Moss & Fox

$5,000.00

Moss & Fox is an original oil painting by Ashleigh Ritchie, part of an ongoing series where moss, leaves, and forest textures are woven into each subject, grounding them in their natural world. In this piece, the fox is captured in a quiet, watchful pause. Alert yet composed, embodying both presence and restraint within its environment.

Its gaze is steady and self-assured, carrying a quiet confidence that speaks to instinct and ease. Around the ear, soft greens are gently tucked into the fur - a subtle detail, but enough to suggest the forest’s quiet influence. The textures of foliage and coat merge through layered brushwork, blurring the line between animal and landscape.

The surrounding tones deepen this sense of connection, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and immersive. There is a rawness to the moment, something unpolished and honest, as if the fox exists not apart from the land, but as an extension of it. The piece invites a slower kind of looking, where small details reveal themselves over time.

Balancing realism with a natural, earthy softness, Moss & Fox explores the relationship between creature and environment. It is a reflection on connection, where beauty is not constructed, but found in the quiet, instinctive harmony of the wild.

Original Board Size: 600mm x 900mm

With Black Pine Frame: 655mm x 950mm

Original Painting
Hand-painted and signed by Ashleigh Ritchie, using high-quality, artist-grade oil paints on a prepared wood panel. Each original is crafted with care to ensure lasting beauty and depth of colour.

Completed: 2026

Moss & Fox is an original oil painting by Ashleigh Ritchie, part of an ongoing series where moss, leaves, and forest textures are woven into each subject, grounding them in their natural world. In this piece, the fox is captured in a quiet, watchful pause. Alert yet composed, embodying both presence and restraint within its environment.

Its gaze is steady and self-assured, carrying a quiet confidence that speaks to instinct and ease. Around the ear, soft greens are gently tucked into the fur - a subtle detail, but enough to suggest the forest’s quiet influence. The textures of foliage and coat merge through layered brushwork, blurring the line between animal and landscape.

The surrounding tones deepen this sense of connection, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and immersive. There is a rawness to the moment, something unpolished and honest, as if the fox exists not apart from the land, but as an extension of it. The piece invites a slower kind of looking, where small details reveal themselves over time.

Balancing realism with a natural, earthy softness, Moss & Fox explores the relationship between creature and environment. It is a reflection on connection, where beauty is not constructed, but found in the quiet, instinctive harmony of the wild.

Original Board Size: 600mm x 900mm

With Black Pine Frame: 655mm x 950mm

Original Painting
Hand-painted and signed by Ashleigh Ritchie, using high-quality, artist-grade oil paints on a prepared wood panel. Each original is crafted with care to ensure lasting beauty and depth of colour.

Completed: 2026

Care Instructions
Your original Ashleigh Ritchie artwork is a one-of-a-kind creation, hand-painted with high-quality, artist-grade oil paints on prepared wood panel. 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 as little as possible. When moving it, hold by the edges of the panel or frame, never the painted surface. Avoid touching the paint directly, as the natural oils from your skin can leave marks over time. If resting the piece temporarily, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and cushioned — never place the artwork face down.

Oil paintings should be displayed out of direct sunlight. Even the most lightfast pigments can fade or shift if exposed to strong UV rays over time. Indirect light is ideal, and if your chosen spot gets bright sun, consider UV-filtering glass or an appropriate framing option.

Display your painting in a space with stable temperature and humidity. Avoid placing it near heat sources, air conditioning vents, or areas prone to dampness such as bathrooms or kitchens. Rapid changes in environment can cause the wood panel to expand or contract, which may affect the surface over time.

Never use water, household cleaners, or solvents on your painting. To remove dust, gently sweep the surface with a clean, soft-bristle artist’s brush or lightly wipe with a lint-free cloth. Use minimal pressure and avoid rubbing. For stubborn marks, consult a professional art conservator.

If your artwork needs to be stored or transported, wrap it first in acid-free tissue or glassine, then add a layer of bubble wrap for cushioning. Avoid placing plastic directly against the painted surface, as it can trap moisture. Store upright in a dry, climate-controlled space, ideally in a sturdy art box or crate for added protection.

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