How to Create Values in your Painting | Betty Franks Art | Abstract Art | Black & White Painting

[@gingerdeguia]

I appreciate how you teach and explain things

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Ginger!

[@dianecharest8365]

Thank you Betty. I've been at it for just a year now in July/August. I'm now at the point of focusing on value, composition, shapes, etc. You just taught me 2 important things. Making your lights lighter and your darks darker. And also pushing that circle back by taking some away. I thank you for this information.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! I'm super happy I was able to share some information with you that you can use in your art practice, Diane! Keep on creating!

[@ednasweet5637]

I’m learning so much from you. Your work is gorgeous and your fearless. I’m always so afraid to cover things that I’ve already painted but I’m learning that there is more to painting if I let it and you helped me with that thank you

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so glad to hear that, Edna! Be fearless!

[@betsybuick4260]

Maybe my most favorite. I especially like all the smaller details you added in lieu of color.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thaks, Betsy! It's a fun exercise!

[@jojojo8835]

Thankyou! I feel like ‘contrast’ is the key to your success here. I think while I might start out with plenty of contrast in value, shape and size of marks I kind of blend it out too much as I add more layers. Seems like maybe you work through that stage and keep adding in more contrasts when you notice a low contrast area- I’ll try to work on that😅

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yes, so true! As I work through it, I'll keep watching to see if my values are blending too much. Thanks for watching, Jo!

[@yopestevens1505]

What you describe here was (and sometimes still is) the BIGGEST problem for me, too. I try to do at least one greyscale painting a month to keep those skills sharp. It's so easy to mess up when there's so many pretty COLORS! :D

[@midnitemoon577]

O my goodness, Betty! This was such a game-changer lesson! I went back to a painting I did that I liked but wasn't satisfied with for a reason I couldn't figure out. After this lesson and all your shared knowledge on values, I went back to my painting and immediately noticed the blah look that needed improvement by darkening up some areas and lightening up others. What a difference! My painting looks so much better, so much more interesting and balanced in lightness vs darkness. Thank you so much. You are truly one inspirational and talented artist, one I totally trust (because I love your paintings & your very genuine personality). Thank you again!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay, Nellie! Your message made my day! I'm so excited for you and super happy that you were able to fix what was going on with your painting. That's so awesome!!

[@Gimo76]

Thank you. This is just what I needed. Just moved and at 70 it is tough. So I decided to stop and watch some paintings. I have an entire new setup for my new art studio in my apt. I am trying the bedroom this time. Last time was kitchen and it was too cluttered so now trying a room with a door 🤪

[@BettyFranksArt]

A studio with a door is best! Just close the door! Glad to hear that you've got a new setup. I hope it works out well for you and you enjoy many hours of creativity!

[@sambasaidybah7876]

Wow my dear friend Betty, I love black and with paint, it is going to be something special, I wish I also do it one day with black and white paint

[@BettyFranksArt]

I hope you do, too!

[@juliah9933]

thankyou for this incredibly details and well presented tutorial. I have learnt so much, very grateful x

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! I'm so happy to hear that, Julia! Thank you!

[@nitawray1125]

Thank you Betty! You’re motivating me! It’s great to Look forward to painting. I’ve been sketching ideas! It’s fun! Anita

[@BettyFranksArt]

Super happy for you, Anita! Yay!

[@junimondin]

Very helpful! Thank you ❤

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marypartridge5154]

You have had a lot of influence on people as I've seen a lot of art like yours which is a huge compliment. You showing the process helps us and I have used your formula and have branched out. And it all came from you in the beginning. I like Walter Hubert but he does not explain his process.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Mary! I love sharing my process in the hopes that it ignites others to create!

[@smallpaul2923]

Thanks for your generosity Betty! Your teaching is fab. Much love from England!

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Paul! Thank you for watching from England!

[@rutaantarkar7069]

Yes generous is the word that comes in my mind too when I watch your videos Betty! One could learn a great deal from your videos. Thanks a lot!

[@vickiehammerlun8361]

Came across this today & so glad I did! I struggle with value, so this will be my focus for the next few days.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You got this, Vickie! It's a great exercise. Try it with a color, too. For example, use yellow + black + white. It's a fun exercise!

[@SingYourselfWell]

Gosh, I can hardly wait. Once I'm done teaching voice today, I'll dive in and paint ALONG WITH YOU!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Sounds wonderful, Ulrike!

