08/17/2026
This is one of the most special commissions I created this past year for a client—and now dear friend—Rick in Texas.
Rick reached out to me with a secret project for his wife, Melanie, who had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and was beginning to lose some of her memories. Over the course of a year, Rick and I worked together through countless meetings, sketches, and ideas to create something deeply personal: 24 miniature paintings, each representing a memory from their life together.
Every painting was carefully planned with little Easter eggs and meaningful details from their story hidden throughout. Together, the paintings serve as a visual reminder of the life and memories Rick and Melanie have shared.
Alongside the paintings, I created a photo book documenting the entire process—from the original sketches to enlarged photographs of each miniature painting, allowing the intricate details to be seen at full size. Rick wanted the book to capture not only the finished pieces, but also the thought, intention, and story behind each one.
As a thank-you, Rick flew me to Dallas for the unveiling, where we shared the project with their closest friends and family. It was incredibly meaningful to finally meet Melanie, even though, after spending a year learning and painting so many pieces of their story, it felt like I already knew her.
This project will always hold a very special place in my heart—not only because of the artwork itself, but because of the love, memories, and meaning behind every single piece. 🤍