Mossy Morag

$3,000.00

Mossy Morag is an original oil painting by Ashleigh Ritchie, celebrating the gentle spirit and grounded beauty of the Highland cow, entwined with the richness of New Zealand’s native forests. With her warm russet coat and steady gaze, Morag carries the quiet strength of her Highland heritage while becoming part of the living landscape of Aotearoa.

Her deep brown eyes meet the viewer with calm assurance, reflecting a patience that feels timeless. Across her tousled fringe, soft mosses and fresh green leaves rest as if gathered from the damp, shaded forest floor — a crown shaped by nature itself. Each brushstroke brings together the familiar shaggy texture of her coat with the layered detail of forest growth, creating a seamless connection between animal and earth.

The surrounding greenery deepens the sense of harmony, drawing us into a world where the forest and its creatures belong to one another. Morag seems to carry the wild places with her — a reminder of resilience, connection, and the quiet magic woven through New Zealand’s native bush.

Balancing realism with a touch of forest enchantment, Mossy Morag is more than a likeness; it is a celebration of nature’s strength and beauty embodied in the living spirit of the Highland cow — earthy, rooted, and deeply soulful.

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: 2025

Mossy Morag is an original oil painting by Ashleigh Ritchie, celebrating the gentle spirit and grounded beauty of the Highland cow, entwined with the richness of New Zealand’s native forests. With her warm russet coat and steady gaze, Morag carries the quiet strength of her Highland heritage while becoming part of the living landscape of Aotearoa.

Her deep brown eyes meet the viewer with calm assurance, reflecting a patience that feels timeless. Across her tousled fringe, soft mosses and fresh green leaves rest as if gathered from the damp, shaded forest floor — a crown shaped by nature itself. Each brushstroke brings together the familiar shaggy texture of her coat with the layered detail of forest growth, creating a seamless connection between animal and earth.

The surrounding greenery deepens the sense of harmony, drawing us into a world where the forest and its creatures belong to one another. Morag seems to carry the wild places with her — a reminder of resilience, connection, and the quiet magic woven through New Zealand’s native bush.

Balancing realism with a touch of forest enchantment, Mossy Morag is more than a likeness; it is a celebration of nature’s strength and beauty embodied in the living spirit of the Highland cow — earthy, rooted, and deeply soulful.

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: 2025

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.