Melinda VanRy - Better With Art

Melinda VanRy - Better With Art

I'm Melinda. I make art. And I'm here to encourage you to reclaim your creativity and practice creative self-care.
I for the most part ignored my need to make art for YEARS, despite knowing what a good effect it had on my mental and emotional health. Choosing to make art-making a regular practice was transformative. Now I share what I've found, and continue to find.

Пікірлер

  • @airishash6964
    @airishash69647 сағат бұрын

    nice ☺️

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry6 сағат бұрын

    @@airishash6964 Thanks!

  • @bonniedahl3156
    @bonniedahl31562 күн бұрын

    Love that you said what adhesive you use. Because there's so many. So glad you're continuing on posting things it's still so much fun to learn. Thank you!. Hey here's an idea what about a red white and blue craft for the upcoming seven for holiday ...

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryКүн бұрын

    One thing I love about the glazing liquid is my fingers get so much less sticky than when I've used matte medium. I haven't tried gloss medium as an adhesive but I might some time. I don't know how I'd like it being so shiny. I'm glad you're enjoying my videos. Red white and blue has me thinking.

  • @SilverPennyArtisans
    @SilverPennyArtisans3 күн бұрын

    We are here for your nails. We appreciate all you share with us!

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry2 күн бұрын

    Thank you! And, well, my nails will never look great.

  • @allisonjames2923
    @allisonjames292310 күн бұрын

    Loooove the dendritic lichen-type effect you got with the black there 😮

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry10 күн бұрын

    A new gel plate is fun.

  • @jeraldbaxter3532
    @jeraldbaxter353216 күн бұрын

    Is this a silicone mat used for baking, or a different type? Thank you!😊

  • @jeraldbaxter3532
    @jeraldbaxter353216 күн бұрын

    Thank you!😊

  • @user-hk2nd1ro7o
    @user-hk2nd1ro7o17 күн бұрын

    Interested!

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry16 күн бұрын

    Workshop is on its way! You can sign up to be first to receive more details here: betterwithart.myflodesk.com/seekingsolacefirsttoknow

  • @janetpingrey7155
    @janetpingrey715518 күн бұрын

    I love this. Contour drawing always gave me a laugh and a reminder to not take myself or my art too seriously. I love your series.

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry18 күн бұрын

    Thanks! I used to dislike it, now I love it. I need to do some non-dominant hand drawing, too. I often have trouble slowing down. That would be another good one for letting go of perfection and slowing down.

  • @janetpingrey7155
    @janetpingrey715518 күн бұрын

    I relate this to you as facts, not for sympathy. Last Friday the VA retina specialist told me I was going blind in my right eye. A scar from an injury is keeping oxygen from flowing to my cornea and cannot be reversed. I would be able to see shapes and colors, but not objects, which is already where I am. It's like looking through a fine stencil and all is grey shapes. Anyway, I used to teach art at an alternative school and now make art quilts instead of painting. I loved to paint and fell away. I see well out of my left eye and finding your videos and some others have led me back to start being creative every day, because I can. I will be flying my creative freak flag daily/weekly. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry18 күн бұрын

    I am so sorry. But I am so glad you are finding your way making art. I would love to know more about art quilting.

  • @mayetmahulilileilani2501
    @mayetmahulilileilani250118 күн бұрын

    Oh! That explains a mysterious problem I sometimes have. And turns it into a plus. Thanks!

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry18 күн бұрын

    I'm always for figuring out how to do the most with things that don't go as expected. And then with these I learned what to expect, though what to expect is, interestingly, unpredictability. It's fun.

  • @GraceCampbell-kl2wu
    @GraceCampbell-kl2wu19 күн бұрын

    I myself also had experienced a deep depression, due to a traumatic situation that I was able to get myself out of. But I got therapy sessions, loving parents, and loving siblings, as well as my best friend, even my cat, and family pet dog, has gotten me through something that I hope I never have to experience again. I decided to take up art, and now I am never giving it up. It's my outlet to help deal with excessive fidgeting, and anxiety. I don't know what I'd do without my parents, siblings, best friend, our family dog, and pet cat, they're always here for me when I need them. I'm sorry you had to go through depression. It sucks. But at least we can find ways to cope🙂 thank you for sharing your art, it's beautiful🙂 and thank you for your video too, you sound like a nice person 🙂 I hope you have a nice day🙂❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

  • @cc-qu7gz
    @cc-qu7gz21 күн бұрын

    Lovely. Very relaxing. Thank you so much for not having background music.

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry21 күн бұрын

    Thank you! And for your feedback on background music. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

  • @cleot151
    @cleot15123 күн бұрын

    I like to work along with your videos. My page looks nothing like yours, but I enjoy it.

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry23 күн бұрын

    Nothing like mine is exactly how yours should look. 😊 It's one of those fun things that can never be the same twice.

