Preston Zeller · Original commissioned paintings

Capture the memoryof loved ones withgrief journey art.

After the memorial, it’s a new beginning. Travel that journey with something unique to you and your loved one.

Scroll — the journey begins in the dark

Pleased to meet you

My name is Preston Zeller, and we share the loss of a loved one.

In 2019, my own brother died. The aftermath of grief was such that I knew I had to do something drastic, so I threw myself into a multi-year-long project of painting every day for a year. During this time, I developed a way to help others in their grief journey as well. Perhaps the following will resonate with you…

That year of painting became The Art of Grieving, an award-winning documentary seen in 30+ countries.

The Art of Grieving · a year of painting

I’ve lived the process I take others through — one painting a day, for 365 days, after losing my brother.

Day 001, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 001

Day 022, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 022

Day 041, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 041

Day 057, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 057

Day 079, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 079

Day 097, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 097

Day 115, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 115

Day 133, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 133

Day 155, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 155

Day 175, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 175

Day 196, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 196

Day 216, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 216

Day 230, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 230

Day 253, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 253

Day 264, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 264

Day 287, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 287

Day 309, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 309

Day 330, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 330

Day 342, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 342

Day 365, from The Art of Grieving series — Day 365

365 paintings.
A brother remembered.
A ground-breaking documentary.

The Opportunity

After the loss

Grief presents challenges and opportunities.

In the aftermath of a loss, we’re left with so many questions about the future and reminders our loved one is not here anymore. What does this look like?

After the loss — what doesn’t work

01 / 04

Burial and Cremation

Burial headstones are static and geographically limiting for those who wish to visit it. Cremation ashes are often left stuck in the box you were given and fail to transform beyond that.

It stays in one place. Your grief doesn’t.

02 / 04

The Memorial

This is the culmination point for acquaintances and friends, but it’s just the beginning for you. It’s a loss that rattles your bones and the grief is here to stay.

It ends right when your grief begins.

03 / 04

Keepsakes Aren’t Enough

His sweater, her perfume, that music you enjoyed together. The remains of their life become mere reminders of your loss, triggering past memories and the stolen time of the future with your loved one.

They point to the loss, not the life.

04 / 04

Personal, but Not Personalized

Off-the-shelf products like urn necklaces are a nice touch, but they lack a personal touch that taps into your unique relationship with your loved one.

Made for anyone. Your loved one wasn’t.

Something different

You deserve something that reflects the uniqueness of your journey.

I help create an original art piece that reflects your grief journey and the memory of your loved one. Your memories and your strong emotional attachment are all transformed into a singular commemorative piece deeply unique to you.

Commissioned memorial painting — Private commissionOriginal acrylic

Client commission by Preston Zeller — abstract memorial painting with cross forms, 2021 — Client commissionOriginal acrylic, 2021

Every commission is an original — painted once, for one family, and made to be lived with in the rooms where your life happens.

Some families choose to incorporate their loved one’s ashes into the paint. Always an option, never a requirement. About cremation art paintings

The Solution

Your memories, brought to life.

Grief is anything but static. It’s deeply personal and changes as you do over time. This is why I focus on a personal process to create your abstract painting. Here’s how it works.

Step 1

1-on-1 Commission Consultations

During this process, we do a deep dive into your memory of your loved one. If this is a collective memory, broader stories are helpful as well.

Step 2

Create a Shared Vision

By looking at previous grief-inspired works I’ve done, we’ll identify a visual aesthetic that works well to convey your story.

Step 3

Blueprint Your Piece

In combining the memories of your loved one, your desires, and selecting a visual aesthetic, we create a blueprint for a piece unique to you and your loved one.

Step 4

In-Progress Updates

During the process, you receive 1–2 updates of the piece to ensure we’re on track and capturing your vision.

Step 5

Receive Your Original Painting

The painting is shipped to your home, fully insured, and with a signed statement of authenticity for insurance, tax purposes, or resale.

Investment

Commissions start at $4,900

A one-of-one original painting, sized to your space, shipped fully insured with a signed statement of authenticity.

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Hear from others

Collector Interviews

Hear from past collectors the impact original art has had on their life. These interviews are a fun way for collectors to share more about themselves and how they got into art, as well as the problem they’re solving.

“Honor it. Don’t think there’s a time frame to just get over it.”

Tiffany Vaughan · 🇨🇦

“Keep your mind open to the different ways healing can manifest.”

Jacy Easton · 🇺🇸

“Get a support system, and consider investing in something that’s personal to you for the process.”

Mark Huffman · 🇺🇸

A new beginning

Ready to learn more about personalized grief art?

Send a meeting request or learn more about me.

Request a Meeting About the Artist

No-obligation conversation·A prompt, personal reply·Commissions from $4,900

Preston Zeller is the director of The Art of Grieving, streaming on Prime Video.