News & Updates

by Mark J Ratcliffe Nature’s ability to transform I was out walking the dog this week, my usual route, down the uneven road, towards the forest and across the fields. If you know me, you’ll know being outside in nature is my happy place. I took my own advice and just...

by Mark J Ratcliffe Feeling Blue.... What does the color Blue mean to you? Seems like a simple question, right? Do colors even have a meaning? There are some universal meanings for colors but how we interpret that color and what we feel can be personal and have...

by Mark J Ratcliffe Rainbows... If you’re part of the Smart Art Courses Facebook Group you’ll see this month’s creative challenge is about creating a painting using Rainbow colors. That got me thinking about Rainbows and what they can signify or symbolise.  I’ve often...

by Mark J Ratcliffe Sometimes all you need... This month’s Blog is a little different. I did have something else planned, but that is coming next month.  I really felt the need to do this version and share this. It’s in the theme of “Sometimes all you need…” and it’s...

by Mark J Ratcliffe Time and reflection... As I sit down and write this months Blog I can’t believe we are already half way through 2026. It feels like I have only just got used to the year starting and writing 2026 when I use the date. But here we are, in June, and...

by Mark J Ratcliffe Comparison is Killing Your Creativity Would you believe me if I told you that comparison kills your own creativity? Just think about that sentence for a moment… how do you feel or what do you think when I say that? I have been practising fluid art...

by Mark J Ratcliffe Rest is Part of the Creative Process... Who else believes that you’re not being creative or you’re a true artist unless you’re painting, mapping out ideas, and filling your time with output?  This might be hard to hear, but you’re wrong.  You are...

by Mark J Ratcliffe Let go! When a new year starts, we find ourselves reflecting over previous years, with a view to having a list of goals or objectives, dreams, expectations etc for the year ahead. That is great, and I am a huge fan of a list as I like to tick off...

by Mark J Ratcliffe Reflection & Perspective As I sit down and write my last Blog for 2025, I take a moment to reflect. Wow. Where has the time gone and what a year it’s been. It’s had highs and lows - both professionally and personally. I had no real intentions about...