The colors in your second OC work are very nice. The dreamlike effect works wonders, since you get that sort of feeling underwater. I like its direction! I don't think we can call a start good or bad though, because things are just beginning. People can see things how they choose, so I'm praying for a turnaround, especially if you don't feel so jazzed about it. It's quite cold where I am, so I cannot admit everything is great, either.