lots of time spent drawing (a November vlog)

[@dianesophieparis]

missed you Fran! Feels like seeing an old friend again :)

[@margarita7571]

THE FACT THAT SHE DREW HARRY FREAKING STYLES

[@VickyGarciaAlonso]

hola Fran! Por acá todo mejorando gracias por preguntar. Quería decirte algo que nunca te comenté. Me enseñaste a disfrutar de las pequeñas cosas, me enseñaste a no ser tan dura conmigo misma y amar mi café en las mañanas. Te quería agradecer por esas cosas. Es un trabajo del día a día, no siempre es fácil pero con terapia y un poco de predisposición se va logrando (si volví a terapia) . Veo tu esfuerzo y estoy muy orgullosa de vos. Al final nos damos cuenta que la vida no es una carrera, sino un hermoso sendero para transitar y disfrutar todo lo que se pueda ♥

[@abigailnottingham7104]

Tu comentario es tan hermoso

[@flora.garden]

Gracias Fran. No dibujo hace años... acabo de volver a poner lápiz y papel sobre la mesa. Gracias, gracias desde lo más profundo y cálido.

[@jayjaysan8147]

hey te siguo en tiktok xd

[@SandravdB1976]

Don't push yourself that hard, being sweet to yourself and trying to take good care of yourself is good enough for this moment, every day little baby steps...love u😘😘😘

[@inawoodenhouse]

In my own experience with the struggle between when or when not to push yourself, it's been key for me to realize the difference between "i don't feel like doing this" and "i am trying to do this and it's not working". Feeling the first one and pushing may lead to the second one or it may not, but for me if it's a difficulty in starting a task to begin with, then a push is OK. If I keep trying and it keeps resulting in distraction, for example, then it's probably not the time to push anymore. At the very least, there may be another task to "push" toward instead (this often ends up being more personal stuff for me, like getting laundry done)

[@melissalai8173]

oh my gosh, this helped me so much! I haven’t distinguished these two diff reasons before, but now I have a way to feel less vaguely resistant haha

[@WateryStar]

Well said!

[@ig5976]

i love when fran laughs and says "so you guyss" its so cuuuuuuuutteeeeeee

[@kramnedrawing]

Fran you're such a goldmine, I learn so much from you. (Considering us as little lights), thanks for letting so many people feel your glow. Greetings from Berlin!

[@verdeaguacate]

Siempre me inspiras Fran, te admiro cañón, haznos un vídeo en español con tu hermoso acento chileno ❤️ besos desde México ✨☺️

[@erinneszpaul6550]

Missed you Fran, please take care of yourself and enjoy your holiday. We'll be here when you get back

[@velvetmoonmoth13]

What a cozy atmosphere in your studio! Everything around you is so wonderful! Love your vlogs!

[@kekioriginal]

Your video make me feel like I'm with a friend while drawing, I'm a new to this channel but I have watched your vid for last 1 month and I'm getting a therapeutic benefits too for my depression, THANK you very much and love what you do

[@msjesseleigh.mp4]

"I set aside this whole day to draw and I just can't" I feel this so much right now! Every weekend now, I seem to psych myself up to spend the whole weekend being creative, and then I find that I just can't. It's a cycle that I go through almost every week now, and it's kind of nice to hear that I'm not the only one. Hang in there and be good to yourself.

[@profshwetaanand6619]

You feel so friendly to just be with (even though virtually). I'm too am hanging in there, indoors mostly, in this pandemic, painting, cooking and resting. I wish you a restful and peaceful time week ahead to rejuvenate. Your subscribers will always support you, you can always take your time to rest. Good wishes from India.

[@dryadknight07]

Glad to see you back. Take care of yourself.

[@shannenm]

i got really emotional when you said you stopped playing AC because of the memories, it's one of the weirdest things about going through something difficult is the way it spiders out and steals unexpected things from you. i know there are certain albums i can't listen to anymore that bring me back to the bad times when i first listened to them, or things i've tied to people i have complicated relationships with. really happy for you fran, that you've reclaimed that for yourself and you're finding joy in it again

[@angelinebalayn1932]

Welcome back! I'm so happy to watch your video again. I completely understand the absence. It's harder and harder to deal with lockdown and isolation. I'm just happy to see that you are still here :)

[@marykayhaywood7534]

Oh! Draw the plants you are sitting! Love you Fran. Glad to see you doing well. And, the tree samples looked cool. Go do more drawings in the park.

