How to create bright, happy abstract art! | Betty Franks | Abstract Art on Paper

[@onpaper]

That's a beautiful painting. I love the color and texture. It's so nice to watch a child playfully free and unblocked movement. ❤️👏👏

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much! I always have fun creating!

[@OkkievanRossem]

Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your thoughts while you create these beautiful paintings...I love your style

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much for watching!

[@gailaroonie]

Thanks for spending time with us! I really enjoyed travelling through the evolution of this piece with you and I shared it on my Interlake Artists Facebook page.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you enjoyed it, Gail! And, thank you so much for sharing it!

[@kristinoa]

Thank you so much for the inspiration, it's always exciting to see you create. :) As a former florist I always used mirrors to see the bridal bouquets during the process. At a distance I could see if there was balance and harmony. It was like seeing the work with "new eyes"

[@BettyFranksArt]

Oh, that's a cool idea! I have heard that some folks use a mirror while standing with their back to the artwork. I don't like the idea of it being backwards in the reflection. But, I can see how it can help with overall balance and harmony!

[@tracyloringart]

Love hearing your process and how your pieces evolve on their journeys! I used to think I needed to “get it right” right away and that I was a terrible artist if I didn’t. Some pieces come together quickly for me but most are a journey. I’m learning what my own process is. It feels great to be able to say, this is how I create. And that’s what makes my pieces uniquely me. I’m inspired by seeing you be uniquely you. ❤️ Plus, I used to live in Mtn View before moving out of state. Watching you makes me feel more connected to home. ☺️

[@BettyFranksArt]

I love what you said, Tracy! Yes, your art process makes it uniquely you! We all have our own process, which is why there is so much fantastic and individual art in the world. Thanks so much for watching! Sending you sunshine from the SF Bay Area!

[@ilonajeanpassino608]

Very much loving these small abstracts Betty. I'm a 75 yr old painter, who started when I was five. Both parents were painters and craftsmen. Over the years I learned and loved Stained Glass work, then Stone sculpture for ten years. Four yrs ago I decided to focus again on my painting which was a first love. My style now is SO much different than years ago and I feel like I'm going through a metamorphosis from painting flowers in acrylic to learning painted paper collage to incorporating all that into my abstract passion from when I was 20. Your on line classes have given me the encouragement and ideas to help me develop a whole new renewed love of painting again. Its a total adventure every day. Also very freeing. When I paint on paper I tape them down to the table I'm working on, and regarding color passions...colors we are attracted to sometimes indicate an area (spiritually) that we are working on in our lives, as each color represents one of our energy Chakra's....i.e. reds =Base chakra; pink & green = heart, and Blue is the throat chakra. Its very interesting.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much for sharing that with me! I love that you've been on this journey for so long and that you're still enjoying being a creative person. I hope to be painting and creating well into my 80s and 90s! Wishing you all the best!

[@ilonajeanpassino608]

@@BettyFranksArt Me too!

[@nitafaught-JoyfulheART-]

Bless your heart, Betty! ♥️ You have quickly become my favorite artist! I could watch you paint all day! Oh wait! I have before…🥴 lol. I’m fascinated at your process and have attempted pieces of my own. I’m 70 and just started painting again after 40 years….thank you for all of your inspiration! ♥️

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Nita! I'm so happy that you're enjoying my art and my videos! Keep on creating!

[@MotivationalMinute2024]

I just love your work. It’s beautiful and I enjoy watching your process too. Thank you ❤.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks so much!

[@robinpusatory7395]

Thank you for the gesso white paint tip. I will use gesso now for that texture. I always learn something when I watch you. Thank you.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Robin! Happy to have you here!

[@SingYourselfWell]

Wonderful, Betty! Thank you so much!!! These are always such a treat to watch, and such an inspiration. 💖

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Ulrike! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@morningdewgarden7432]

I just love your sense of colour!!! Your mixed colours are so nicely mixed, so clean and clear to me! Lovely work. The humidity level in my house is typically pretty low but if it gets too humid and my papers begin to curl, I just tape corners or dampen the back and put it on glass...

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks so much for the tip!

[@pollybauermeister7524]

Thank you for the inspiration, loved it!

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Polly! Thanks for watching!

[@hmax1591]

I keep coming back to this video because is so inspirational ......watching artist do abstract art just ignites my imagination with some of the images I see being created...and sometime I say to myself....." oh no! she painted over my favorite part of the painting" .. LOL....great advice on using the cool colors so your painting doesn"t turn to mud....love it.

