Art advice that changed my life ( art + chat ) 

Just found you today. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being here. I'm a self taught artist that has given up. It's been years since I've done anything with a pen or pencil. I just watched this video, but you've got my fingers itching to pick something up & doodle. It's past my bedtime, but I'm thinking really hard about tinkering tomorrow after work. I appreciate you for that. Thank you!

You took doodling to a whole new level. You made doodling into an art form. That’s why your advice of not taking yourself seriously holds a lot of truth, you doodle.

You have no idea how you are inspiring me👍🏽I am learning so much from you. I had an epiphany yesterday and here it is: 1. Draw what you see around you. Use everyday shapes. I did a painting then using numbers 1 thru 9! 2. Tweak the shapes 😮😮in a way that’s pleasing to your eyes. I esp like soft curves vs sharp corners and edges. I really love your flowing lined leaves! 3. Duplicate them into space using 2-point perspective. Fill the space. Add other shapes that come to you. 4. SHADE using what works. Pen and ink and graphite preferred. 5. Add color and this can be before the doodling or after. No earthshaking new thoughts but I’m sharing them because they were inspired by watching you. Thank you so very much, Betsy, my new friend and (unbeknownst to you) mentor. I’m 84 and having the time of my life!

This resonated with me so much…. Unbeknownst to me until 8 yrs ago, I’ve lived with Narcolepsy Type 1 since I was 15. I’ve loved art all my life, but couldn’t concentrate long enough to learn or practice before I fell asleep. Since I started on medication 8 yrs ago, I’ve found a new love for creativity - I’ve taught myself to draw, sketch, paint, paper weave, card making, create crepe wall flowers, crocheting, resin work, Upcycling furniture, plaster art, machine sewing, art journaling with gel plates, canvas art and woodwork ( yup, I have my own workshop with tablesaw etc). Like yourself, I persevered through the hard parts - Lawd, there have been so many failures…lol. But there is no better feeling than when you create - good or bad outcome, it’s the process that I love. I so hope you continue this channel- it’s inspiring and your work is beautiful 😍 thankyou for the advice 😊

Since I was a small child I have loved color. If I got a coloring book and crayons for Christmas, and nothing else, I was happy. I love watching your creativity and listening to your sage advice on living life.

I am 60 now and just getting into art, haven't done any since high school. I found your channel a few days ago and have been trying my best to make your patterns in my sketchbook. You have really inspired me! Thank you!

❤❤❤ You are a blessing, my lady! You're also an accomplished & wonderful artist. Person, too. Thanku for sharing you with us. You "saved" me today.

I think this is the very first video I watched of yours months ago. It’s why I follow you now. You are very talented and your advice is wise and welcoming. You are why I am drawing again. Thank you.

The "you don't need expensive art supplies" tip (as well as the "don't take it so seriously" since they are linked) I always struggle with. Partially because I have a birb brain that wants the new item on account that it is new and partially because I'm still unlearning the idea that more expensive = better art. Especially with Copic markers. All my art friends in high school had them and their art looked so much better than mine so that must mean I need the markers. I finally got some from a small art store that was sadly going out of business and I just couldn't bring myself to use them. I know the reason their art was so good was because they practiced all the time but boy did younger me want it to be the markers, otherwise I could never be as good as them. Doing art for myself instead of comparing myself with others has honestly been the best thing I've learned. As always thank you again for another great video and I can't wait for the next one!

Betsi, you are not only a great artist and teacher, you are also a philosopher. I could listen to you for hours.

Your art is beautiful and inspired me to start Zentangling again. A couple years ago i sanded and doodled my entire cottage kitchen table. At first people say they thought it was a tablecloth.

Miss Betsi, I’m sure I am much MUCH older than you, but everything you said is true! Great advice from a young person to a much MUCH older artist. I actually did what you were told not to do. I took myself too serious and fell out of creativity and became a 9 to 5 worker bee. The part of me that loved art and doodling was on the back shelf of life. I am very glad I came across your channel, you are inspiring thanks again for being here❤!

What I've learned from my depressions and anxiety is this: When you face a setback , you either fix it or let it go. There a lots of things in live that you can't fix, that's ok, now let it go en move on. All other option leds to pain en anger

Great advice - thank you! I am guilty of buying expensive art supplies then don’t use them because l ‘save them for best’. I don’t actually know what ‘best’ is so they just sit in a drawer until they dry up!

