.

The background came to me in earthy strokes—burnt golds and textured browns. As I worked them into the canvas, I imagined the mud walls of homes passed down through generations. Walls that had absorbed the sound of music, grief, laughter, silence. Walls that knew stories. I wanted her to feel like she belonged there—not as decoration, but as memory.

Her garments became a dance of pattern and color. Each shape and stitch inspired by African textiles I’ve studied over time—bold, rhythmic, rooted. I chose deep reds and rich ochres because they reminded me of ceremonial cloth, worn not for show, but for honor. Her corset, stitched together with contrasts of gold, white, and crimson, became its own kind of armor—one made not of metal, but of identity.

As I painted, I thought of the word Chi—the spiritual force, the life energy believed to guide and protect. That word clung to her like an aura. She wasn’t simply beautiful; she embodied power, resilience, stillness, and pride.

I didn’t want her to be seen as a subject. I wanted her to be felt. To step into your space and bring with her a presence—quiet but undeniable.

She carries no crown, yet feels like royalty. She speaks no words, yet holds entire histories in silence.

I called her African Beauty – Chi, because she’s more than a figure. She’s a reminder.

Of where we come from. Of what strength looks like when it’s woven into the fabric of being.

And maybe, just maybe, she’s a reflection of something you forgot you carried, too.

 

A STORY BORN FROM SONIA’S HEART AND TOLD BY SAM¼, IMMERSED IN REIMAGINED LIFESTYLE SETTINGS INSPIRED BY THE ORIGINAL, AND BROUGHT TO LIFE THROUGH—SORA & OpenAI.

Original painting photography by Studio Graetz
Step 1: Choose your size
Step 2: Choose your frame [depth]
Choose your finish
From $289.00 CAD
TIMELESS
GUARANTEE
ARCHIVAL GRADE
410GSM CANVAS
ONLY
50 EDITIONS
FAQ

What does timeless guarantee mean - for me?

  • For you, timeless guarantee means every artwork is made to last. Forever starts here.
  • If your piece ever develops a defect in materials or craftsmanship, we'll repair or replace it at no cost to you-no time limit.
  • Normal aging and accidental damage aren't covered, but we'll always advise you on care.
  • Because buying art should feel certain.

Where are you located?

  • 🇹🇩 WALL ART by Sonia is proudly 100% Canadian-owned and operated. Our heart and studio are nestled in the peaceful countryside of Sainte Barbe, where every painting begins its journey.
  • Production is just down the road in Montreal, keeping everything close to home—close to heart.

When can I expect my order to arrive?

  • You'll see your personalized estimated delivery dates right below the Make it Yours 👜 button.

How do I track my order?

  • çŸŽæĄœ Ask Mio for your latest tracking info. She already knows all about your order upon sign-in.
  • Or, Pull up 🛟 HELP in the menu and choose Curious about your order?

Are the artwork images shown, to-scale?

  • Yes, the artwork images displayed are to-scale for the sizes offered.
  • Need a custom size? Visit support for the right fit.

Does the picture look exactly like the art I'll receive?

  • Colors may vary slightly due to differences in room lighting, computer monitors, and mobile screens.

Something not quite right? What if I don't like it?

  • We offer a generous money-back guarantee, simply return the product for a full refund, no questions asked. For more information, visit here.

Still have questions? 🙋 Explore deeper
🇹🇩 đŸ‡ș🇾 Free shipping
Curious about nuance or mood? —— çŸŽæĄœ ask Mio

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My journey as an artist

...didn’t start the way one might expect!

 

I began not with brushes and paint, but as a single mother raising two beautiful daughters after the devastating loss of my husband at a young age.

My girls were just 7 and 12 at the time, and with no choice ...but to press forward.

I spent the next 25 years waiting tables.

Though life was challenging, my love for my daughters gave me strength and the dream of becoming an artist, something I had held in my heart since I was a child, stayed with me quietly in the background.

It wasn’t until I retired and met Ian, during what I now call my golden years, that I finally had the time and space to pursue that long-held dream. 

 

Sonia and Ian at Parc Safari in Hemmingford QC-summer 2023 | WALL ART by Sonia

 

In 2022...

Ian and I set out to create beautiful paintings and the finest quality limited-editions, driven by a desire to make my self-taught art accessible to all.

We want people to experience the beauty of art

...without breaking the bank.

Now, with Ian by my side, I embraced the creativity I had kept hidden for so long, sharing it in a way that allows others to bring a piece of that journey into their own homes—affordable, yet meaningful.

That's why we're dedicated to offering superb quality art pieces at an accessible price, so that you can adorn your walls with handmade art

 


that speaks to your emotions.

 

Sonia Malboeuf in her studio painting | WALL ART by Sonia

TRUE SCALEÂź Size Guide


 

To help you choose the perfect art print size and get the most out of your purchase, we’ve included a couple of powerful tools below:

  • An excellent video: where interior stylist Vivien Albrecht breaks down and discusses...

The 5 Most Common Mistakes Everyone Makes

Stay until the end, for her real-life examples and practical tips that are spot on.

  • Real-world visual reference: featuring Art, who's 6 feet tall standing beside each of our six available sizes—so you can see what real “true to scale” looks like.

