SPOTLIGHT ARTIST
C: What are some challenges 
you face working with 
acrylic as a medium?
MRR: Some challenges I face when 
working with acrylics are that it dries 
too fast and it clumps up in the paint 
tubes or bottles if left too long. The 
black paint also looks chalky when I 
blend it on a surface.
C: What is your favourite 
part of painting?
MRR: It’s being able to go places 
and explore little ponds, creeks, lakes 
and rivers. Saskatchewan is a trea-
sure trove of beauty, and one place is 
never enough to enjoy its exquisite-
ness. I take photos wherever I’m able, 
and especially in my own front yard! I 
live right by the lake, and I get to see 
wildlife at its best in the summer and 
fall. Nature is my muse. 
C: What kinds of challenges 
did you face when becoming 
a full-time artist?
MRR: I have faced quite a few 
challenges. When I painted my first 
two paintings, I decided to try to 
sell them so I could make a profit. 
I walked around town, mainly on 
La Ronge Avenue. I went to the old 
Robertson’s Trading Store and some 
time artist is having to stop paint-
ing full time to keep my regular 
job. Money is hard to make. I’d be a 
starving artist, so I need my regular 
job to pay for my art supplies.
C: For others who want 
to become artists, what 
kind of advice would you 
give them?
MRR: My advice to others? I would 
say... ‘Just go for it!’ It’s never too 
late to chase your dreams. It’s that 
driving force of trying and suc-
ceeding that keeps us going. 
Even if you’re stuck, ask for help 
from a fellow artist; get a mentor 
to help you on your way. I haven’t 
done that yet, and I plan to.  
No matter how old you are, you 
can begin and keep going. Never 
give up. I haven’t!
Molly says she still has a few of 
her paintings, but has sold most 
of her works, some of which 
were commissions.
You can reach Molly R. Ratt at 
mrsratt39@outlook.com or  
mvr031@gmail.com to commission 
a painting.  
other places that are no longer there. 
And I managed to sell some paintings 
at the Robertson’s store, and a couple 
of oil paintings to the Motor Hotel 
and Suites, which are still hanging 
there to this day. 
I struggled trying to get people to 
notice my work, but I persevered and 
kept going. Now I’m selling my work 
online and in person. I’m proud to 
have made it this far. Another chal-
lenge that interferes with being a full-
Molly R. Ratt’s commissioned painting of a plane on the water.
16   
  Issue 1 – Summer 2026

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