News & Updates

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…

by Mark J Ratcliffe Give yourself freedom to paint and explore All 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 Ratcliffe What 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…

by Mark J Ratcliffe It’s easy to lose focus and rhythm… how to get back on track Have 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…