Description

Full Steam Ahead Ornament by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject

Full Steam Ahead Ornament by P. Buckley Moss is a numbered, limited edition porcelain ornament that captures the power, nostalgia, and timeless charm of the American steam engine. As part of the Moss Ornament Collection and the Moss Train Collection, this piece appeals to both collectors and lovers of classic railroads.

At the center of the artwork, a vintage steam locomotive marked with the number “10” charges forward, its glowing headlight cutting through swirling steam. Thick, textured brushwork conveys the grit and energy of a train in motion, while the surrounding blend of purples, blues, golds, and soft mist creates a richly atmospheric backdrop. The locomotive feels alive—its round face glowing with purpose, its wheels churning up dust and steam, and its iron body pushing confidently through the painted haze.

Full Steam Ahead Ornament captures not only a moment of movement but also a moment of history. Moss beautifully evokes the era when steam engines symbolized progress, adventure, and the thrill of new horizons. In Full Steam Ahead Ornament, the train points directly toward the viewer, inviting them into the journey and celebrating the unstoppable spirit of American travel.

Style & Technique

Moss’s folk-art style is uniquely suited to portray the romance of early railroads. Here, she blends bold strokes with atmospheric color transitions to create depth and motion. The locomotive’s intense front-facing composition gives the ornament a sense of immediacy, while her signature muted textures bring warmth and memory to the scene.

The porcelain surface enhances the richness of the paint, giving the steam and light a soft glow that feels almost cinematic. The color palette—mauves, smoky grays, golden light—adds emotional weight, capturing both the power and poetry of the engine. Full Steam Ahead Ornament is not only an artwork but an experience of motion frozen in time.

Mood & Inspiration

Full Steam Ahead Ornament evokes a mood of determination, adventure, and forward momentum. Moss taps into the timeless symbol of the steam train—an icon of possibility, new beginnings, and unstoppable drive. The locomotive’s bright headlamp feels like a guiding beacon through the unknown, encouraging viewers to keep moving boldly into the future.

At the same time, the nostalgic hues and expressive steam remind us of the past, bridging memory and anticipation. The inspiration behind Full Steam Ahead Ornament reflects Moss’s admiration for American heritage and the stories carried along its railways.

Placement & Gift Ideas

Because it arrives beautifully gift boxed with a cord for hanging, Full Steam Ahead Ornament is ready to place immediately on a Christmas tree or winter display. It also looks stunning on a tiny easel (sold separately), where its strong composition becomes a striking focal point. Display it within a train-themed vignette, among other Moss ornaments, or on a shelf where its atmospheric colors can enrich the surrounding décor.

As a gift, Full Steam Ahead Ornament is perfect for train enthusiasts, history lovers, collectors of transportation art, and anyone who appreciates Moss’s unique storytelling style. It makes a thoughtful present for holiday celebrations, retirements, birthdays, or for someone embarking on a new life journey—symbolizing courage, momentum, and fresh starts.

Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. (see FAQs).

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Fun Fact: 🚂
Many real-life steam locomotives numbered in the single or low double digits were workhorses of early American railroads—small but powerful engines that pulled passengers, freight, and mail across growing communities.

Collector’s Insight: 🎨
Train-themed Moss ornaments hold special appeal among collectors for their strength, symbolism, and rarity. Full Steam Ahead Ornament stands out for its bold frontal composition and dramatic color palette, making it a must-have for fans of Moss’s transportation artwork and seasonal ornament collections.

2014

Size: 3-5/16 inches diameter.

Any number of ornaments ship for the flat rate of $12.60

🎁 Available through Canada Goose Gallery in Waynesville, Ohio — your trusted source for the art of P. Buckley Moss.