About Shannon
I have always believed the best creative work starts with a connection.
I am an artist, creative producer and the person behind Shannon Paints, Watercolor On The Go and Curated Connections. While those parts of my business may look different, they all come from the same place: I love creating experiences that bring people together.
My career has taken me through art, hospitality, events, design, publishing and the luxury home industry. There is a whole timeline below if you want the details, but what matters most is what all of those years taught me. I know how to walk into a room, understand the people in it and find the creative opportunity.
Today, that might mean painting a custom piece, creating a collaborative art experience for hundreds of guests, developing an art class people actually want to attend, designing Watercolor On The Go kits for a hotel or company, or helping a client turn the beginning of an event idea into something memorable.
I love beautiful things, but I am much more interested in how they make people feel. I like unexpected ideas, great conversations, thoughtful details and experiences that do not feel overly produced.
After a long career working with incredible brands, businesses and people, I am having more fun than ever building something of my own.
And I think that shows in the work.
Education
Formally trained.
Deeply rooted.
UCLA Bruins
University of California, Los Angeles
Fine Arts — Bachelor of Arts. A rigorous foundation in studio practice, art history and visual theory.
Mater Dei Monarchs
Mater Dei High School, Santa Ana CA
Where the creative foundation was first built — a formative environment that shaped Shannon's commitment to craft and community.
“Art is more memorable when people are invited into the experience.”
Career
The path here.
Events & Experiences
Curated Connections
The event side of Shannon Paints, built around something I have always loved doing: bringing people, ideas and experiences together.
From grand openings and corporate gatherings to private celebrations and creative activations, I work with clients to shape the idea, build the experience and bring in the right people to make it happen.
Media
As Seen On
Shannon has been featured on podcasts and YouTube channels talking art, creativity, events and the business of design and publishing.
The RAAD Life Show
Shannon Ratcliffe: Reclaiming Your Freedom & Creative Identity
Shannon joins The RAAD Life Show to talk about reclaiming freedom, creative identity, and building a life around art.
Watch →The RAAD Life Show
Roza & Marco: Building One of Us Mezcal Through Love, Luxury & Purpose
Shannon appears on The RAAD Life Show alongside Roza & Marco, a conversation about love, luxury, and building with purpose.
Watch →Powerhouse Smart
Shannon Ratcliffe: Art, Business & Building a Creative Life
Shannon joins Powerhouse Smart for a conversation about building a creative business, living artfully, and designing experiences that connect people.
Watch →Click With Rona
Art, Creativity & Building a Business Around What You Love
Shannon joins Click With Rona on YouTube — a conversation about art, creativity and building a business around what you love.
Watch →Let's make something original.