Wow so glad i found you, i studied art and design for nearly four years, loved it but didnt take it up as a job.... I like you have tried everything, i too can knit ,crochet and sew. For the past two years i have played around with resin, which was good, but then i saw your videos and i am hooked again on drawing, out have come my pens and pencils and you have have inspired me, at 70 years old i am drawing again. thankyou so much. I am catching up with your videos now xx

I'm so grateful I stumbled across your page. Just in the couple days I've been watching you have made me see and feel more appreciation for what I try in my art and for myself! Thank you for being so real and raw ♡

I've only just found you and so glad that I did. I've succumed to the dreaded covid again and am feeling so rough. I found your channel and began to doodle along and what I found was that by concentrating on my doodling, it stopped me from giving in to how poorly I'm feeling, and from feeling sorry for myself. So thank you for your wonderful tutorials and keep up your gorgeous artwork. They're really beautiful, and it's so therapeutic.

Thank you 😍 I love listening to you as I draw… I’m fairly new at this but come from a family of artists. I was always told by them that I didn’t have any talent, so I didn’t even try. I now see it’s about patience and practice and I’m loving the joy I get from working through the hard parts to create something I find pleasure in looking at 😍 my husband listens to you too when I forward something on to him… your video on struggle was brilliant as is this one… I’m working my way slowly through your content 🥰 One piece of advice I got years ago, I’m 54, is progression not perfection… 👍🏻 helps me with everything daily… 🤩

I think you are awesome and also an awesome teacher. Thank you for encouraging me. Kathryn C

Agree! One thing I want to add: you do not need expensive art supplies ... but if you want them and buy them, don't worry: use them!

17:40 thank you so much! When you got to number five it really resonated with me because that is what I do but I didn’t put into perspective how helpful this was and is to my continued art journey and life. I also very much appreciate the fact that your supplies are what is handy because I have a habit of having to have all the good stuff and then completely peter out on doing the project. If my art is dependent only on me and not my instruments I am more able to draw at any moment and not feel I need a special time, place and materials. Have a blessed day my Sister ❤

Fantastic advice, I wish I had this video a long time ago, especially when i was a photographer. Years ago I accidentally became a published photographer by, someone else had to convince me to publish some photos because all i saw was the flaws so i didnt think it was worth publishing, yet someone else saw the beauty in it which i couldn't because i was too focused on the imperfections which ultimately ended up with me abandoning that career! Pushing past the hard parts is the only way to have massive breakthroughs in any area of life because much like photography those same insecurities showed themselves when i began painting but this time i pushed thru it and overcame all of them, now i truly love every single thing i paint 💖 Im in the process of starting a brand new channel much like yours with sharing what ive learnt on my art journey, because we can be so hard on ourselves, including leaving the hard energy of this channel due to old videos that i want to start with a totally blank canvas RU-vid channel and build it from the ground up with what ive learnt in all aspects of life so it can reflect who i am now, not who i used to be 🙏 The only thing i personally dont resonate with with is quality pens and paper, for me when i do draw i prefer smooth paper and high quality pens, because for me drawing on toothy paper feels like nails on a chalk board for my nervous system 🙈🤣 but everyone has their preferences and thats totally ok 🙏

You are so wise beyond your years :) I love watching and listening to your videos. I draw and watch at the same time, it helps me relax :)

So much great advice! Yes... I'm Binge-Watching your Channel! LOL!

When starting out in art you can learn a lot from copying the works of others. By trying to copy, what someone else has already done, you have a framework, ready made, upon which you can branch out and add or subtract to make your own work of art. Just remember, this is for practice and not for commercial uses.

Воистину сказочные сады !!! Благодарю , что делитесь своим талантом !!! ❤

I have enjoyed this video so much! I too, try everything, and have become quite good at a lot of things. I have really demonstrated to myself that just continuing to practice works and I get better and better. When I am knitting or crocheting I often have to pull it all out and start over, which I just expect now and do without regret because I am learning how to do something I wasn't understanding previously. Creating is my oxygen, I need it daily. Thanks for your lovely video.

I do have a funny story . The first time I doodled one of your videos, I spent a couple of days on this particular piece and I just couldn't believe how perfect this piece was on the first try...until I found my glasses! LOL What a mess!