[@BettyFranksArt]

So glad you enjoyed it and you're coming back to watch it again! Thank you so much!

[@Selma_109]

Perpendicular lines! I love your videos. It's so generous of you to share your whole process, and with such lovely instruction and detail of explanation. Thank you 💜💙💚💛

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Ash! Glad you enjoyed it! The word I was searching for was diagonal. Getting old is no fun! Thanks so much for watching!

[@LISACURD]

I love these! Thanks for sharing-- I love following your videos!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you liked this video, Lisa! Thanks for watching!

[@marygartner5195]

I crave watching your videos! I appreciated seeing the art moved from the chaos of the initial “palette “ onto the clean white paper toward the end of the process. It helped me to clearly see the piece without the intrusion of extraneous bits that seemed part of the painting during the process. That being said, my work table gets chaotic in a hurry, working like a mad scientist. I too use heavy plastic taped to my dining room table. When I have to clear the table for dinner I just throw a table cloth on it!

[@BettyFranksArt]

I love your solution when dinner is ready to be served! 😁 Glad you liked the video, Mary! Yes, sometimes it's a little hard to see my art from my table. That's why I like to include photos at the end with a clean background. I'll have to think of an easy way to create a cleaner background for future recordings. Thanks so much!

[@artglue2]

You’re such a great teacher...love your art and vids! Thank you!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your kindness!

[@philmcavity4303]

This is another great one. Love the voice over, the process and of course the finished art work. I always feel like I’m painting with a friend when I watch your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awe...I love that...painting with a friend. Thanks, Phil!

[@tuxedoneko9837]

Ty for mentioning the "monster" in our heads. Glad to kniw it's not just me 😂

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're not alone! I think we all have them and have to find a way to make them go away!

[@unicornwitchprincess1004]

I LOVE watching your process!! So many layers!!!!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much!

[@bethdelmonte-catanese29]

You make everything look so easy but when I do it I end up w muddy yuck !!!!You are very talented and I love how colourful your work is. XO

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks so much, Beth! In all fairness, I've been creating like this for years. Let me assure you that I was making mud in the beginning, too! Thank you for watching!

[@andreacatura3382]

You are not alone Beth. 😊🌺

[@just-anillusion5893]

Your art makes the world more beautiful and meaningful! ❤ Than you so much...

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awe...you're super kind! Thank you!

[@lisacohen4718]

I love your art and your desire to want to teach others. Your positivity shines in your voice and commentary. I look forward to learning more from you.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Lisa! I'm glad you're here!

[@carolynavalos5415]

Another wonderful video. I really enjoy watching you create your beautiful art. Thank you for always including tips and suggestions as you go along. They are always useful.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Carolyn! I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed it!

[@shirin8390]

God gives strength to your hands,fingers and your back,as I always enjoy watching your Art 🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@BettyFranksArt]

Wow, thank you! You're very kind!

[@linebing6208]

I tend to think much while painting and it's so refreshing to watch you creating. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@BettyFranksArt]

I think we're all guilty of that and it can disrupt our nature flow. Thanks so much for watching!

[@natalimacaro2885]

Thank you for this interesting information. Your work is so harmonious beautiful bright and positive

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Natali!

[@leahfaketty9486]

Two more winners! Absolutely love your work Betty.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awe...you're sweet! Thanks so much, Leah!

[@yikeimiu2579]

I appreciate your attitude of willing to make mistakes and letting your piece go anywhere. If that makes sense. I also don't like to think too much when I draw.Yet, after learning all the theory of how to make things look good, I just can't control myself to critique my own piece while I'm creating.AAnd when I do that, it gives me tones of pressure since I have high expectations of my piece.The more stress I have, the more mistakes I make.It really makes me feel dispirited.

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm sorry to hear that! It must be so frustrating. That's why I switched to listening to words being spoken. I hope you can find a way to be kinder to yourself.

[@gillmolony6781]

Your videos spread sunshine. Also really encouraging. Thank you, again

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so glad! Thank you so much, Gill!

[@rhondacoleman7163]

Love your videos. Often use to inspire when I want to get started or take a break from my own Art making. Love that I can go back in time and see past videos. I tell many friends and artist about them. They are relaxing and interesting for those I know who don’t even make art.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awe! You're super kind to share my videos with your friends, Rhonda! Thank you so much!!

[@judyhyland499]

Beautiful

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Judy!