[@adeledallasorr4736]

Good tip gesso on both sides of paper to keep it flat. Thanks

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're very welcome, Adele!

[@taisadiercks696]

Just beautiful...greetings from France..love your videos

[@BettyFranksArt]

Many thanks for being here!

[@pammiller-zn6dp]

Hi,, I am loving your videos. I watch them as I quilt, which is my form of art. I want to try to learn and attempt to paint.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Pam! I'm so happy I'm keeping you company as you quilt! Thanks for being here!

[@marychristophi6688]

Magic magical,I love the black and white 👩‍🎨

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Mary!

[@nitawray1125]

Thanks!

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're super kind, Anita! THANK YOU so much for your wonderful contribution! I really appreciate it! 🥰

[@newworld244]

Excellent demonstration and commentary. Thanks for letting us participate. Greetings from Weymouth, UK!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much for watching from the UK, Ingrid! I appreciate it!

[@cindypeters6000]

I appreciate you so much. You are very generous with your time and talent and you are helping me in my art journey. I appreciate your comments in the Commission "fail" (not a Fail) about how long it took for you to understand abstract painting. It helps me to be patient and understand I am growing in every painting session - I think abstract is so much harder than the impressionistic painting I have been doing.... THANK YOU for sharing all your experiences and ideas.....

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are most welcome, Cindy! I'm always so happy to hear that the information I'm putting out there is helpful! Stay well and keep on creating!

[@Someoneoutthere67]

Your videos are very inspiring, thank you so much for what you do!

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome! Super happy you're enjoying them!

[@kriswashburn274]

Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I learn so much from you❣️

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Kris! Thank you for watching!

[@anitajulaniya1959]

Brilliant work and learning. Thanks.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you enjoyed it, Anita! Thank you!

[@SingYourselfWell]

Sooooo helpful!! Thank you Betty!

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're welcome! Enjoy!

[@kiwi4juss]

By the end of the video I was really beginning to understand the need for balance but when you showed the colored pieces in black and white it all just clicked! I didn’t just see a painting I could see through it and it’s levels. Thank you so much

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so glad this video helped you better understand values! Thanks so much for watching, Nyree!

[@sholt2816]

Thank you Betty for another of your great teachings

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching another one!

[@AkesSamenos11]

Love this exercise!! I bet I'm not the only one willing to give it a try! 🤗✨✨✨✨✨

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yes, it's a fun exercise in values! Enjoy creating!

[@tinycuisine6544]

The cat trip analogy was great! Thanks for the video, very useful

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you liked it! Thank you so much for watching!

[@LISACURD]

Loved this lesson--Thanks Betty!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you liked it, Lisa! Thank you!

[@MamaTrepFreeman]

Round two of this one. Just love it. Hoping it all sinks in! Thanks for sharing all your expertise.

[@BettyFranksArt]

So cool! I often have to hear/watch things several times to remember everything (or even a portion!). Happy New Year!

[@joancollier4488]

This is a very worthwhile, well explained video. It's going to be my exercise of the day. I have even found a small canvas which I'll use up. Always enjoy trying out fresh ideas, it's so fulfilling and something to aim for. Even if it doesn't turn out quite what I'm imagining....it will teach me something worth knowing! Thank you!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yes! It's all about practicing, experimenting, and having fun along the way!

[@sdc9572]

In my mind you were done with your painting many times. Love your process and the talk over of your painting. Learned a lot. I will continue to watch.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@debtempleton9424]

Fantastic video Betty. You are such a great teacher. Cheers , Deb (NZ)

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Deb!

[@maryantonishak400]

I'm new to your channel and I found this very informative and a great lesson to learn. I believe I am also a friend of yours on FB . Thank you for this lesson.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks and welcome, Mary! Glad you found me here on KZbin!

[@cbomb25]

Awesome. I love playing your videos in the bg while drawing. Thank you for the tutorials.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much for watching/listening!

[@SC4RArt]

Awesome artwork! Truly impressive... 👀👀

[@BettyFranksArt]

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

[@kimbazzani5651]

Love the Blake and white so cool

[@BettyFranksArt]

Many thanks, Kim!

[@annekennedy2183]

Can’t wait to try this!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! Let me know how it turns out for you!

[@janinafisher101]

Fingerprinting! 😊 Wow! I loved this, and learned a lot from it!

[@BettyFranksArt]

So glad! Thanks, Janina!