  • @user-hk2nd1ro7o
    @user-hk2nd1ro7o24 күн бұрын

    I wouldn’t change a thing! This is great!🎉

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry24 күн бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @esmesjitters1849
    @esmesjitters184925 күн бұрын

    I saw your videos today. I needed to here your message. I did the 100 day project and I realized that I need to be creative everyday.

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry24 күн бұрын

    It's amazing the difference it can make!

  • @kellercrucita550
    @kellercrucita55027 күн бұрын

    Lovely❤😮

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry26 күн бұрын

    Thank you

  • @aGirLnTX
    @aGirLnTX28 күн бұрын

    I LOVED this video. I just ran across it by chance, but I am now a subscriber. And I loved that your lines are not perfectly straight. They remind me of wood. I love this piece and I am excited to try it in my sketchbook! Thank you!!!

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry28 күн бұрын

    Welcome! Straight lines would have been boring. And, for me at least, would have required a ruler or other straight edge. Which would seriously mess with the flow. It's not messy; it's organic. Have fun!

  • @SJ-dl6uc
    @SJ-dl6uc28 күн бұрын

    important tip: peel the silicone mat instead of the paper. I've never had paint leftover or a paper rip if i peel the mat instead of the paper. so just flip it right side down and slowly peel away the mat.

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry28 күн бұрын

    I can see how that would be helpful when the paper is larger than the mat. Upside down just allowed me to pick it back up with the tissue attached.

  • @lindavance7964
    @lindavance796428 күн бұрын

    The idea of borrowing inspiration is brilliant... the process is so relaxing. I am a 'wannabe artist' and your videos are so encouraging

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry28 күн бұрын

    So you're an artist... Keep making art until you believe it. And then, of course, keep making it.

  • @lindavance7964
    @lindavance796428 күн бұрын

    Love this video... so soothing....

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry28 күн бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @kateives1274
    @kateives127428 күн бұрын

    I’d like to know more.

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry28 күн бұрын

    Step 1 video and details on a process class coming soon!

  • @eileengavinlarsen4509
    @eileengavinlarsen450929 күн бұрын

    Such a great idea. They are beautiful, and no two alike!😊

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry29 күн бұрын

    Thank you! Yes, they can only be unique, which I love. I got the idea from Cat Raines. She has a Collage Keepsake class. I make and use my art differently, but I got the idea from her.

  • @eileengavinlarsen4509
    @eileengavinlarsen450929 күн бұрын

    @@melindavanry Cat Raines is fantastic! Love the free sharing of creativity😊

  • @kellercrucita550
    @kellercrucita550Ай бұрын

    Qué bonito! Parece un mapa😊

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Thank you. It does.

  • @lauraplathan1576
    @lauraplathan1576Ай бұрын

    Thank you for your weekly prompts it’s pushing me to make Art not perfect art! And I love your soothing voice, the pace of your words. Silence is a good thing, do not think you have to fill every second with commentary. So glad you found your art and you are sharing it with us. Cheers

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Embrace and enjoy the perfectly imperfect process. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

  • @margueritemitchell1829
    @margueritemitchell1829Ай бұрын

    Agreed❤🎉

  • @jcramatte
    @jcramatteАй бұрын

    The purple and green together look great. I will admit I was screaming in my mind, "Bottom left corner. Bottom left corner. Put something in the bottom left corner!" My stress level reduced immensely when you drew in that black circle. LOL! Thanks for sharing your art and thoughts.

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    I was trying to leave space each layer. But feel your pain. LOL. I hope I didn't stress anyone else out too badly. Rather the opposite effect I want my videos to have. Glad you stuck with me through the process.

  • @tiinaahonen63
    @tiinaahonen63Ай бұрын

    Thank you for your artwork. I'm also super grateful for all the thinking out loud you've shared. I'm just discovering the effect of making art on mental well-being. A wonderful summer to you ❤️🎨🖌☀️

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Thank you, and a wonderful summer to you, too. I'm glad you found your way here.

  • @julietteyork6293
    @julietteyork6293Ай бұрын

    Great advice 🌷

  • @JustOnlyEliza
    @JustOnlyElizaАй бұрын

    Very cool!❤

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @lindavance7964
    @lindavance7964Ай бұрын

    Where do you sell them? (Assuming you do!)

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    I have sold mostly locally, and through word of mouth and Facebook friends. I do have a few pieces in a Michael's MakerPlace shop, but have been slowly putting together my own online shop. www.michaels.com/makerplace/storefront/melinda-vanry-art

  • @avanellehansen4525
    @avanellehansen4525Ай бұрын

    Where did you buy the bezels? Gorgeous!

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    At this point still Amazon. I've tried to find a U.S.-based and/or fair trade source but have this far failed to do so.