[@JelliVlogs]

Fran is just goals tbh i love her we must proteccc her at all costs 🥺

[@mathildalegacy6758]

Fran! Glad to hear and see things are bringing you bits of joy. I love your vlogs, when I watch them it feels like I'm sitting down and having a chat with an old pal. Thanks for being you!

[@shannonk8846]

When I don't feel like working, your always videos help me feel motivated! It's like having a studio buddy to make art with. Thanks, Fran, for sharing with us.

[@404leafclover]

your art feels like coming to bed after a long, rainy day...

[@fraffee]

Your voice and your presence on my screen is just so therapeutic. Thank you for being so wonderful, Fran :)

[@ivygailmcc]

Fran! I miss seeing you more regularly. However, I respect however you need to move through this world. Its been a tough year and you have had an especially tough one. I'm just so happy to see you. Also, your plants are thriving because they love taking care of you.

[@ljartlife3978]

hi I also am an illustrator. I am living in London from two years ago. In this year I also lost a baby early around 12weeks. Your channel give me so many power on the day I did the surgery. Thank you so much my friend. Don't push yourself hard. I am doing daily drawing challenge from September. I think it is lucky to be an artist in those dark days. Take care!

[@snehaseema]

you're amazing, I don't know what happened after I saw this video, but there was a shift in energy and now I'm gonna draw trees sitting under a tree and read after a year. thanks, fran!

[@notebookphile]

Enjoy your holiday, Fran! I know I will remain faithfully subscribed to this awesome channel now and in the future! Sending good thoughts from Toronto, Claire

[@knitwearqueen]

Love your vlogs, Fran! Thanks for sharing your studio life with us - you are always so inspiring! xxx

[@noovernightguests]

So good to see you Fran. Yes paid holiday! Your sketch book pages look so good Fran you can absolutely see the evolution in your work. So exciting! I'm not taking time off for the holidays, I plan on devoting more time to my blogs and YT so that I can (hopefully) one day make it into my full time gig. Enjoy your holiday!! Be safe guys!

[@lisadoodles3978]

Take the time you need to rest and have a wonderful holiday break 🌲💕🌲💕🌲

[@louisebarry7154]

Thank you for taking such good care of my plant babies! :) Love you!

[@madelinerodriguez5890]

Hi Fran. I missed you and your videos very much. But take this time for yourself & your needs. I started watching your videos when my depression began -it was a dark place but you brought so much light to my days. This too shall pass i promise. It’s not always going to be this way. I know how hard it can be to not feel like yourself. To feel sad and wonder why. Just feel it and nourish yourself & your feelings. They are always valid. You are not alone. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable part of yourself. We love you & will be here always. ❤️

[@carolrogerson8287]

Hello Fran...what a touching real vlog....loved spending time with you in the park...your drawings are beautiful and it is so interesting to see how you think through your pen....rest well its what winter is for .....Carol

[@gaiaferrara2427]

i missed your videos so much, watching you talk makes me so calm, I was feeling so anxious today and now I feel hugged by this video. Hope you are doing well!

[@Dihtri]

Dearest Fran, I was so pleased to see your vlog posted, I was so tempted to watch it when I first clicked but in the first 5 seconds, I knew it was one I needed to set aside a cozy time to really digest everything that you filmed for us, and today, a snowy day here in East Oregon, I took a day off, my dog rests at my feet in between me and the space heater, and I sip my chocolatey flavored loose leaf tea and watch you, your walks, your plants, your drawings, your outfits. Thank you so much for sharing you, your truest you with us. I hope you get some good rest and some good gaming in. I, too, quit Animal Crossing for probably 3-4 months already. I was playing it on a Switch Lite because the Switch Animal Crossing editions were sold out in March, but when they came back on sale, I bought one and it sits on my shelf and haven't started a new Animal Crossing game on it just yet, mostly because when I game, everything in life gets put aside, but it is a busy time of the year and things need to get done, but winter will be upon us soon and that's the perfect time to be cozy and curl up on the couch with some electronics and blankets and appreciate the down time winter has to offer us. Stay warm and cozy, Fran, and enjoy your holiday season!