[@tempo9198]

Love your layering and the sunny joy of the finished work!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@lauraevans9945]

I really love how you talk us through what you did! I learn a lot

[@BettyFranksArt]

Fabulous! Thank you for watching, Laura!

[@katpaints]

I keep watching your videos - they are so cheery! I have resisted mark-making types of paintings but am finding that I keep coming back to them! By the way, there really is a difference between a script and a rigger that I discovered when taking calligraphy years ago. The script has a blunt end - not tapered to the point, in order to make small letters. The rigger was for painting fine rigging/lines on nautical paintings and is definitely taper! The liner would make lines the same width and the rigger gives variations. I was amazed when I realized I had a script about a 2 or 3 in size and how fun it was to letter with it. :D Haven't tried that for many years! Keep those brushes moving!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you for the information about the script vs rigger brushes. I'll have to stick to calling them a rigger. Keep on creating....and doing mark making!

[@skullingtonfly]

Lovely 😊

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you for watching, Sylvia!

[@amysamin]

This is the first of your videos that I’ve watched. I enjoyed it very much, and learned a lot in the process. Thank you!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you enjoyed it, Amy! I hope you get a chance to watch more of them!

[@amysamin]

@@BettyFranksArt I’m watching, learning, enjoying, and getting inspired. The things you have to say are both helpful and reassuring. Between videos, I’m working in my sketchbook. I want to try your idea of listening to a podcast or something while I work. Thanks again for all of the information you share here on KZbin.

[@BettyFranksArt]

@@amysamin You're very welcome, Amy!

[@janeapplebyart]

It's interesting how much movement your work presents with its play of colour and variety of shapes. Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your unique voice and the way you layer all that colour!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks so much, Jane! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@elizabethsodahl9659]

Just gorgeous…love watching you paint…from Oz

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks so much, Elizabeth! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kymm256]

I'm going to try your audiobook suggestion. Sometimes I put on "music for meditation" and find that useful for getting a certain kind of creativity flowing. Thanks for another great video.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Please let me know how it works for you. I also listen to meditation apps, but not while creating. It would be interesting to give that a try. Thanks so much for watching!

[@mariakapatos9545]

Betty thank you again so enjoyed this video your information is greatly appreciated, and your generous heart in sharing all the tips you give learnt so much from you.🌹

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Maria! Thank you for watching and commenting! You're very kind!

[@teresamohon6189]

Loving that I “stumbled upon” your videos, Betty! I can so relate to your story, but you are way further along the path than me. I really appreciate your willingness to share your process-it is mesmerizing! I’m “piddling” around with abstract now, as I truly sense that just might be my thing…you have a lifelong follower in Nebraska now! I plan on doing your video class soon. God bless you in your artistic endeavors!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Teresa! I'm so happy you stumbled upon me and my art here on KZbin! And, I appreciate you signing up for my online course. I hope you're enjoying it. Thanks for checking out all my videos here on KZbin and thank you for subscribing!

[@lindaalred7194]

I love the way you work. Thank you for sharing. Your paintings are gorgeous.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Linda! I'm so happy you enjoyed the video!

[@KariGibsonArt]

I love the way you work, the results are beautiful. I have to add - my favourite art tool is my stick from the garden! 😂

[@BettyFranksArt]

I love that! Sticks from the garden are perfect for loose marks. Thanks so much for watching and sharing, Kari!

[@paintingalways]

I enjoy watching your videos so much. They are inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so glad! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@tondamullins1457]

Thank you so much for sharing your love of painting and how you create

[@BettyFranksArt]

My pleasure, Tonda!

[@courtneykimball4277]

Thank you so much....my new problem now seems to be creating a palette...sometimes I put too many colors down that I don’t use! I watch your videos over and over

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks for watching them over and over, Courtney! Try limiting your color choices to 4-5. I totally understand what you're talking about. Sometimes I'll get out just about every color!

[@normaweiner2698]

Your instruction and encouragement is so helpful. I love your use of colour

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so glad! Thanks so much, Norma!

[@brendaevers6542]

I really enjoy your process. Your finished pieces are so joyful.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you like them, Brenda! Thanks so much for watching!

[@mixedmedialife7916]

Pouring myself a coffee now to enjoy this. It will be a bright spot in a gloomy day here in TO. BTW, great title 👍🏼🤣 (heh heh, couldn't help myself 😉😆).

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! Thanks for joining me with coffee!

[@thegreatestdistance]

Your paintings make me so happy!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! I always love hearing that! Thank you!

