The Way Back | Day 16 | 30 Day Challenge

$120.00

The Way Back is an oil painting by Ashleigh Ritchie, created for Day 16 of the Rangiora Art Society’s annual 30-day challenge. The work depicts a richly painted green wooden door, its surface marked by age and wear, with a warm bronze handle and keyhole at its centre. The composition draws the eye toward the suggestion of something hidden just beyond, inviting curiosity about what lies behind.

The deep, earthy greens contrast with the warm metallic tones of the handle, creating a sense of mystery and nostalgia. There is a tactile quality to the work — the uneven textures of the door, the worn edges, and the sense of passage all suggest stories long held within. The play of shadow and colour enhances the depth, pulling the viewer into the quiet drama of a threshold not yet crossed.

Through this piece, Ashleigh captures the symbolism of doors as both barriers and invitations. The Way Back speaks to memory, transition, and the spaces we leave behind yet long to revisit. It is an artwork that resonates with themes of curiosity and the pull of the past, offering a moment of reflection on the paths we choose and the ones we might return to.

The original artwork is available, and limited edition fine art prints can also be purchased. 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.

Original Painting
Hand-painted and signed by Ashleigh Ritchie, using high-quality, artist-grade oil paints on fine art paper. Each original is crafted with care to ensure lasting beauty, richness of colour, and depth of detail.

Size – A4 - 210 x 297 mm

Signed & Dated - Ashleigh Ritchie

The Way Back is an oil painting by Ashleigh Ritchie, created for Day 16 of the Rangiora Art Society’s annual 30-day challenge. The work depicts a richly painted green wooden door, its surface marked by age and wear, with a warm bronze handle and keyhole at its centre. The composition draws the eye toward the suggestion of something hidden just beyond, inviting curiosity about what lies behind.

The deep, earthy greens contrast with the warm metallic tones of the handle, creating a sense of mystery and nostalgia. There is a tactile quality to the work — the uneven textures of the door, the worn edges, and the sense of passage all suggest stories long held within. The play of shadow and colour enhances the depth, pulling the viewer into the quiet drama of a threshold not yet crossed.

Through this piece, Ashleigh captures the symbolism of doors as both barriers and invitations. The Way Back speaks to memory, transition, and the spaces we leave behind yet long to revisit. It is an artwork that resonates with themes of curiosity and the pull of the past, offering a moment of reflection on the paths we choose and the ones we might return to.

The original artwork is available, and limited edition fine art prints can also be purchased. 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.

Original Painting
Hand-painted and signed by Ashleigh Ritchie, using high-quality, artist-grade oil paints on fine art paper. Each original is crafted with care to ensure lasting beauty, richness of colour, and depth of detail.

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.