[@rebeccavernon3398]

Missed you so much Fran, so very happy to see your face and hear your voice. Please keep taking care of yourself.

[@elizabethstone8567]

Fran, you look like you are doing so well! Glad to see another update posted, and I hope you continue to take care of yourself by enjoying your holiday. Finding a good med/dose is difficult and I find myself proud of you (a stranger!) and your honesty with continuing recovery from your miscarriage during the pandemic. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@krystal2202]

Nice to see you again i hope you start feeling better. And I am glad you had a productive day today and enjoy your two week paid vacation!!! Fran you are an amazing person and artist and i wish nothing but the best for you. Have an awesome day.! See u next time.

[@ELElie]

I'm so addicted to watching your videos Fran! Your style, your vibe and relaxing music selections always put me in an awesome mood. It's been years since I've been watching you and I'm not much of a commenter but you deserve to know. Thank you! xoxoxo

[@_bess]

Your videos are such a comfort

[@bajaboolie]

So happy to see you. I feel the disappointment about coffee places not accepting reusable mugs-will be so happy when that changes! Thanks for the upload, and take your time with getting back on track-we get it!

[@madimossel5030]

You are just the most lovely human to watch. I hope you have a wonderful restorative holiday.

[@OwlsInATeacup]

Love love love your channel, you’re so lovely and your vlogs are a pleasure to watch! I really hope life starts to return to some semblance of normality soon, for all of us! Have a happy and safe holiday season x I also have quite severe depression, and take medication for it. I really need to try and get a good routine going as it makes me feel a bit better, I love to take care of plants too and draw, I’m currently doing an Art and Design degree, which is so so good for my mental health. Love your pink hair 😍 Really missed you and your vlogs 💕

[@HarmonyHardin]

Figuring out whether to push or to let go is one of my biggest challenges in life as well, and I feel you also on expecting perfection of myself. Thanks for sharing your honest experience. It's so important to try to find that balance so you don't burn out. Thank you for the very important mental health reminder :). Love the tree drawing scenes as well, it was very relaxing.

[@clairey9414]

So glad youre back! Your videos make me feel so calm and connected to someone else during these crazy times. Also - thank you for being so open about your depression - things like this go a long way to making making mental health less stigmatized! ❤️

[@victoriac8845]

Hi Fran! I missed u so much! The last few months have been kinda tough with finals and not going out I feel like I dropped everything fun I was doing. But I've been picking it all up again and I'm a lot happier! Taking it day by day and meditation has helped me a lot too! I hope everyone is doing well and has a great holiday!💗

[@fremont111]

Frannnnn! I could watch you all day, every day! So happy to see this. Hope you enjoy your time off and get some good rest and take care of yourself. :-)

[@spreadbookjoy]

So good to see you Fran! I hope you’re enjoying your week off. Love seeing this video - it reminds me that self care is not selfish. I’ve been struggling with overwhelm lately and decided to take some down time. The guilt and worry over doing that has been ridiculous. I even feel like I’m not doing my down time ‘right’! Watching this has been so helpful and spending time with you is a,ways relaxing. Take care x

[@jessisuneven]

Hey Fran! So good to hear from you. I've been a subscriber for years and I rarely comment but, hello! I've also been battling depression so I feel you! It's so difficult and I’m so proud of you for battling and growing through it. I always remind myself that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be and I try to focus on the moment and my cats and the things that make me happy. Love you, Fran! I love your honesty and transparency because it shows us all that it’s normal for life to be messy!

[@chelseascreatures]

I love your idea for "ugly sketchbook" I have my own now. And for me, "Ugly Sketchbook" means there is no pressure with that book. I can experiment and just doodle. There is no pressure for a "perfect" illustration.

[@odd_moon]

You’re one of my favorite person that i missed, so i savor every seconds and minutes of this opportunity to catch with you again. This is not just a simple video. It’s a long time friend’s greeting that we crave for, Fran. 💕

[@gabrielasolis844]

Gracias Fran por exponer tu fragilidad de manera honesta y sensible, tanto en tus procesos internos como en los creativos. Abrazo cálido desde el Sur de Chile.

