thanks for all the kind words everyone!
styx: I hope you're hand gets better soon, makes it hard to paint if all you have is a hook (although you could try out as a pirate then, arggg)
took the day off painting, may get more time off, looks like rain is in the forecast so I won't be able to finish anytime soon...should have the contest page up today at some point. Also have to email the sponsors and let them know I put links up on my page for them...