Veteran Artist John Melillo Paints Special Valentine's Cover

Eastport painter and Vietnam vet creates cover art inspired by Southampton beach

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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This week, Eastport painter and Vietnam veteran John Melillo has created a special cover for Valentine's Day, "Lost in Love," inspired by a Southampton beach. Melillo's painting has led to many more shows of his own, as well as his helping other veterans create and show their own art and process their trauma through creativity.

Why it matters

Melillo's work highlights the healing power of art, especially for veterans dealing with PTSD. His efforts to support the veteran community and share his own creative journey are inspiring.

The details

Melillo was at Coopers Beach and saw a bottle in the sand, which sparked the idea for his "Lost in Love" cover painting. He has evolved into an abstract realistic oil painter with a touch of Van Gogh and Rockwell, and 90% of his work is East End-inspired. Melillo also continues to support area veterans, doing events with talks on PTSD and teaching art classes geared towards healing.

  • Melillo created the "Lost in Love" cover painting this week for Valentine's Day 2026.

The players

John Melillo

An Eastport painter and Vietnam veteran who has created a special cover for Valentine's Day, "Lost in Love," inspired by a Southampton beach. Melillo's painting has led to many more shows of his own, as well as his helping other veterans create and show their own art and process their trauma through creativity.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to do something for Valentine's Day. I was at Coopers Beach and saw a bottle in the sand. From there my mind started spinning. I decided to create something that might compel love and goodwill in these times of unrest and also add a sense of mystery. My 'Lost in Love' cover painting was the result.”

— John Melillo, Painter (danspapers.com)

“Like many Vietnam vets, I came home to a hostile environment because of all the anti-war sentiments. Like most vets, I tucked it away until I decided to try to help my fellow veterans with their PTSD as well as myself. But more than that.”

— John Melillo, Painter (danspapers.com)

What’s next

Melillo plans to continue seeking opportunities to showcase his work, including at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair in July and the Quogue Great Lawn Show in the summer.

The takeaway

Melillo's journey as a disabled veteran artist who has found healing through his creative expression is an inspiring story of resilience and the power of art to transform lives, especially for those dealing with the trauma of war.