[@andromedaespejo7986]

Aaaah the timing is so perfect, my holidays have just begun and I feel this is the perfect way to ”inagurarlas” (i forgot the word in English lol)

[@ananani]

Soooo nice to see you again Fran! I am feeling like I'm having to push myself too, but it's nice to know the holidays are close, and you know how fun summer Christmas in South America is! 😄 My tree drawing tends to be a bit more realistic than yours, but one thing I do that might help is to try to balance sticking to the reference and getting the "feel" for the tree. So I'll find proportions first, how the tree looks as a whole, and then patterns of branches, how they cross, how thick or disperse they are. For folliage I do the same, I try to look at the general shape, and then see the individual leaves, some are rounder or oval shaped, some are more angular, and when they cluster you can see through them. Then I do my lines and shapes and try to relax with the expectation on my drawing lol 😄 Trees and plants are just so nice and generous that when you're in that space with them you can't really do wrong! Te quiero Frannn y te mando muchos cariños desde Argentina ❤️

[@LuckyLifeguard]

wow the shot at 12:26 feels like it's from a movie it's so lovely

[@oddanneout]

❤️ you are so much fun to watch. ❤️🌈❤️

[@HeyMishkaTV]

Greetings from a fellow creative stuck at home in Brooklyn! The mental health struggle is real, and it really ramps up when creating anything is involved. It's hard not to feel stuck in limbo. Sending you good vibes, love this vlog. ✨✨

[@lovenature8423]

You seem so pure 🤍 loved that video!

[@amvelandia]

Qué bueno tenerte de vuelta!!! Ojalá las vacaciones te sienten genial Cuídate mucho. Muchísimas gracias por compartir tanto con nosotros. Un abrazo inmenso xxx

[@Alice-zs3eh]

I'm sorry that you're having a hard time Fran. You are wonderful. Take care of yourself 💛

[@dorotag.2827]

Dear Fran, I didn't realize that I missed You so much... :))) Spending time & listening to You is one of the most relaxing and at the same time inspiring thing to me. Take care, please. You are such a wonderful person ❤️ Whe I'm gonna grow up, I want to be like Fran 🤓 (and I'm an old woman at 33...😂).

[@optomine]

So happy to see you Fran! I'm grateful you're taking time for yourself and doing the best you can. You deserve your vacation so so much!! I wanted to recommend a Switch game for you, to maybe ease the bittersweetness and increase enjoyment and relaxation. You should try Stardew Valley! It's a very wholesome, relaxing indie game where you run your own farm and build relationships with the townspeople. Hope you take care and stay safe

[@moonlightmoonchild1133]

Ah, I'm always SO HAPPY when I see notification about your new video. 🤧

[@Eversew139]

Hi Fran. Always so happy when you post a new video. I appreciate you keeping it real. God bless you, Ed, y los gatitos.

[@gabriellilopes8108]

I enjoy so much "being with Fran" that I'm treating those monthly vlogs as a gift to myself. I'm only allowed to watch and appreciate this moment after finishing all my to do list. It's my relaxing time, it's like being with a really good and life long friend - well, I've been watching you since forever. Thank you for that, Fran I rly do hope you're doing well ❣️ Everything is gonna be just fine

[@nicolepaiz6012]

So glad you’re back, Fran! Love you, your energy and all your content!

[@elysiahughes3565]

I adore your work and your videos, and really appreciate the rawness and honesty when it comes to living through depression, when you said something like you never know when to push yourself and when to allow yourself time to just rest it hit a nail on the head for me, I have been feeling the exact same as I am currently in my third year of illustration at uni and so the work load is high and it can be a struggle finding the balance between healing and pushing. So thankyou for putting yourself out there and letting us all know we are not alone in this, it is truly appreciated :))

[@ardnasatelier78]

Hello Fran! It's lovely to see you again! About 15 years ago i had also a depression, it was very hard, i had to take a big brake and take care of me. I understand why you don't post as often and don't worry about numbers, who supports you Will always be here. A huge hug! 🥰🇵🇹

[@suzanneurbanart]

So glad to have you back! I so love your style of drawing, and the way you design black and white on a blank page is beautifully designed. Have a wonderful Holiday season with Ed and kitties! And please get your citizenship here!

