I stopped by several times this week and try to read and respond to posts, but my browser kept locking up and it just got too frustrating. I finally gave up on Windows Explorer and reinstalled Firefox. So far I haven't been locked out one time.

I finished the above painting about a week ago but I had to wait for it to dry enough to photograph it. The dark background reflects too much light. Obviously it's an abstract, and I still don't feel any more comfortable painting abstracts than I did before. It is called "Defining Moment". So much for my eureka moment.

I'm not completely satisfied with any of the paintings that I have done thus far this year. I feel a bit lost and don't know where to go next with my art. It would be nice if I could start making money, so maybe I should start painting those ridiculous images that are easily licensed or just continue on my present path that seems to be taking me nowhere. Does this mean I'm whining again?

I submitted two paintings to the Coast Guard Fine Art Program. One was of the bagpipers at the Blackthorn Memorial and the other was of the shuttle launch. I posted both images last year. Update: "Night Launch" was accepted while the painting of the pipers at the Blackthorn Memorial was rejected.

Next week I am supposed to drive to Cape Canaveral and attend an actual launch aboard an Auxiliary patrol vessel. That sounds like it might be fun, but it depends upon what time the launch is, and whether the vessel owner will allow someone from another division to crew for them. I cannot imagine that they would say no since my attendance is at the request of our area's Director of Auxiliary. He also wants to present NASA with a print of this painting, and chances are I will be asked to attend the presentation. That's sort of neat. Too bad that small accomplishment doesn't help me figure out where I want to go this year with my art.