The Way Back | Day 16 | 30 Day Challenge | Fine Art Print

from $39.00
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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.

Available Print Sizes - A5 — 210 x 148 mm, A4 — 297 x 210 mm, A3 — 420 x 297 mm

Fine Art Print
Archival-quality giclée print on ILFORD Galerie textured cotton rag paper (310gsm). Prints are supplied unframed, ready for you to frame or display as you wish.

Limited Edition – 30 (signed and numbered)

Completed – 2023

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.

Available Print Sizes - A5 — 210 x 148 mm, A4 — 297 x 210 mm, A3 — 420 x 297 mm

Fine Art Print
Archival-quality giclée print on ILFORD Galerie textured cotton rag paper (310gsm). Prints are supplied unframed, ready for you to frame or display as you wish.

Limited Edition – 30 (signed and numbered)

Completed – 2023

Care Instructions – Fine Art Prints by Ashleigh Ritchie
Your fine art print is a piece to treasure — and with the right care, it will keep its beauty, colour, and value for many years to come.
Each print is produced using the giclée process — a method that sprays high-quality, pigment-based inks onto archival, cotton-based, acid-free paper. This ensures rich, vibrant colour and an archival lifespan of up to 200 years when properly cared for.
Please follow these guidelines to help preserve your print:

Always handle your print with clean, dry hands, or wear cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or marks.
Hold by the edges and avoid touching the printed surface.
Never place your print face-down on any surface, and don’t put heavy objects on top of it.

Avoid hanging your print in direct sunlight, even if it’s framed.
If displaying in a space with bright or occasional direct light, consider framing with UV-protective glass to help protect the colours over time.

Display in a stable environment with minimal fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Avoid hanging above heaters, fireplaces, or in damp areas like bathrooms.
Low-traffic areas are best to reduce the risk of accidental knocks or scratches.

Do not use water, sprays, or cleaning products on your print.
To remove dust, gently wipe with a clean, dry, soft, lint-free cloth (preferably white or light-coloured to avoid staining).

Prints are supplied in archival, professional-grade sleeves designed to prevent moisture, mould, and dust damage.
Each print is packaged flat in a rigid envelope for safe transport and storage — no rolling required.
If storing for a long period, keep your print in its sleeve and envelope, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

With proper care, your Ashleigh Ritchie fine art print will remain as beautiful and captivating as the day you received it.