Summer Reflections: Art, Learning & Travel

Patti Ratcliffe
Oct 31
3 min read

Summer flew by and today is Halloween. It's scary! at how fast the days, months, years are passing. Therefore, this recap is going to be mostly visual.

"Sargent & Paris" Exhibit this Summer at The MET

My daughter, Eryn and I dashed to Manhattan to see this exhibit before it closed. It explored John Singer Sargent's time in Paris when he was merely an 18 year old art student. His infamous Madame X portrait was a scandalous success at the Paris Salon. Born in 1856, Sargent is still a favorite of so many artists today.

In front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art just a few days before the Sargent In Paris exhibit closed in Aug. 2025.

The Frick Collection

After a five-year renovation, The Frick Collection, founded by industrialist Henry Clay Frick, reopened to the public. So we bought tickets and toured the Old Master paintings and other European artworks. Even spotted three Vermeer originals.

A walk across Central Park on a beautiful day in July.

"Good Teachers are Lifelong Learners Themselves"

I love to learn and I enjoy sharing my joy of painting with others. I welcomed a small group in my studio to share some skills. If you are interested in learning to paint with me, drop me a note.

And I love being a student. This summer I spent a week at Wildacres in the NC mountains learning with Michelle Held. What a beautiful setting to get away from it all and focus on my love of painting.

At Wildacres, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with Michelle Held, Greg Barnes and fellow classmates. A beautiful setting for learning, painting and laughing.

After early morning walks on God's green earth and then breakfast, I broke in my new Coulter easel (artboxandpanel.com) and tried some new radiant oil colors.

Behind The Scenes Tips and Tricks

Tip #1

It is not very glamorous but this little trick really works. Thank you @LaineFrancisart for sharing this paint saver tip with me. Take a clear plastic bin and glue a felt pad (like you use on the bottom of furniture) on the inside top. Put a drop or two of clove oil on the felt pads. When finished painting for the day, cover your paint with this and your paint will stay fresh! It is a game changer.

Tip #2

This is harder to find: A good man to help you glue, mount and frame your works. Thanks David for all the support you give me!

Fresh Flowers: No Water Needed

Head to Christ Episcopal Church on Providence Road to purchase any one of these flower paintings. Peonies are a favorite.

Is It too Early to Shop for the Holidays?

No, not if you want something really special. I am taking commissions. I am delighted to create a custom piece of art for you that can be handed down for generations. Working together, we'll make sure the size and design works for the space with my simple process. https://www.ratcliffeart.com/commissions

My "Love Nests" check all the boxes. Original, thoughtful, creative and lasting. If you have a friend who is getting married, having a child, or just loves birds and eggs, this is a gift one cannot purchase at Home Goods.

Find My Original Artwork

I show my work at Cotswold Marketplace in Charlotte, as well as Christ Church.

Boone's 'Common Good' on Main Is an Art Gallery Too!

This unique boutique gallery features a handful of area artists. Art is part of a home's furnishings and the owner is also a fine artist, as well as a business man and father of four! Shop from home here and find that unique creative painting for that special someone, or maybe treat yourself.

Finally Family!

I usually end on a personal note, so here we go. We all (left the grands at home, thanks Jan) traveled to Spain and Portugal on a bike trip. Nothing better than enjoying your young adult children on an active, fun vacation. As you can imagine, I have a few more photos for painting inspiration.