News & Updates

by Mark J RatcliffeGive yourself freedom to paint and exploreAll too often, I see people online sharing their artwork and being shot down by trolls or negativity in the comments section. Some people don’t like the creation; don’t think the style you’re sharing is...

by Mark J RatcliffeWhat does it REALLY mean to be an Artist? If you look at the word ARTIST in the dictionary it is defined as “a person who creates paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby”. (Oxford Languages 2025).  It’s official… you are an Artist.  That’s an...

by Mark J RatcliffeIt’s easy to lose focus and rhythm… how to get back on trackHave you ever just had good intentions to do certain things and then when you pause, stop and reflect, you don’t actually recognise how you got to be where you are? Sometimes is a great...

by Mark J RatcliffeHave you found your tribe?As an artist, we start out exploring what we like, what we don’t, what we are good at and what needs more finesse… but do we find ourselves as a loner or part of a group of people. Sometimes we need both; alone time to dig...

by Mark J RatcliffeInspirationI often get asked what inspires me as an artist. It’s never an easy answer because it really depends on so many factors. It could be a person, a season, a theme, a color…. But what I would say is as an artist it changes all the time as my...

by Mark J RatcliffeLearning, growing, livingHi everyone! I hope you’re doing well and 2025 is being kind to you? I personally sign up to newsletters from a number of inspiring people and I want to reflect and discuss something I read in one of those as part of my Blog...

by Mark J RatcliffeYou’re Stronger Than You Realise Last month, I suggested we do an exercise together writing down one thing each day that you were either grateful for, what you’ve achieved and what you’ve learned. Did you do it and were you amazed at all the stuff...

by Mark J RatcliffeTime is a Learning Curve As I sit down to write my monthly blog, I’m reflecting on how quickly time goes. As time passes, we learn and evolve and I think that is true in all areas of our life and I know I have as an artist. We can learn so many...

by Mark J RatcliffeManaging your own ExpectationsAs an artist, I think it’s fair to say we can sometimes (mostly) be our own worst critics. I know I can, and I was reflecting on why that might be? I came to the conclusion that it would be for a variety of reasons...