[@wr7819]

Brilliant artist, your art makes me happy!!!!!

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are very kind, Wilfred! Thank you!

[@rhondabarr8180]

I really admire your work and this is an excellent tutorial. Thanks!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you liked it, Rhonda! Thank you so much!

[@tooktamarble]

Hi there, i just commented on Instagram about varnish and found your work here again. I love you work. Thank you for sharing ❤❤🙏🙏😊😊

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awesome! So happy you found me here, too! Thank you! (And, I hope I answered your question on IG!)

[@tooktamarble]

@@BettyFranksArt 🥰🥰🥰😊, I didn't question anything on IG, I just commented, no worries. Not all the questions need answer. Love love 🙏🙏🙏😊

[@KarenLukens]

This was a fun video. Learned a lot about layers of mark making.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awesome! Always love hearing that!

[@doskawisniewska7854]

So beautiful, happy painting ⚘🙂

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Doska!

[@moniqueleclerc1949]

J’aime toujours vous regarder travailler vous m’inspirez Merci

[@BettyFranksArt]

Many thanks, Monique! Thanks so much for watching!

[@gayhart-brewer7947]

It is so fun watching you create. Your sense of color is exciting! I can’t find the list of your art materials.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you kindly, Gay! Here's the list: www.bettyfranksart.com/my-favorite-art-supplies

[@thechubbyhiker4142]

Love these! Adorable!! I’m in AZ and very low humidity. In the summer I can just set my art journal outside for a few minutes and it dries so fast! It’s so great! Thank you for the tutorial!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yes, don't you just love how it dries so fast? Thank you so much for watching!

[@Miettesdetrucs]

Super interesting to hear talk while creating ! I'm from France !! :) I'm trying abstract for some weeks and I really love it !

[@BettyFranksArt]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching the video from France!

[@mauricepowers3804]

I really enjoy and appreciate your videos ! I’m really looking forward to my first canvas or Bristol paper abstract piece 😎

[@BettyFranksArt]

Wonderful! Thank you for watching, Maurice!

[@dorindasutton4953]

Love your colors . Gives me inspiration Thank you for the videos

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're welcome, Dorinda! Thanks so much for watching!

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Great video, love your narration, very helpful and inspirational!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@hansbaugh630]

Great paintings Betty.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Hans!

[@carolnolan9439]

Love your work

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Carol!

[@MotivationalMinute2024]

I have a great tip for keeping the paper from curling up…I spray the back of the paper with a spray bottle then when I lay it down it stays flat. 🎨😁 I am located in Tampa Fl the humidity capital 😂

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks for the tip!

[@robinray961]

I love your art. So happy 😁

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Robin!

[@loucoakley7073]

Love your videos and explanations... your art is amazing...

[@BettyFranksArt]

I appreciate your kindess, Lou!

[@lefthandstory1280]

Beautiful ,very nice my friend❤️😃😃😃❤️❤️❤️...

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you very much!

[@kimbakerpaints]

So fun to watch! Thank you!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you enjoyed it, Kimberly! Thank you!

[@cecilegorski447]

I love your paintings and your process!! As I'm watching you from Belgium, Europe, well know for it's humidity level ( as it's raining 300 days on 365....) I found a way to stop my papers from curling by attaching them to a drawing board ( anything flat, made of wood, old stiff, cardboard, plexiglass,...) and tape each side of the sheet with painter's tape on the support. Gesso also really help, especially on both sides. Best regards from rainy Belgium.

[@BettyFranksArt]

That's a great tip, Cecile! Thank you so much for sharing it and for watching from Belgium!

[@a.humphries8678]

Great tip!!! I'm in Texas, it's not very humid, but my papers curl.

[@KristieBittleston]

Oooh so excited!!! I was hoping your video would post today!!! 💕

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hope you enjoy it, Kristie!

[@suef6901]

I love your work! 😁❤

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Sue!

[@simonettagenova]

...that is why I CANNOT betray you❤❤❤

[@BettyFranksArt]

I want to say thank you, but I'm not sure what it was that I said that prompted that comment! Thank you so much, Simonetta!

[@deborahgarretson653]

Great video. Thanks!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you liked it, Deborah! Thank you!

[@SC4RArt]

Amazing artwork! Thank you for sharing!!! 👀👀

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you liked it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@zajournals]

Awesome 👍 thanks for sharing.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@katkat5484]

New subscriber! Recommended by Stephanie Aune who is also on you tube. Happy to be here!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awesome! Thank you so much, Kat! And, please thank Stephanie!!

