Romance, Acrylic on canvas, 24"W x 36"H

After taking all of 1994 "off" to work full-time on artistic projects, Rick began to stress about money. In January 1995, he started working three jobs simultaneously: a data-entry job during the day, a picture-framer at Michael's in the evenings and at the box office of the Paramount Theatre on weekends.

The work schedule left little time for art and the stress would weaken an immune system that, although unknown at the time, was already compromised by HIV.

Romance was completed on April 21, 1995. A description from Rick's journal:

"Man invites a woman to dinner. He gives her flowers and they have a nice dinner. They start to kiss and she takes off one shoe. He heads toward the bedroom. She follows and takes off the other shoe."

Romance was exhibited in November, 1995 at The Shivers Cancer Center in Austin as part of their Healing Arts Program.

Romance was purchased by a gallery client on November 17, 2001.