[@joycemccullough7856]

Thanks for sharing. I did learn a lot. I had an inspiration of doing this and at the end adding a touch of red to it. I love red and black together! ❤️

[@BettyFranksArt]

That sounds perfect, Joyce! Nicely done!

[@tasneemmujtabagain4987]

Excellent Betty

[@BettyFranksArt]

Many thanks, Tasneem! I appreciate you watching!

[@judithgillam5074]

Brilliant demo . Thank you so much . Kind regards - Judi - Australia

[@BettyFranksArt]

Many thanks, Judith! I appreciate you watching!

[@kelilieberman4963]

Thank you Betty really informative and fun watching you ...

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Keli! Thank you for watching!

[@wilhat]

They look fabulous .

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you for watching, Andrew!

[@sda141]

Betty, thank you! I’ve been experiencing anxiety lately because my process has changed….actually you helped me realize why I was anxious. You have offered so much invaluable information that I’m grateful for. 💜

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm glad that I was happy to help in some way. Wishing you many wonderfully creative and carefree hours in the studio!

[@sda141]

@@BettyFranksArt I appreciate that! But you really did help me! We need to stay true to our own path and process! I watch you because you are an incredible artist but also because I went to school in San Jose and later lived in San Fran. I love hearing you talk about the bay area. I’m living in, not- so-sunny Philadelphia now. I miss that abundant California sunshine. Thank you so very much for sharing your gift with the world. 🌷🌷🌷

[@ceolchick]

Thank you so much Betty for sharing this. I really appreciate your generosity & I'm very inspired by your work. I can't wait to try this technique!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Wonderful, Ciara! So glad you enjoyed it. Have fun creating!

[@brandythompson6544]

This is wonderful!!!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Brandy! Thank you so much for your kind words about my art, video, and painting style! I really appreciate it! I'll be covering pricing soon. Still working on the first video on the series where I'll talk about social media. Stay tuned!

[@banisarkar411]

Hi Betty, thank you so much for this video. This work deserve not only thumbs up but more appreciations. I like every colour and ,black and white too. This 9/12in abstract work is brilliant. Please talk more and more as much you like because talks are valuable too. Some times I like to see your palette just to guess some ideas of colours and mixing . Thank you , you are awesome and inspiring. From Uk.❤️🙏

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you for the kind message, Bani! Glad to hear that you enjoyed my talk and the video! Hello from sunny California!

[@pamelakjamieson4212]

Thanks for this video I tried the values today still working on it. A great exercise.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Excellent! It takes a little bit of practice, but once you have it, you'll always look for values in your artwork. Thanks, Pamela!

[@MariaFerreira-vr9mj]

Bom dia Betty 🌷💐🌸 adorei o resultado. Mesmo a preto e branco o trabalho é lindo. Aprendo muito consigo. Gratidão 🙏😊😘🇵🇹

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Maria! I'm so happy you enjoyed this video! Thank you!

[@myartprocess6003]

Beautiful. Just like the artist!

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're very kind! Thank you!

[@clm1694]

Hi Betty. I Love watching your videos! I am not sure if I remember you saying what is under your work, and that you keep adding your paint on. Basically the shiny type of surface that you are working on and over your table top. Thank You!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi there! I'm using 4 mil plastic. You can get it at your local hardware store or via my Amazon shop: www.bettyfranksart.com/my-favorite-art-supplies Really love using it!

[@clm1694]

Excellent! ❤

[@mariakapatos9545]

Hi Betty I am so glad I found you, love the way you explain in such detail, and this black and white demo gives such an in-depth way of find the values and tints in the painting , also assisting in color. So looking forward to your emails have signed up.wishing you an artful and happy Day.xx

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you for joining my email list, Maria! I really appreciate it! Glad you found value in the video!

[@biscuit233]

I love what you’ve done here with this painting! I am a beginner in painting and have tried many styles, but I think I have found here what I want to try! I have subscribed, gave a ‘thumbs up’ and will definitely follow you. Thank you!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Sweet! Thank you so much for subscribing and for the thumbs up. I'm so happy you like my style of art. Check out all my other videos, too! Have fun creating!

[@esperanzaenslin6399]

I love your videos and style of painting! Thank you for sharing your talent. From Winter Springs, FL

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Esperanza! I appreciate your sweet message!

