Here are my first two paintings. The top one called "Toward the Light" was inspired by the Group of Seven exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery - in keeping with my birch tree theme. The second is a more abstract style I've been working on over the past couple of years with thick blobs of pure color and some drips in metalic platinum.

I like both but I'm becoming more drawn to the second painting as my life is so chaotic right now it really speaks to me. I really want a better job, one that pays well and with better hours - preferably daylight hours. There's little work around here. The employment help centre in town has job postings such as The Liquor Barn and I just can't bring myself to do that. Anyway, something will turn up if I keep looking.

A very nice friend of mine has purchased for me a membership in the local art group so that I can display my stuff in their gallery. I've had my work in there a few times before and not sold a thing - neither did anyone one esle (painters anyway). But it doesn't hurt to try again. The next exhibit is called "Go Figure" so this week I'll be working on a figurative painting. The exhibit is in March but I might as well get it done while I have a canvas. It's my last canvas and until I get a better job the moola is pretty tight around this place. It sure would be nice to get this house sold. My sister in Calgary has suggested the kids and I move there to be with her. I am very interested as it's a whole lot better in Calgarry economy-wise, it would be great to be close to my family for a change, and they have a great art scene there. Also a lot of culture and people with oil money. (Not mention getting the hell of this island and getting away from someone, who in fact just walked in my office without knocking and when he saw me typing on my computer asked if I was writing to my lover. Whatever.) But there are a few challenges that need to be faced first.