Creative capitalism and carnage on the trail

Today's title is confusing but there are two very different subjects running through my mind this morning as I frame this edition.
I was listening to a discussion on the radio about the growing number of young people from around the globe who today are embracing Leninism as a reaction against capitalism. I was musing over artists and where many of us fit into these philosophy s.  Consider a successful painter today, gathering together about $200 worth of materials and creating an original and unique piece of art valued at $2000, $10000 or even much more. A selling price of $2200 is realizing a 1,000% profit. Remarkable. I'm not minimizing the decades of consistent work without any appreciable reward that go into any artist's  preparation for a "successful" career but perhaps artists should actually be considered as super-capitalists.

Okanagan Thaw. 20X24" Oil

I am spending my search for motives or ideas in the low valley and hillsides around Okanagan Lake.  The above painting is typical of our late-winter weather with fog stratum suspended above the lake, a low sun crossing the southern horizon and patches of vegetation breaking free of winter's blanket.
An observation about this time of year and something that does not make it's way into my paintings is the carnage strewn about the back country. Bald eagles and hawks are evident every day and the remains of their hapless prey are prolific. I don't know if the hunting grounds are seasonal or if the snow cover provides the extra visual contrast but it certainly is dramatic.
I am finally getting to bring in a warmer palette. I'll post more work in a couple of weeks.