I just found you today, too, & what a joy - i'm so happy to have found your channel! Watching & listening to this i had tears in my eyes because what you said resonated with me so much. Like you, i love to try all sorts (& sometimes i get a bit overwhelmed with so many projects & ideas that i have to slow myself down & discipline myself to concentrate on one thing at a time - the piece in hand). I sometimes put things aside when they get too tricky, but they can get left, so i have many half finished projects, so 'finding ways to push through the hard parts' has inspired me to find these put adide projects, pick up where i left off, & find ways forward with them. I had given up on my music (piano & guitar) because i didn't think i had any talent (until i picked up my guitar & found i couldn't even remember how to tune it & couldn't remember where any of the chords were, then i realised i had at least some!) So i could apply what you have said here to my music, too... I so get what you say regarding needing to keep the muse healthy & i only have myself to blame, as i realise i have stagnated, allowed that part of my creativity to go stale. I guess i have listened too much to another person's negativity about my music, & have allowed myself to transfer what i've heard into other parts of my creativity - the voice whispering in my ear saying i'll never be any good, or good enough. But good enough for whom?! Them?! Surely, if i'm good enough for me/myself, i realise that's all that matters, & every 'failure' is afterall a valuable lesson in itself. I, too, use yarn a lot so i knit & crochet. Creating is my way of coping with my cptsd, & I used to create the kind of pen & ink artwork in your videos 50yrs ago, back in my teens, as a way of destressing when feeling overwhelmed by my dusfunctional life circumstances as i found it so calming, but i only knew a very few simple elements. Now, however, i feel inspired to expand it, & i envisage many happy hours ahead! I especially love the little cameos of single elements as these inspire me to try them out first, before putting them together in one large piece. Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork with us, & for sharing the nuggets of related inspiring wisdom you have gleaned over the years.

I wrote out you’re advice on a card to keep referencing it, because it’s good stuff! Like you said, it applies in all of life.

GREAT video! Totally agree with your advice though I will fess up to having an insane amount of pricey art supplies. What I've most admired in your work (other than your amazing line work) is your understanding of composition. It really brings your outstanding line work to the next level. This is what has helped me the most watching your videos. Thanks for sharing with us.

Hi Betsi!! Wow!!! I really, REALLY needed to hear your WISDOM SHARE!!! THANK YOU & MUCH RESPECT!!! You are WISE Beyond your years!! I'm in my later 69's been a serious ' dabbled' all my life! Like you, I also try to learn and do everything that interests me, or is important to learn how... Jill of all Trades, Mistress of None lol! Probably that way because I don't like to rely on other oeople, or other people that could do things, are not available or affordable... Like fixing vehicles ( ugh) for example...Hi by used to, but he's not able to physically do some maintenance things so maybe I can if he will show me..? Things like that.. Its liberating to be able to do things yourself, I find... Anyhoo....I really enjoyed this upload! You are doing such a wonderful service!! See You Again!! Enjoy Life's Blessings and Gifts!!🙏😘🤗💖🌹🙋‍♀️🗽

Thank you for sharing. And I did painted with you and enjoyed it.😀

you are a great artist and a great teacher, thank you so much! I started to draw again a few month ago, also took some courses - but the problem was, each time I started with a drawing I had this idea how the finished piece should look - and it NEVER looked like I had imagined, that was so frustrating. But watching you and your flow really inspired me, I thought, well, I guess, I can try this, just start and draw one line after the other and see where it takes me...... And it works, I´m really happy with the result :)

Your my inspiration Miss Betsi! I look forward to look thru your videos and find one and try it for myself and even though I am not as good as you are right now, that flame that burns in me and your beautiful art work, drives me and deep down I know the future holds great potential! Thank you for this video!

This video is why I am so thankful RU-vid put you in my recommended videos. Your style and teaching is so easy, free flowing and laid back. You don't have any aura of pressure or 'rules'. So many other tutorials I tried to follow, esp. Zentangles seemed so precise. Like everything had to be just so in just the right combination, and I always got down on myself when I couldn't manage to piece together the right patterns. You have lifted all that and given me the inspiration and courage to just let go and do it. Thank you for that!

Thanks for the reminders of art and life!

Just watched you for the first time (won’t be the last). I love the way you make those marks on the paper and I thought your advice very good. A shame I didn’t hear that I didn’t need expensive materials earlier though. I’m new to art, and so many people have told me that I need Good Brushes, Professional grade paints, 300gsm cotton paper. Well, all that didn’t help my art improve one bit IMO. Just made me scared of using expensive stuff and intimidated that I wasn’t equal to the materials I was using. Anyway, I’m getting better but that’s through practice. And I’m proud of myself to say Perseverance. I’m loving making art. I’ve come to it late at 68 but I feel I have so much energy and so many ideas. I eat sleep and think painting now. It makes me happy (for the most part). Anyway, back to you - thank you for sharing and your generosity saying we can make marks like you but it’s still our own work. Bless you.