[@kathleenlobb3314]

I love this! I am going to try this.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Fantastic! Have fun, Kathleen!

[@mirandachelala7327]

Love watching and listening. So well explained . Thanks for sharing your expertise. Hope I can implement

[@BettyFranksArt]

You can do it, Miranda! It all just takes practice. Thanks so much for watching!

[@sharonrobinson735]

Very informative as always!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks so much, Sharon!

[@barbaraborota1581]

Thank you I learned a lot grateful bborota canada be blessed

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are very welcome, Barbara! Thank you for watching from Canada!

[@madhabitz]

Betty, if you dampen the back of your paper, it will go a ways toward getting it to lie flat. I keep a small spray bottle (fine mist) in my kit so I can do it on the fly if needbe. Enjoyed the video - thanks :)

[@BettyFranksArt]

Love that tip! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@Mariana-ym6zf]

Betty, as you were talking about your love for fields of flowers, I was wondering whether you know about Namaqualand flowers in South Africa. There is literally kilometers of fields of wild flowers in that area that bloom typically from early September annually. People make holidays trips to go and see the flowers. I have not been there, but do look at all the amazing images! I cannot remember if I've mentioned it to you before....

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm sure it's quite the sight to see! Sounds wonderful!

[@arpitamondal86]

beautiful

[@rosapillon]

Boa Noite .. Estou assistindo esse video aqui do Brasil , Est de São Paulo .. Adorando essas suas explicaçoes sobre Valores .. Coloquei no Google Tradutor . Muito obrigada por deixarmos traduzir no You Tube .

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so glad you liked this video! Thanks for watching from Brazil!

[@meltemashley1808]

THANK YOU🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@willcarney4424]

Do you ever teach in person workshops❓❓❓❓❓I’m interested, thanks, Eileen.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Eileen, I teach at least one in-person workshop each year. Please join my email list to be notified of my 2025 in-person workshop. I only send the info to the folks on my list. Join here: www.bettyfranksart.com/email-sign-up Thank you for asking!

[@willcarney4424]

@@BettyFranksArt, where in LA is this. I’m interested. Eileen.

[@patriciawright8019]

Hi Betty, This is a mundane question, but what do you find is the best method to get the gesso from the big tub into the liquitex squeeze bottle? ❤️

[@BettyFranksArt]

Good question! I bought funnels at the dollar store. Also, it'll flow faster from the funnel into the bottle if you raise the funnel a little so that air can circulate. I fill it up and then lift the funnel slightly.

[@SingYourselfWell]

@@BettyFranksArt Agree!!!

[@jamiemcclelland3923]

thank you ❤❤

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're very welcome, Jamie! Thanks so much for watching!

[@viviannedelavega605]

This was Great. Thank you. Just curious ……..what sign are you ? Love your personality & genuine nature.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks, Vivianne! I'm a Scorpio. I appreciate you watching the video!

[@viviannedelavega605]

@@BettyFranksArt oh make my day❣️I am also a Scorpio ♏️ Oct. 27 We really go all in or not at all🥰 Thank you again, I watch all of your videos.

[@BettyFranksArt]

@@viviannedelavega605 So cool! I'm Oct 26. 🎉

[@banisarkar411]

Have a nice time with family.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you, Bani! I appreciate you watching this video!

[@florcolombopintora]

Well done. Don't let your brushes dry :)

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks! They went into water. It's still cool enough here in California that they don't dry out too fast.

[@florcolombopintora]

@@BettyFranksArt I live in Playa del Carmen, here in 2 seconds are completely dry.... I am obsessed. :)

[@BettyFranksArt]

@@florcolombopintora Oh, yes! You're waayyyyyyy south of me!

[@starlaarts9385]

Thank you for sharing this process. Curiosity question... I have noticed that you don't always sign your paintings on the same side. Why?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Good question! I pick the side where my signature will not be interrupted by color or marks. Thank you for watching!

[@sherrierichard2848]

Value is the foundation but color gets all the credit. This video shows why this works to make a better painting. Heard from the artist, Lori Putnam, that we should make one, dark or light, occupy more area of your painting as a good rule. Otherwise it is not as interesting. Also the value of doing notans not only gives you a simple ‘map’ of the value structure, but also a better composition in the end. Not easy with your style as you do that at the end, but you achieve the same results!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks, Sherrie! I love the way you described it!