  • @lindavance7964
    @lindavance7964Ай бұрын

    Absolutely want to know more!!

  • @lindavance7964
    @lindavance7964Ай бұрын

    Sorry this series is over. Looking forward to what comes next! Thanks for sharing your art journey with us....

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    I'm glad you've enjoyed it! There are SO MANY things left to explore!

  • @arri1cook37
    @arri1cook37Ай бұрын

    Definitely interested! Beautiful collage

  • @sharonblac
    @sharonblacАй бұрын

    how long do you let dry between prints? I am using speedball ink

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    I haven't yet done much with ink because I haven't had time to overcome the separation, but with any layer that needs to dry there isn't a set time. It varies with thickness of application and medium, air temperature, humidity... But it's so important to let everything dry thoroughly.

  • @margueritemitchell1829
    @margueritemitchell1829Ай бұрын

    Yeah ❤😊 100 💯 🙄 👌 😎 cool

  • @cynfulpsyko420
    @cynfulpsyko420Ай бұрын

    Why not take some of those silicone bristles* and add em to a ruler. Maybe help a bit. ❤

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Sounds like fun.

  • @alim.9801
    @alim.9801Ай бұрын

    I love the shapes!!

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @marci.curious
    @marci.curiousАй бұрын

    I still feel what you did get was glorious

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Being able to stretch the mat loosened it up to peel. If they weren't stretchy I'm not sure what I would have done. So I may try wet-strength again. And thank you.

  • @user-hk2nd1ro7o
    @user-hk2nd1ro7o24 күн бұрын

    I agree

  • @delveaking1188
    @delveaking1188Ай бұрын

    Definitely great colors!

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    I love the deep violet and Payne's gray!

  • @michelecraig9658
    @michelecraig9658Ай бұрын

    You gave me some ideas!

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Have fun!

  • @karenraabis5296
    @karenraabis5296Ай бұрын

    I am loving these videos. I feel so inspired

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Make art. Have fun!

  • @jorjami4907
    @jorjami4907Ай бұрын

    Melinda, I just recently discovered your channel, and I very much appreciate how much you put into your videos. I’ve learned a lot about collage following your 100 Day Collage series. It’s great! I have a rough idea of how much work it takes to produce these. Thank you for your sharing and encouragement.

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    I'm loving making all the videos, but, yes, it does take a lot of work. Thank you for noticing and for taking the time to comment. I'm glad you're enjoying my collage papers. There are still so many to share and so many to explore!

  • @franlynch9428
    @franlynch9428Ай бұрын

    Awesome, I love this

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Glad you like it!

  • @brandypyle7943
    @brandypyle7943Ай бұрын

    Ty! Trying to learn this technique to do with my students next year. New art teacher!

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Oooh, have fun!

  • @Moondapplemixedmedia
    @MoondapplemixedmediaАй бұрын

    Interested !!!! 👏💜

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanry16 күн бұрын

    Workshop is on its way! You can sign up to be first to receive more details here: betterwithart.myflodesk.com/seekingsolacefirsttoknow

  • @bonniedahl3156
    @bonniedahl3156Ай бұрын

    Also very excited to hear you're going to do something after this goal for those Wednesday posts. I am looking forward to seeing where your next venture takes you. Glad to be part of your world. Have gotten so many great ideas from you

  • @bonniedahl3156
    @bonniedahl3156Ай бұрын

    Also do you think having put the paint on thicker on the silicone mat in the beginning would have made it as you call it less grungy,? Is it truly the silicone might be more porous and absorb it? I teach in art class and I don't want to go buy gel pads unless you can tell me an inexpensive place to get them like the Dollar tree lol but silicone mats they have there so your thoughts on that please

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    I've been back to predominantly using my gel plates so need to get the feel back. But one thing with the mat is that the paint doesn't stick to it as well as the gel plate, which probably doesn't sound like it makes sense. But when I'm using the brayer it is mostly just sliding around on the mat, pushing paint. There's not enough resistance to roll. The paint also dries faster, which is inconvenient. So comparing by doing it basically the same doesn't work so well for the mat. It will take some playing with to get a cleaner look.

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    As far as cheaper or bulk mats I'd have to get back to you on. I did take mine in the final day of a small class of teens I taught.

  • @bonniedahl3156
    @bonniedahl3156Ай бұрын

    Thanks for posting. So at the end because you said a gloss gel medium which pulled all the paint off the silicone mat at the end, how did you get it to pull if everything didn't come off the first time with each of the three prior steps before?

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Everything pulls up when it's allowed to dry completely.

  • @anapaulaotero-illustration875
    @anapaulaotero-illustration875Ай бұрын

    Absolutely true ❤

  • @melindavanry
    @melindavanryАй бұрын

    Maybe someday I won't be surprised with the variety that can come with just these colors. I do love this palette.