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Ming Franz

My style of art is called Splash Ink with Watercolor, It's about freedom, creativity and your imagination. It is a distant cry from any of my previous attempts to create a 'Kodak Moment' when painting. I struggled to get everything 'perfect' in the drawings and pictures that I use to create. Splash Ink with Watercolor is about 'freedom', finding your inner spirit and letting it work for and through you. It touches your 'inner child' and lets you want to enjoy the experience rather than doing a 'task' that becomes 'tedious' in wanting everything to look perfect.

'Splash Ink with Watercolor' is easy to learn, I have written an illustrated step by step book and an instructional DVD, this book gives many examples, simple directions and few materials needed to inspire anyone to try this method.

In the early 90’s, I was so inspired when I saw the splash ink paintings of world re-renowned artist Master Chang Dai – Chein, that I immediately wanted to attempt my first creation. I loved the idea of having several papers to choose from in merging colors and intensity. I feel very excited about my attempts and the realization that it's OK to try and if it doesn't please your eyes, it's at least a start towards improving as you continue to enjoy the experience. I feel I can allow myself to let go of 'control' and enjoy this method of creativity.

I started painting when I was eight years old, my next door neighbor was an art teacher, he taught me crayon, charcoal drawing and watercolor. I later went and studied with masters of traditional Chinese painting. I have attended National Art Institute of Taiwan, immigrated to US in the early 70’s, and continued my art studies in mostly community colleges where I resided. In the 90’s I studied traditional Splash Ink with Master Pei –Ren Hau, who is Master Chang’s student. I also studied “East meets West in Art” with Professor Arthur Kao of San Jose State University.

I live in Edgewood with my husband Ben and my two dogs, Missy and Gizmo. I have a home studio where I give private lessons and work shops in both traditional Chinese painting and Splash ink painting. You may view my paintings on my website: www.mingfranzstudio.com.

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