At The Cafe | Day 18 | 30 Day Challenge

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At the Café is an oil painting by Ashleigh Ritchie, created for Day 18 of the Rangiora Art Society’s annual 30-day challenge. The work depicts a freshly poured black coffee, seen from a bird’s-eye view. Tiny bubbles cluster across the surface, bringing texture and movement to the stillness of the cup. The deep, velvety tones of the coffee are set against a moody dark green background, giving the simple subject a quiet sense of intimacy.

The composition captures the familiar ritual of pausing with a hot drink — that grounding moment of comfort and reflection. By elevating something so ordinary, the painting celebrates the beauty of daily life, showing how even the smallest details can carry atmosphere and meaning. The dark backdrop enhances the realism of the coffee’s sheen, drawing the viewer into its depth.

Through At the Café, Ashleigh reflects on the quiet pleasures found in routine and the calm that comes with taking time for ourselves. It is a piece that speaks to both simplicity and stillness, inviting viewers to remember the value in life’s gentle pauses.

The original artwork has sold, however limited edition fine art prints are available. Each print is signed and dated by the artist, produced on archival ILFORD Galerie textured cotton rag 310gsm paper to preserve the richness of colour and detail.

Size – A4 - 210 x 297 mm

Materials – Fine art archival print on ILFORD Galerie textured cotton rag 310gsm paper

Signed & Dated - Ashleigh Ritchie

At the Café is an oil painting by Ashleigh Ritchie, created for Day 18 of the Rangiora Art Society’s annual 30-day challenge. The work depicts a freshly poured black coffee, seen from a bird’s-eye view. Tiny bubbles cluster across the surface, bringing texture and movement to the stillness of the cup. The deep, velvety tones of the coffee are set against a moody dark green background, giving the simple subject a quiet sense of intimacy.

The composition captures the familiar ritual of pausing with a hot drink — that grounding moment of comfort and reflection. By elevating something so ordinary, the painting celebrates the beauty of daily life, showing how even the smallest details can carry atmosphere and meaning. The dark backdrop enhances the realism of the coffee’s sheen, drawing the viewer into its depth.

Through At the Café, Ashleigh reflects on the quiet pleasures found in routine and the calm that comes with taking time for ourselves. It is a piece that speaks to both simplicity and stillness, inviting viewers to remember the value in life’s gentle pauses.

The original artwork has sold, however limited edition fine art prints are available. Each print is signed and dated by the artist, produced on archival ILFORD Galerie textured cotton rag 310gsm paper to preserve the richness of colour and detail.

Size – A4 - 210 x 297 mm

Materials – Fine art archival print on ILFORD Galerie textured cotton rag 310gsm paper

Signed & Dated - Ashleigh Ritchie

Care Instructions
Your original Ashleigh Ritchie artwork is a one-of-a-kind creation, hand-painted on fine art paper with professional, artist-grade materials. With the right care, it will remain vibrant and beautiful for generations to come.
Please follow these guidelines to help preserve its colour, texture, and the connection it brings to your space.

Handle your artwork with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves whenever possible. Hold only by the edges of the paper to avoid creases, bends, or transferring oils from your skin. Never touch the painted or printed surface directly. If resting the piece temporarily, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and flat.

Works on paper are especially sensitive to light. Display your artwork out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause colours to fade and paper to yellow over time. Indirect natural light is best. For additional protection, consider UV-filtering glass or acrylic if framing.

Keep your paper artwork in a space with stable temperature and humidity. Avoid damp or humid environments such as bathrooms or kitchens, as moisture can lead to warping or mould. Similarly, avoid placing the artwork near heaters or air conditioning vents where air fluctuations may damage the paper.

Do not attempt to clean the surface of your artwork with water, sprays, or cloths, as this can damage the paper and pigments. To remove dust, use a clean, soft brush (such as a large artist’s brush) and sweep lightly in one direction. If your artwork requires deeper cleaning, consult a professional paper conservator.

When storing or transporting your artwork, place it between sheets of acid-free tissue or glassine. Support it on a rigid board to prevent bending, and wrap with bubble wrap for cushioning if moving. Store flat in a dry, climate-controlled space, ideally in a protective art portfolio, folder, or archival box.

With thoughtful care, your Ashleigh Ritchie original on paper will continue to bring beauty, colour, and connection into your life — just as it was created to do.