My Story.
Canvas is my escape
There is a quote by Twyla Tharp...
" Art is the only was to run away without leaving home. "
I totally sympathise with these sentiments as when I stand in front of my easel, my mind becomes so absorbed in the act of painting that I lose myself entirely. Actually applying paint to a canvas becomes rhythmical and intuitive concentration becomes so intense and absorbing that sometimes I am quite surprised when I am finished and step back to see what I have actually achieved.
I am often not sure exactly where the inspiration comes from but come it does. Spending time in my studio is almost a meditative experience for me. It isn’t always soothing. Sometimes it’s quite challenging but I do love it.

I am
Fiona Ritchie
Fiona Ritchie is my married name. I was born Fiona McHarry in the English Lake District. My brother and sister always called my Nonie when I was small and from then that nickname has stuck. Since the loss of my brother Paul rekindled my love of art, I have always signed my paintings Nonie. I suppose it carries me back to childhood where my love of painting, colour and creativity truly began.
I hope I approach all my work with the essential optimism of a child and I try to look at a subject as if for the first time, when I study it.






Popular Paintings
These are a few examples of paintings that made me smile. Have a look at my Portfolio page to see some more.