[@mica.doppelganger]

Hola Fran! Nunca escribo pero veo tus videos hace años, aunque extraño verte cada viernes estas "apariciones sorpresa" que haces me llenan de alegría. Adoro tus videos, verte haciendo cosas que te gustan, la música, el clima que generas a tu alrededor, es inspirador. Esa importancia que le das a las cosas simples me devuelven las ganas de afrontar la vida con otros ojos. No quiero escribir un texto tan largo, pero espero que lleguen estas palabras desde lo mas sincero de mi corazón. Un abrazo enorme Fran! Y gracias! 💖

[@missjohnson5606]

Hi Fran, just wanted to say, thank you for your videos! I'm a Graphic Design and Art teacher and I discovered you during lockdown (because I actually had time to watch youtube!) And I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this, but watching you be creative, encouraged me to be creative, it was like having a friend to draw and make with. Thank you so much for doing what you do, I appreciate it. Ps. I gave my students 'ugly' sketchbooks and they love them, they needed a safe space to draw without judgement, so thanks for the idea! xxx

[@Anna-qy7qo]

you reading in the bathtub reminded me of 'The Death of Marat' by Jacques-Louis David!

[@devancarpenter9706]

Hello from Kentucky! So good to see your smile! 😊 I know it may not feel this way to you right now with all you're going through, but, you are a little bright light 🌟 here on You Tube! Thank you!!! P.S. You asked what we've been up to lately and I'm happy to say, after months of feeling depressed, with ZERO energy, I'm doing better! I'm also an artist and I've been painting more, and spending more time in my studio, than I have since before the Pandemic started! So, WOOHOO! And, I can see a glimmer of feeling better in your eyes and that makes me so happy for you! Here's to us both feeling stronger!! ((Hugs)), Devan from Kentucky 🌄🏇🌞

[@azzuparis]

This year was “special”. The pandemic and the solitude took a toll on me and my mental health. It was and it is hard, even to admit it to yourself that it’s maybe time to ask for help. Some days are cool but being alone and not being able to see anyone nor have someone to talk to face to face it’s becoming hard. I’m so glad you are getting better, even though you are still going through some ups and downs. But be proud of yourself, of what you achieved and don’t force yourself. Take care Fran 💖

[@anisjustyoutbe]

I am so happy to see you again!! last time I saw you I was struggling through college finals and watching this just motivated me to stop being lazy and start drawing again!! - I stopped drawing because of college and it’s been kinda bad because I don’t really like my art anymore and I’ve been so focused on being productive and getting good grades and -graduating- I feel like these vacations I’m taking them as a break from everything and I’ve just been sleeping and wasting time and lazying around but seeing you inspires me to you know,,, be like you! do what I love and focus on myself and improve on my art and- my point is- you are such an inspiration, thank you for being such an important part of my life (even if it is indirectly) and I hope you enjoy this break a ton!! ♡

[@lidewijdevries4444]

It's wonderful to see you again, Fran! I missed your humour. Take care!

[@ameldoula7419]

Hi Fran you are on the good track. I also had to deal with so many episodes of depression and I know what you are talking about when you say « I have to push myself ». It is baby steps but those baby steps make the difference. I’ve always been an hypersensitive and I always feel kind of guilty about it. No acknowledging my feelings, my reaction, wondering why I could not be stronger. I do at the moment battle again but I overcame stronger crisis in the past . I grow stronger as my crisis grow weaker. At the moment I have 2 or 3 pics during the day it s not easy but as you do I push myself drawing, reading, painting do my work the best I can despite my mental state. I force myself to do things that I do not usually do as writing comments for example ;-). Thanks for sharing that with us it helps a lot.

[@familhsaudrais1799]

Hi ! I'm writting you from France. We are lockdown for a month now (again) and time is really long. Even though now I found a productive routine it's nice and conforting to hear from you. I feel like it's really difficult to get fresh ideas without fresh air but drawing and creating helps me relax. I hope you are enjoying your holidays, love you

[@HooliganMomma]

I love seeing you happy..laughing..giggling and drawing!! Happy Holidays Fran..enjoy your time away!!! xo

[@himynameissammyandim29]

omg this is my first time watching your videos and i'm already in love with your channel :'( like how open you are about mental health is so nice and the way you just honestly share your emotions, that's one thing i'm trying to get better at so seeing you is so inspirational!

