Inspiration

Inspiration

by Mark J Ratcliffe Inspiration I 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...
Learning, Growing, Living. 

Learning, Growing, Living. 

by Mark J Ratcliffe Learning, growing, living Hi 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...
You’re Stronger Than You Realise

You’re Stronger Than You Realise

by Mark J Ratcliffe You’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...
Time is a Learning Curve 

Time is a Learning Curve 

by Mark J Ratcliffe Time 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...
Managing your own Expectations

Managing your own Expectations

by Mark J Ratcliffe Managing your own Expectations As 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...
Evolve as an Artist

Evolve as an Artist

by Mark J Ratcliffe Evolve as an Artist Over the last 11 months I’ve explored various topics, including why we paint, what inspires us, fear of failure and creativity in general. I’ve really enjoyed being able to discuss my thoughts and dive deeper into various...