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

Squiggles was completed at the end of 1998. Although it appears as if created free-form, it was actually based on a detailed drawing from Rick's sketch book.

On December 19, 1998, Rick delivered Chair & Vase, a 24"x30" acrylic on canvas painting to Art Encounter. The piece would be sold to a gallery client in March 1999.

At yearend 1998, Rick was on a four-drug antiviral combo that would be his most durable. Started on March 12, 1998, he would continue on it until April 22, 1999. While durable, it was not without its problems. One of the drugs was only available as a foul-tasting liquid that required a chaser of peanut butter or Nutella to avoid gagging. The same drug likely played a large role in causing his heart attack, as it was later linked to heart problems. This drug would also cause further complications in the future.