Thanks for the inspiration. It was also very relaxing to watch. Loved it😊.

I also want to add but I get a lot of inspiration from nature, The colors, shapes and designs of plants, aquatic life, Mushrooms, animals, etc.

Thank you for another wonderful, thoughtful and inspiring video. At a teacher myself, one of the pieces of advice I like to offer is that mistakes are how we learn. So no shame, no blame. Just another learning opportunity! And if we aren't willing to take the risk of making a mistake, how will we grow? And, while I agree that we don't need expensive supplies to make art, I think that quality materials can really add to the quality of our work. In addition, sometimes higher quality materials are actually longer lasting and more economical. I am in love with the Copic SP technical drawing pens. It's true theiy are pricey to begin with but they are refillable and have replacable nibs. So in the long run I think I save money rather than buying cheaper ones and having to replace them frequently. And, I really appreciate not having to replace the entire pen when it's finished so they are more eco friendly. Thanks again for your fantastic videos and gorgeous artwork!

Kudos to you! I also tried my hand at many different art techniques. It was amazing to me at what came easy and what was just NOT my thing.

I've recently started watching your stuff, and you've allowed me to make more interesting and cool stuff❤

Great advice ❤ thank you 🙏

I really enjoyed doodling with you and listening to your wisdom

The girls are so adventurous. Mommy has a big job and you do it so well. This is so cute.

Your advice is almost life advice. And your whole little chat and lesson was very enjoyable. Xo

I have just recently found your artistic creativity. Thank you for sharing you expert designs and helpful commentary

All great advice ❤

Wonderful advice, Betsi. And so inspiring to watch you draw. ❤

Thank you. Your drawing is amazing and your advise was really thought provoking and well taken.

Great advice, thanks you!

Thank you for your frank, honest advice ! It's encouraging, and I enjoyed watching you create. I've only just discovered your channel & have subscribed💜💫

❤ Thank you! I love your videos! 😊

I was learning the zentangles and drawing a lot but the price of the pens stopped me-- I bought some expensive ones and rationed my drawing time and didnt color in what I wanted to because I did not want to use the ink. Time passed, the pens dried up and so did my excitement for it. But you have reignited it-especially with these you link to, thank you so much!

Thank you so much! I love your drawings, trying to recreate them, and love the result.

I am so happy to have found your page. You are fantastic. Thank you for sharing your art and the tips. We are so hard on ourselves sometimes when it comes to creativity. Thank you!

I just happened upon your video .. wow.. it was so relaxing and reassuring to hear your words. It shows that you mean every one and you have a HUGE heart! Made my morning and learned some new doodles! Thank you!!

I enjoyed taking this journey with you. Many of the things you said or touched on I have experienced on my creative journey as well. Thank you for sharing your story.😊

My GOD you're talented! I've loved listening to you. I want you to know I've just ordered my Micro-pens in all sizes. I have TONS of empty journals. I've ALWAYS written in my journals. I've NEVER lettered or doodled in my journals. Today I begin a new way if recording my thoughts and feelings. The pens were NOT expensive at sell. They were $8.99 for 6. The lady who tutored me here in RU-vid told us not to buy expensive pens right away, that we didn't know if we were even going to line lettering or not. I knew i was going to love the lettering hobby so.... I bought the best brush pens, Tombow Dual- tip brush pens. $15 for 10 brush pens isn't "expensive " in my mind. I bought the "good" paper.. the HP 32lb brand so i didn't ruin my new pens. eredThis is going to be fun. I'm also beginning to use watercolors to make my own canvases for my lettering and now my Zen- Tangles. I've always been an artist..I just didn't know it. Not until i was in my 30s did I give my talents some serious attention. I had always been musically inclined. I sing and dance and act. The stage has always ben my "paper" and my body and vocal chords are my pens and pencils. Performing on stage has been the only true "home" I've ever known. I loved listening to you Miss Betsi. I'm going to love being taught by you. There are tons of other Doodle-Teachers but I like your channel the best! Thank you for sharing your experience with me..I mean with us. I can't wait for my pens to arrive. I'm excited to begin.