[@jasminacolovic9196]

Good morning, thank you Betty for sharing your art and experience, it is inspiration. I am not familiar with that china marker. What is this? Is it on oil base or like color pen? Thenks.👏👏👏

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Jasmina! China markers are waxy. You can find it on my favorite art supply list: www.bettyfranksart.com/my-favorite-art-supplies

[@jasminacolovic9196]

@@BettyFranksArt Thank you😀

[@rayemartineau8644]

I think this is beautiful. But, not like the happy colors you normally do. Thanks for sharing. I will be doing a monochrome for my brother. He has mostly geometrics on his walls. I just want to do a black and white abstract just to change things up. Maybe 2 or 3 small ones. Abstract, geometric and illusionist?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Sounds like something your brother would like!

[@Someoneoutthere67]

What type of graphite marker do you use to create the lines running down the paining? I know you dipped it in water? But where do I get a graphite marker like that?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Here you go: www.amazon.com/shop/betty.franks.art (look under mark making tools). Have fun!

[@tzofiyaharris7798]

👋✨🤩Which side of the Bristol paper?🙏

[@BettyFranksArt]

What I love about Bristol paper is that you can use either side to paint on. I hope that answers your question. Thanks so much!

[@zenoist2101]

A lot of digital cameras have a BW mode and you can look at paintings using that.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yes! Good point!

[@lealemoineporche5157]

do you have square edge or curved edge shaper? I am trying to figure out the difference in the two. thanks!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Lea, mine is the square edge. I also have a catalyst that's has a curved edge. Try them both to see which one you like best!

[@pamelakjamieson4212]

Betty have you done a video on how to video yourself. If you are comfortable in sharing with artists who are interested in teaching online now with the pandemic. We have to scale back our teaching face to face indoors. I am doing my first zoom in teaching folks how to work with Yupo paper.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Pamela, I'm not comfortable talking about how I do my video taping, editing, etc. Mainly because I honestly don't feel I'm an expert in that area. There are so many videos out there on how to setup, what to buy, etc. But, thank you for asking! Have fun teaching. I love yupo paper!

[@Meirecabral]

I am the thumb up 500... ☺️

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awesome! Thank you for being #500!!

[@gagaullalla1256]

Betty you are fantastic 😉 Where you from? Cheers from Italy 🌈🌴💕⛱️

[@BettyFranksArt]

Many thanks! I was born in Toronto, Canada. Grew up in San Jose, California. I also spend a little time in Croatia each year visiting my parents. That's were I am right now.

[@rayemartineau8644]

So weird to see you doing a fiel of monochrome. I do like it

[@BettyFranksArt]

Right?! It's very different!

[@izzytheamazing]

It makes sense to me that your brain doesn't always cooperate when you're watching your recording! I'm imagining that your mind gets pulled back into that sense of flow that you were having, that very right brained non-verbal experience! Does that feel true for you?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yes! Very true, Izzy! I'm trying to discuss things about the process, but yet I'm in the flow of what I'm doing (even when just watching!).

[@carolmoynihan5669]

Good show. Thanks

[@BettyFranksArt]

@@carolmoynihan5669 Thank you, Carol!

[@tinycuisine6544]

It was a "circle-ish square"🙂

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@zajournals]

You may want to mention in a video that things look better in odd numbers.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Great point! I know I've mentioned in one of my previous videos.

[@rayemartineau8644]

💓👍👀 2/28/22

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Raye!

[@rayemartineau8644]

💓💓👍👍👀👀 10/17/22

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much!

[@skgarriott]

I bought every Bristal pad they had, in all sizes, at Hobby Lobby. The cashier told me the store is only going to be carrying their brand "Master's Touch" artist paper pads in the future. They had everything else on clearance. I love working on Bristol paper and Strathmore is my favorite brand.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Sounds like you scored a great deal!!

[@Jazz-Relaxation]

Thank. very helpful to me in imagining. My friend's participation is very beneficial in the development of my chanel.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@sharonmatheson5948]

What the heck? You must have great genetics or you wore gloves all your life. You have the hands of a 15 year old girl! I never have any trouble understanding your explanations. I like to wear black and white but except for this exercise, I think I'll keep painting my bright colors. 🎊

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hahaha...I think I'm just lucky to have young looking hands at 58! Thanks, Sharon! I'm totally with you about painting with bright colors. This was a great exercise in values. Keep on creating!

[@liz-anna2365]

Really helpful! Thank you!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful!