Depression, Acrylic on canvas, 16"W x 20"H

At one point, Rick titled this painting Angels in the Picture, but later he would change the title to Depression.

If the larger scene of the man huddled under the tree represents some generic depression, the smaller picture-in-a-picture is specific to Rick. The little "angels" in the tree each hold something unique to his character and talents: a microphone for singing, art-related supplies, a television (which he watched incessantly). Hiding behind the smaller tree, and just visible on its left side, is the outline of another angel, perhaps his guardian angel who helped him through the tough times.

The sketches for this painting were done between March 15-19, 1999, while Rick and I visited South Padre Island with my family. The change in routine, and being surrounded by five other people, were things he found very stressful.