You give me hope to carry on in a meaningful way,thankyou so much❤

Awesome, you are very talented

When you spoke about inspiration, I remembered a quote that I believe came from Pablo Picasso- “Inspiration does excist, but it must find you working”. (I suppose I show fact check that😊)

Thank you ! That was the most inspiring video I’ve watched. You were strumming my pain with yr fingers & singing my song with your words….! Your work is beautiful and you’ve encouraged me to open to a new muse… thank you❤

I just saw your video today. It’s the first I’ve seen. I want to learn to draw like you. Lovely!

Excellent video ❤

you are awesome Betsi!

Great advice. I am a perfectionist, that is a hinderance. I also feel guilt creating for no reason. Like I should be doing something else. If I’m making a creative gift for someone else I have no problem taking the time to do so. I’ll keep your advice in mind.

My best advice is to be brave with your art. It doesn't have to be perfect - just create. Try new things to broaden your knowledge and skills. Art is truly different for everyone in what they create and what they admire. I so appreciate the hard work that artists do to create something that creative and beautiful. I hope you keep creating as your art is wonderful. I am always trying new things. I love being creative and it makes me happy.

Lovely! Enjoyed your video, just found you on RU-vid tonight . Thank you 😊❤

Watching you is inspiring ❤

Thank you for the sharing of advice. I love your drawings. It has been a very long time since I doodled. There was not a time for me, no piece of paper did not have a doodle.

Forgiveness is key. Forgive yourself first ❤❤❤

Are you a full time artist or do you have another life as well? I am in such awe of your muscle memory when you draw. Thank you for your inspiration. I have been following along with your videos. I have also been in love with those pens from Amazon. What a deal!!!! I use them for work as well since I have a job that requires an excruciating amount of writing.

Just found your channel,I love it,thank you ❤

Looks great.

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, I’m inspired to subscribe ✨👌🏽

I found myself sitting here watching you work with my mouth hanging open ... thankfully, I didn't drool 😁 Absolutely mesmerizing to watch your pages come to life!!! Gorgeous work!!!

J'adore ce que vous faites ❤❤. Gratitude ❤.

Thank you.

5 mins in, I can identify with feeling guilty, just maybe I will give this more than one listen (whispers, I already know this) lil golden nuggets that are really big ❤❤❤

🌻!

Thanks

geez if i could draw half as good as you there'd be no fear of failure...i fail each time i try to draw but i'm ok with that, its the process i enjoy and no one else sees my work but me... you are very very talented and thanks for showing us you technique and works:))

Excellent

Bonjour Miss Betsi. Je suis en France et j'ai regardé votre vidéo et même dessiné avec vous. Vos propos m'ont touché et on résonné en moi. J'apprécierai mes dessins d'une manière différente maintenant. Merci de vos partages

yep, imma supplies junkie & ii use all of them....they teach me how to use them, & all y'all teachers show me how you mix it up...simple is the base for certain....yet...ii found some things ii envisioned weren't working w/primary level quality...ty for yr insights.

MashaAllah great sharing your friend from USA 🇺🇸

Beautiful. I think sometimes you DO have to spend the money on quality supplies, i.e. good watercolour paper is crucial. A good pen that doesn't leak or 'blob' is also important for creating something you're happy with. So can't agree totally on this point.

Thank you for sharing! I love this piece and was trying to recreate somehow. I love love love the pattern that looks like leaves with just lines, it’s the fourth pattern on the left hand side counting from the bottom, but I couldn’t figure out how to draw that. Not sure you know which one I meant… I had this on slow motion at 0.25x but still couldn’t figure out… do you think you can have a tutorial for that pattern?

You are exceptional!!! I'm so captivated by your art, I really want to try it out but I have a problem with the pens....those that you have recommended, are they the 0.5 mm? Do they glide on the paper? I have micron pens but I feel there are more for writing than drawing...any advice? :) I'll keep following you here to get more inspiration!!!

Betsy please post some more……please 🎉❤

😍🤓

Love your art…so what is the name of the pen you are using?

Not too seriously…..good advice for life. You find after you’ve piled up a lot of years things that tied you in knots simply weren’t that big of a deal. At 75 I enjoy trying new things and if I don’t excel so what?😂

What pens do you use?

🤗🤗🍁🍁🟦🟦🦜🦜

Hi i was enjoying the drawing but the buzz from your microphone was setting my teeth on edge so I am afraid I turned off.

Thank you so much. I enjoyed it and my drawing was beautiful. Not like yours, but for a beginner I was satisfied. I’ve been drawing for 2 days 🫢😄