[@ghostroseart]

Oh, Fran, You are just so wonderful!!!! It hasn't been too cold for a usual midwest winter, but seeing you drawing in the park already makes me wish for warmer weather already!

[@amandavitorio9792]

This is my first time watching one of your videos and it was the best 30 mins I've spent in awhile. Thank you for being so open about your mental health. I've been feeling so unmotivated lately and it feels good to know that I'm not alone in this. thank you

[@DreamsOfStarlight]

Hi Fran, it’s great to see you! I have noticed my indoor plants getting closer and closer to my art space. I just get good vibes from the greenery. Your studio looks amazing . I am going to try and label my sketchbook “Ugly” maybe I will loosen up a bit. When I am feeling the winter pandemic blues I find small things to enjoy and I give my self a pass on my low days . Camomile tea and honey, a good book, and a nap is my restart button. You look good Fran take it easy lady.

[@RaGazz4]

Hi Fran! I'm so happy to see you back 😀 every time you upload gets me motivated and I thank you so much for these videos. Please do continue to upload more videos. I miss you! Take care 😊 xx

[@blondee1481]

Watching your stuff always inspires me to clean and start being creative :) thank you so much for providing content, even when things seem impossible.

[@kratni]

Love Patti Smith. I've seen her in concert and been to her book-signings. My hope is I can see her just in the streets of NY one day.

[@PennyTrevlopoulou]

I love the idea of an ugly sketchbook so much! You have that amazing energy in your vlogs, it's like catching up with a friend. Hope you enjoy your holidays as much as possible!

[@renatachames6994]

You are free to post whenever you feel comfortable with, fran. We are here with you anyway and anytime

[@gretathunberg5]

Hi Fran! I've missed you... I have been re-watching your videos for the last month waiting for you to post again. Your videos are so calming and I love watching a good vlog while drawing. It's like I'm at your house or some cafe in NYC and we are just having a chill drawing date 🙂💛✏️

[@hollyhodgson7253]

Missed seeing you Fran! Love all your outfits, and well done on the trees, they're so hard to draw 👏 Have a nice break 😊

[@mehrunissa]

Agh Fran, I wish I could buy your sketchbooks, because I love looking at an artist's process almost more than I love the final works.

[@WateryStar]

I feel the same way. I love seeing rough sketches. Sketchbook art inspires and motivates me to create.

[@GwenWiess]

I'm so happy you're back!! I've been missing you. I am so thankful that you chose to push yourself here to make this video. You're a big inspiration to me - artistically and personally. Thank you!

[@ShamilaArt]

Thank you so much for being so honest and real, you are a generous beautiful soul. Lots of love from Italy ❤️

[@TheMRCdragon]

It is so good to see your beautiful face Fran! I am sorry things have been so tough this year; it sucks, it hurts so much, and I wish I could wave a magic wand over you. Huge hugs xxx

[@pamelarodriguez9259]

Fran, te echaba de menos 🤍 Y siempre tengo la esperanza de que Fredcember vuelva a suceder :B

[@cynthiah7167]

x2!!!!

[@smishstudio]

Thank you Fran! I learn so much from your sketches. Lovely trees

[@Fa-rb3lm]

siempre agradecida por tus videos, Fran

[@josefinacrembil7071]

Te extrañaba Fran! Sos inspiración para mí, y siempre es muy grato encontrarte del otro lado. Abrazo!

[@alexisstefanostudio9845]

Fraaaannnn!! SO good to see you. Watching your videos (omg since 2015?!) always feels like meeting up with an old friend. Keep taking care of yourself and enjoy vacation!!

[@gretadiem7664]

Hi Fran! Sending you love and appreciation for sharing so much. I know the pressure to produce is immense, but know that there are people following you who understand. I’m curious about how keep you with bleaching and coloring your hair! If you ever feel like talking about it, I’d be interested to learn if you bleach it yourself and how you manage roots. I’ve bleached and dyed my hair pink and purple a lot, but I always find rebleaching scary in case my hair breaks!! With love from Philly xx

[@saifullahsyedshah7487]

I have missed you so much, watching your videos makes me always so happy. Please take care of yourself, love you💘💗💗💕