[@janinafisher101]

These are so cheerful and pretty, like an English country garden blooming with wild abandon! Betty, what sort of plastic do you use on your table that allows you to also use it as a palette? I love that idea!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you, Janina! I love that it reminds you of an English country garden! I'm using a thicker plastic that I got at the hardware store in the paint department. It's 4 mil thickness that allows me to use it for years as my palette. Love it!

[@janinafisher101]

@@BettyFranksArt Thanks so much for this info!👍🏻

[@BettyFranksArt]

You can find my favorite art supplies here: www.bettyfranksart.com/my-favorite-art-supplies As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My favorite Nova Color Paints: www.bettyfranksart.com/favorite-nova-color-paints How to varnish art on paper (use for canvas/wood, too): kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4OXnKeHd5Zribc Purchase my recorded workshop here: www.bettyfranksart.com/online-workshops Gallery representation: JCO's Art Haus www.jcosplace.com/artist-franks Sign up for my email list here: www.bettyfranksart.com/email-sign-up You can also find me here: Website: www.bettyfranksart.com Instagram: instagram.com/betty.franks.art (best place to see all my artwork and behind-the-scenes videos, etc.) Facebook: facebook.com/bettyfranksartist

[@ItayaArt]

Very pretty paintings as always! I wanted to say that I ordered some of the Nova paints and also the white gesso. I’ve noticed that my paper doesn’t curl nearly as much using the Nova gesso versus the kind I was using. I think that alone plays a big part in controlling the paper curl issue. I had no idea that different brands of gesso could make that big of a difference. I haven’t tried gessoing on both sides of the page yet but now I don’t think I’ll need to. I’m loving the Nova paints so far too!

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so glad you shared that with me, Itaya! Using a quality gesso is important. I once purchased a lower grade/quality gesso and was so unhappy with it. I think it's important to purchase the best quality you can afford, otherwise, you'll end up getting frustrated with the performance of the product. And, if you've never invested in quality paints/gesso, you don't know what you're missing until you buy the good stuff!

[@kathylederman9678]

More wonderful paintings and so love that you share your process, the narration is great! Find myself watching your videos many times, especially during covid - relaxing, fun and creative. THANK YOU for sharing, I always anxiously wait the notification that you have a new videos :). I received my order of Nova paint 10 days ago - they are AMAZING! LOVE THEM! The colors really are more vibrant and saturated than the paints I had been using, thank you for sharing, great find :)

[@BettyFranksArt]

Wohooo! I'm so happy that you're enjoying your new paints from Nova! And, I'm happy you're enjoying my videos, Kathy! I'll be uploading another one soon!

[@nonibelland2017]

I love your technique!! So happy I found your channel.. What are you using for crayon?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Noni! So glad you found me! I'm using neocolor 1 or 2 (don't recall which one I used for this video...mostly likely 2). Here's a link to my favorite art supplies: www.bettyfranksart.com/my-favorite-art-supplies

[@micheleholdenart]

Wonderful! How do you adjust your process from painting small to large?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Good question! I had a hard time for the longest time going back and forth. I think it was just lots of practice. Thanks!

[@EarthlyJoys-LMG]

Beautigul!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Many thanks, Laura!

[@TheFragrantMuse]

I love your videos! Betty, how do you know when to stop?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks, Liz! Good question! I usually look to see if I'm super happy with it and want to keep it for myself and if I used all the elements of design (composition, values, etc.). Thanks for watching!

[@TheFragrantMuse]

@@BettyFranksArt oh that’s so helpful, thank you! I’m just beginning with abstract art and have much to learn; I’m finding your videos super educational and inspiring! Confession: I sometimes listen to your videos when I have trouble falling asleep because your voice is so soothing. Hmmm ASMRtist? 🤔😀

[@BettyFranksArt]

@Liz Fulcher The Fragrant Muse OMG....I love that you're listening to me as you fall asleep!! I often listen to audio books with soothing voices. I'm happy to have you following my art adventures!

[@369fy]

Great, Betty... always a pleasure to watch.. love it.... im banned on FB for 30 days.. so i cant comment & push the like-button on your FB account..... big hug from Germany.. Emma

[@BettyFranksArt]

Oh no! Sorry to hear about the ban, but really appreciate you supporting me here! Glad you enjoyed it, Emma. Thank you!

