It’s no secret that every relationship that lasts long enough undergoes several phases.

While in the beginning, everything may seem as it was from a fairytale, things change as time passes and partners grow closer to one another. While passion levels may fall down a bit, stability and security usually increase.

What’s more, you never know what someone’s relationship is like unless you get to see what’s going on behind the scenes. To put this perspective into a visual form, Amanda Oleander, an L.A.-based  artist, created illustrations that depict long-term relationships.

Amanda draws inspiration for her project from her personal experiences with her boyfriend, Joey Rudman. “[He] ends up drawn in most of my drawings. We have been together for almost 3 years. He’s the sweetest man I’ve ever met.” She explained. “Before I met Joey if anyone told me their love and relationship was like ours I wouldn’t believe it. It’s nothing less than amazing. We can’t get enough of each other.”

“I’m enthralled by the way people behave behind closed doors, intimate moments we never get to see. Those are moments that can’t really be documented because if they were, it would alter the way the person behaved. So I draw them,” Amanda continued.

According to the artist, she wants to inspire people to be grateful for the small things and moments in life. “I do wish that viewers take with them a sense of confidence and appreciation for the simple moments in life.”

Scroll down and see only but a few of Amanda’s illustrations. If you want to check out more, make sure to follow her work here: amandaoleander.com | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

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What do you make of Amanda’s work? Can you relate to any of the illustrations she drew? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to SHARE this post with your loved ones!