 

Real-world visual reference

"Well done with the modelling Art. Thanks,
now let’s get sizing"


Art, our model standing in front of 72 x 54 print | Sonia Malboeuf
Art, our model standing in front of 60 x 45 print | Sonia Malboeuf
Art, our model standing in front of 48 x 36 print | Sonia Malboeuf
Art, our model standing in front of 40 x 30" print | Sonia Malboeuf
Art, our model standing in front of 32 x 24" print | Sonia Malboeuf
Art, our model standing in front of 24 x 18 print | Sonia Malboeuf

 

Why Size Choice Matters

Choosing the right art print size is more than a design decision—it’s an emotional one.

It shapes how your room feels, how the artwork speaks, and how connected you become to the space around you.

Here are 9 compelling reasons why selecting the right size matters:

  1. Visual Harmony and Balance
    Proportion is everything. A properly sized piece brings cohesion to the room and prevents visual clutter or imbalance.

  2. Focal Point
    The right size turns your artwork into an anchor—drawing attention, creating purpose, and giving the space direction.

  3. Enhanced Ambiance
    Bigger pieces can add drama and presence. Smaller ones create intimacy and calm. Choose what your space is trying to say.

  4. Personal Expression
    Size helps your art speak clearly—whether it’s a whisper of elegance or a bold declaration of personality.

  5. Proportional Alignment
    Too small, and it disappears. Too large, and it dominates. The right fit respects the room—and your eye.

  6. Practical Considerations
    Artwork should live comfortably in your space—without blocking outlets or overwhelming the layout.

  7. Complementary DĂ©cor
    A well-sized piece doesn’t compete—it completes. It ties your furnishings, colors, and themes into a unified whole.

  8. Artwork Appreciation
    Size affects how deeply you can engage with the details, texture, and emotion embedded in each brushstroke.

  9. Long-Term Satisfaction
    Get it right once, and you’ll enjoy it for years. No regrets. No rehangs. Just lasting satisfaction.

In short, size isn’t just a measurement—it’s a mood setter, a statement, and a silent storyteller.

So whether you're unsure how a piece will look, or you just need a second opinion


👉 Let us show you how it’ll look on your wall

—we’re here to help.

 

Excellent video

featuring stylist: Vivien Albrecht

The 5 Most Common Mistakes Everyone Makes

 

Our Bordeaux Wine floating frame exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication, making it an exquisite choice for displaying your most treasured artwork.

The rich and deep Bordeaux Wine finish imparts a sense of opulence and refinement, enhancing the beauty of the framed piece.

Its innovative floating design creates an alluring illusion, making your displayed artwork appear as though it's suspended within the frame.

The Bordeaux Wine floating frame provides a distinctive and upscale backdrop, elevating your artwork while radiating timeless grandeur with class. 


Bourdeux Wine floating frame | WALL ART by Sonia

 

 

Floating frame dimensions | WALL ART by Sonia

 

Quiet reasons collectors —keep coming back

Midnight Black-floating frame | WALL ART by Sonia
Swipe ⇄ to reveal 5 Signature Qualities

410gsm Giclée on Canvas

Choose unframed [rolled], wrapped or framed styles up to 72” x 54” statement-making sizes,

with four luxurious floating frames to compliment your space and style.

Swipe ⇄ to reveal 5 Signature Qualities

True to the Original

The depth and detail you see in a canvas print depends on the quality of the original capture.

By photographing every painting with a Hasselblad—renowned for color accuracy, detail, and dynamic range—your art print

carries inspiration in every detail.

Premium quality materials used banner
Swipe ⇄ to reveal 5 Signature Qualities

Proprietary Material

Our artworks are 100% handmade, exclusively using archival-quality proprietary materials, ensuring they stand the test of time.

This results in deep, rich colors and incredible printing sharpness, delivering your final product with unmatched color brilliance and longevity.

What makes our canvas art prints exceptional?

3M CLAW premium hardware
Swipe ⇄ to reveal 5 Signature Qualities

Easy to live with

Each art print includes premium 3M CLAWℱ steel hardware for

no-tool effortless hanging.

Guy with shoulder bag standing in front of Celestial Lover painting by Sonia Malboeuf
Swipe ⇄ to reveal 5 Signature Qualities

Authentic Limited Editions

Each art print has its own unique number in a limited edition of 50,

accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Swipe ⇄ to reveal 5 Signature Qualities

410gsm Giclée on Canvas

Choose unframed [rolled], wrapped or framed styles up to 72” x 54” statement-making sizes,

with four luxurious floating frames to compliment your space and style.

True to the Original

The depth and detail you see in a canvas print depends on the quality of the original capture.

By photographing every painting with a Hasselblad—renowned for color accuracy, detail, and dynamic range—your art print

carries inspiration in every detail.

Proprietary Material

Our artworks are 100% handmade, exclusively using archival-quality proprietary materials, ensuring they stand the test of time.

This results in deep, rich colors and incredible printing sharpness, delivering your final product with unmatched color brilliance and longevity.

What makes our canvas art prints exceptional?

Easy to live with

Each art print includes premium 3M CLAWℱ steel hardware for

no-tool effortless hanging.

Authentic Limited Editions

Each art print has its own unique number in a limited edition of 50,

accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

the Finishing Touch

Try it on your wall—feel the difference
Swipe ⇄ to choose how your art lives
IKEA VISBÄCK bamboo rolled print poster hanger with a print by Sonia Malboeuf
Unframed [rolled] Guide
African Beauty Chi, Framed museum wrap print hanging over wood table in hallway | Sonia Malboeuf
Museum Wrap Guide
African Beauty Chi, Framed museum wrap print hanging over wood table in hallway | Sonia Malboeuf
Floating Frame Guide