[@sanghamitranayak140]

Hi, Betty thanks for sharing it with us. Simply love all your painting so much. You are my inspiration 🙏 thank God that I found you. I too love flowers a lot and I always paint flower art the most. I stay in Chicago here the weather has less humid still find the same issues for curling up my paper. How do you mix your paint do you add little water to it? What kind of crayons and charcoal do you use for this mark-making? I am new to your channel and your new subscriber too. Thanks a bunch

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much for finding my channel and my art! So glad you're here! I sometimes will experience a little bit of curling, but it's manageable. Maybe try two coats of gesso? Here's a link to all my favorite art supplies: www.bettyfranksart.com/my-favorite-art-supplies Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@psrbplust]

❤ ❤ ❤

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@elisaamari9262]

Have you tried the Maraubu Art Crayon? It’s one of my recent go to’s for mark making lately. Definitely have to apply workable fixative if you use it on the top layer.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Oh! Those look yummy! I've added it to my wish list and will give them a try. Thank you for sharing, Elisa!

[@carolynreach88]

Hi, what are you putting your paint on? What are you using as a pallet? Is paper or a plastic sheet? I love that it's such a big area. And I love what you're doing! I'm new to painting and trying to get into more abstract. I love impressionism,but I'm also getting interested in what you're doing. Thank you in advance.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Carolyn! I use 4 mil plastic on my table to use as my palette. Love it. Here's the link to my favorite art supplies: www.bettyfranksart.com/resources. Use the link to Amazon and then look under Other Products. I have 6 mil and 4 mil plastic listed. If you'd like to learn my style of painting, I have this online course: www.bettyfranksart.com/online-courses Thanks so much for watching the video!

[@arro8612]

I like your Art and Love to watch your Videos. What audiobook did you hear lately?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you! I'm listening to a romance series by Robyn Carr. I get so involved in the characters and their lives that frees my mind to just create!

[@amelia9927]

haven't done any abstract art, i am quite sure now how to start; one question: how do i know when it's time to finish, is it just a feeling of being satisfied of the result? then end it is; and thank you for the tip of not overthinking and overcritizing one's work which i do a lot with whatever stuff i am doing, looking forward to watching more of your informative and very illustrative VDO's; thank you so very much...

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this video, Amelia! Finishing a painting takes practice. I have learned over the years to look for elements of design (such as composition, values, etc.) to help me determine if it's done. Thank you for watching my other videos, too!

[@anuchathampally9116]

I learned so much by watching your process! Thank you! What do you use to cover your table with? I like how you can mix your paint right on your table.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Anu! I'm using 4 mil plastic that you can buy at your local hardware store in the paint department.

[@martahauer7783]

Again and again I enjoyed your demonstration! There is always something new to learn. Could you please tell me what kind of spray varnish are you using as the first coat before the brush applied varnish? Thanks!!!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you for your sweet message, Marta! I'm using Workable Fixative. Here's a link to my favorite art supplies: www.bettyfranksart.com/my-favorite-art-supplies

[@harrietblank6812]

You make such beautiful colors!! Is it the kind of paint you use or the art of mixing???

[@BettyFranksArt]

Both! I think it's important to use quality paint and mixing colors harmonizes them so that they all work together. Thank you, Harriet!

[@Letspaintwithjo]

Hi Betty! What brushes are those with the red handle that you are using?!

[@BettyFranksArt]

I got those at Michael's many years ago. They might still have them. Thanks for watching!

[@bettyrodriguez3244]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful art work. When you paint on paper, do you keep the artwork in some kind of press to keep it flat. How do you store it until it is framed?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Betty! I normally don't do anything to the pieces. The humidity in California isn't too bad, so I rarely get much curling. But, if I do, I'll put some heavy books over the pieces so flatten them out. As for storing, I'm so lucky that I don't have to think about that. These sell right away. Hope that info helps!

[@bettyrodriguez3244]

@@BettyFranksArt Thank you for responding and for the info. Yes..your art is beautiful and joyful.

[@joancollier4488]

Sometimes you say something that REALLY resonates! You said when you take a photo you see the work with 'fresh eyes'. I do that too. Why does that work? Must be something to do with our brain connection? The other thing I do is take the work and stand in front of a mirror. That just does some sort of working out too and shows what is and isn't quite working for me!

[@BettyFranksArt]

I don't understand the brain, but I do know that both those technique work for pin pointing issues and seeing the art in a different way! Thanks for watching, Joan!

[@moonmad7]

I enjoyed watching your video. Do you mix up pools of paint in advance or do you mix as you go?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you! I mix as I go.