::: Ming Franz Studio :::

About Ming

I was born in jungle region of Taiwan. As a child I had to hike many miles to
school; I continued hiking and am strong hiker today. I have hiked many
mountains throughout the world. Because of my love for hiking, I also
developed a love for nature, especially waterfalls, streams, rivers, trees,
birds. As a result, painting landscapes comes naturally.

This innovative style of art is called Splash Ink with Watercolor. It's about
freedom, creativity, and your imagination. It is about finding your inner
spirt and letting it work for and through you.

I started painting when I was eight years old. My next door neighbor, Mr.
Tsai, was an art teacher, who taught me crayon, charcoal drawing, and
watercolor. I later studied with masters of traditional Chinese painting. I
attended the National Art Institute of Taiwan, and continued my art studies
in community colleges where I resided in US.

In the early 90s, I was so inspired when I saw the splash ink paintings of
world-renowned artist Master Chang Dai-Chein that I immediately wanted
to attempt my first creation. I feel that I can allow myself to let go of
'control' and enjoy this method of creativity. In the 90s I studied
traditional Splash Ink with Master Hau Pei-Ren, who is Master Chang's
student. I also studied "East meets West in Art" with Professor Arthur Kao
of San Jose State University.

My paintings are published in the following magazines:
1. Splash 9 and Splash10, publication of North Light
2. Studio Visit Magazine Volume 1 and Volume 10
3. Best of American Water Media Artists, Volume 2
4. Albuquerque Journal and M.V. Telegraph, titled " In with splash"
5. Rainbow magazine in Taiwan.

In addition, I have authored an illustrated book and instructional DVD
entitled "Splash Ink with Watercolor, Looking East Painting West," which
was released in 2007 and is available for puchase from this website.

I live in Edgewood, NM, with my husband Ben and my two dogs, Missy and
Gizmo. I have a home studio where I give private lessons and workshops in
both traditional Chinese painting and Splash Ink painting. I also teach at
the New Mexico Art League. I travel teach at the Houston Art Expo, Gallery
408 in New Mexico, Silicon Valley Asia Art Center in California. Currently I
am planning cruise ship painting tour to Mexico.