Percival M. Ritchie, 1917 - 2004, (nee MacKenzie) was born on July 9, 1917 at Pointe-au-Pic in Quebec’s Charlevoix region. During her formative teen years she studied at an all girls private school called “The Study” under Ethel Seath, who was also part of the Beaver Hall Group of painters. 

At nineteen, (now the mid 1930’s), Ritchie set out to study art in Paris, where she studied academic drawing at Atelier Miguet. Two years later, she was back in Montreal studying at the Art Association of Montreal. There, she studied under several influential instructors, the most notable being Goodrich Roberts and Edwin Holgate. She would later go on to study with Arthur Lismer of the Group of Seven.

By 1942, Ritchie was already a respected artist when she married Fred Ritchie. Her and her husband shared a dream of living a rural life away from the city and in 1956, together with their 4 children, the family moved to Naramata, BC and realized their dream when they bought a mixed fruit orchard. 

While raising children, taking care of the home and orchard, Ritchie continued to produce paintings and drawings, and in between those projects, would make small prints on large pieces of paper using the technique of stone lithography.

Percy and Fred flourished in Naramata,  and each left their enduring mark on the village; Percy left behind murals both in the local community church and at the Naramata Centre. 

Percy Ritchie passed away in Penticton in 2004. 

These and more Percy Ritchie paintings are currently hanging at a private (and very lovely) shared office space in Penticton. They are available for showings by appointment. Please contact Leanne to arrange a visit.