Hi Mike, When I look at the pictures you do I think it would be a loss for the community if you'd quit. Your work is getting really impressive. I specially like "relax", "warrior of the wind" and "good to be home", while "for Laura" is my preferd work. I also like a lot the face of the girl in your "perfect ten" series. Your latest pic is great, because it conveys an emotion. You have reached the point that the onlooker doesn't see the technique anymore, just the emotion. In my opinion, you have reached the point where you truly are an artist. Unfortunately, a good number of people giving feedback in the galleries are more attracted by technique, or by nudity (or they are part of some group of mutual admiration, they don't pay attention to other people's work outside their group). But there are people round here from whom a single "good picture" is worth a thousand others' superlatives appreciations. As for me, since I did not reach you mastery (and I don't expect I ever will), I stopped posting pics in the gallery months ago. The only ones I post are related to talks I had here in the forum. When I want feedback, I turn to my wife, kids, and friends. I hope your morale will raise at that you'll overcome your present problems. Compiler PS : I use PSP 7 myself, and I'd be very interested in your technique for post working rain...