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 what to write as we wrap up 2025, but now I’ve taken a moment it’s inspired me. I now know what I’d like to talk about and what I’d invite you to think about – Reflection and Perspective. 

Reflection. 

It’s easy to sit back and think “I didn’t do anything I intended this year” or “what on earth did I do with all my time”. You’re missing the point. 2025 will have provided you with many opportunities, lessons, growth – I promise you. 

Do this one thing if nothing else. Look back at everything you’ve created this year. I can guarantee the paintings you’ve created aren’t “just Art”. It’s your work. Your fingerprint and impact on the world. Your messages. Your love. Your passion. Your creative signature. Your perspective. It’s what you’ve seen and what you’ve wanted to create. Notice your evolution- I can guarantee you’ve grown as an Artist. Your technique will have improved and there are so many lessons learned in each piece you’ve created. All that’s worth Celebrating!

You might still think you’ve not achieved what you intended too. That might be true. But what did you achieve? I bet more than you initially think. Think about your skill and technique, the lessons you’ve learned the most. Did you sell a painting? Did you inspire someone to paint and create? Did you mentor or coach someone? Did you support another artist (even if it’s a like or a share on a post). Did you just “show up” and put yourself out there to paint? Did you create tutorials to share your knowledge? Did you buy a painting from a fellow artist? Did you explore new palettes, new techniques, new mediums? There are so many achievements and accomplishments. They are all worth celebrating so maybe redefine what successes you HAVE had this year. I bet there is a list of things you’ve not even thought of or thought were “successes”. 

Be proud of everything that no one else sees. This could be the routine you’ve adopted to create videos, paintings, answer questions online, building resilience against the haters. You get up each day wanting to create and paint. You have a vision you want to follow. Most won’t even take that leap of faith to explore a new skill or hobby. But you did. That’s also worth celebrating. It’s also worth celebrating the fact when you know you need to take a break, refocus when hitting a creative block, and doing your Art for just you and no one else.

Perspective for 2026

As we start to think about 2026, let me say this… 

Be curious. Ask the question “what happens if”. Explore and be adventurous. Take some time each month just for you – to explore and experiment. Create a painting just for you. No client, no video, no topic or theme. Just be in that moment and see where your creativity takes you. 

If you’ve stuck with the same technique or palette promise yourself that this next year you will step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s a new color, palette, medium, technique… go for it! Mix it up and learn more. 

Think about your own wellbeing and mindfulness. Adopt a ritual before you paint (could be putting music on, having a favourite drink before painting, go for a walk, do some breathing exercises). Once you’ve done that a number of times it becomes your personal ritual rather than just a routine you follow. (Ps did you check out my own course on Smart Art Courses… I’m a champion of wellbeing using your art and creating). 

If you kindly share your ideas and techniques for free by creating tutorials or videos on social media, don’t get caught up by the number of views or number of likes your content achieves. If you create and produce art that matters to you, that really is all that matters. The right people will be drawn to you and you will create an authentic and organic community and audience. Keep it personal. Keep it real. Don’t become a robot. Don’t force it and don’t become a slave to an algorithm. 

I’m going to pledge to collaborate with more artists in 2026. I want to have fun. I want to connect with more of the community. I want to learn from my peers and mentors. Have no boundaries or barriers when you consider your collaborations and think of each one as an exciting new adventure. Be open minded to being blown away by something you’d never considered before. Say “yes” to opportunities that scare you; I bet it will be worth it. 

Someone said your art is your autobiography. It’s true. Each chapter of our life, each year we live, is different. It’s the same with your art. Let’s all be excited about what we will be reflecting on at the end of 2026 – I wonder what your chapter will look like, how will your art evolve. It’s exciting. Embrace it. 

As I close off this Blog, remember… you are unique. One of a kind. Let your art and creativity take the same path. Your work will evolve if you remain true to you; be mindful of your emotions, the materials you use, the ideas and concepts, the present moment, the idea of creating “just because”. I hope 2026 will be the year we all fall in love with more of the process and journey and not just the outcome or painting. 

As always, thank you to those of you who read the Blog. Thank you to Smart Art Courses founders Molly Leach and Rinske Douna for giving me this platform to write and share my thoughts and advice. I hope you’ve enjoyed the topics throughout 2025, and I wish each and every one of you a happy, healthy and creative 2026. Remember, you are good enough. Just be You. Let’s all Reflect but more importantly move forward in authenticity with perspective. 

Check out Mark’s course on Smart Art Courses: Mindfully Creative: Art Techniques for the Mind, Body and Soul
www.smartartcourses/art-for-mindfulness 

Mark Ratcliffe from Mark J Ratcliffe Art: Abstract Artist & Creator; Certified Meditation Coach and
Wellbeing Practitioner.  Written in his own words @MarkJRatcliffeArt / markjratcliffeart@gmail.com