Casper | Day 13 | 30 Day Challenge

$200.00
Sold Out

Four Legged Friend is a delicate graphite portrait by Ashleigh Ritchie, created for Day 13 of the Rangiora Art Society’s annual 30-day challenge. The piece captures Casper the cat, commissioned as a heartfelt tribute, and lovingly rendered with fine pencil work that draws out the subtle textures of fur, whiskers, and soulful eyes.

The choice of graphite gives the portrait a timeless, almost classical quality. Each line and shade is carefully placed, balancing softness with precision to reflect both the physical likeness and the quiet, loyal nature of a beloved companion. The result is not just a study of form, but a portrait infused with warmth and presence — a celebration of the enduring connection between people and their pets.

Though the original artwork was a private commission, prints are available, allowing Casper’s portrait to be shared more widely. Each print is produced with archival quality, preserving the detail and tonal depth of the graphite drawing for years to come.

Original Drawing
Hand-drawn and signed by Ashleigh Ritchie, using high-quality, artist-grade graphite on fine art paper. Each original is crafted with care to ensure lasting beauty, delicate detail, and depth of tone.

Size – A4 - 210 x 297 mm

Signed & Dated - Ashleigh Ritchie

Four Legged Friend is a delicate graphite portrait by Ashleigh Ritchie, created for Day 13 of the Rangiora Art Society’s annual 30-day challenge. The piece captures Casper the cat, commissioned as a heartfelt tribute, and lovingly rendered with fine pencil work that draws out the subtle textures of fur, whiskers, and soulful eyes.

The choice of graphite gives the portrait a timeless, almost classical quality. Each line and shade is carefully placed, balancing softness with precision to reflect both the physical likeness and the quiet, loyal nature of a beloved companion. The result is not just a study of form, but a portrait infused with warmth and presence — a celebration of the enduring connection between people and their pets.

Though the original artwork was a private commission, prints are available, allowing Casper’s portrait to be shared more widely. Each print is produced with archival quality, preserving the detail and tonal depth of the graphite drawing for years to come.

Original Drawing
Hand-drawn and signed by Ashleigh Ritchie, using high-quality, artist-grade graphite on fine art paper. Each original is crafted with care to ensure lasting beauty, delicate detail, and depth of tone.

Size – A4 - 210 x 297 mm

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.