BlitzMax error trying to build/run an example...

Here is the program that I created and tried to build/run:

' =============================================================================
' Display Game Play Screen
' =============================================================================

Global image : TImage = LoadImage("screen2.png")


Graphics 800,600


Repeat
DrawImage(image,0,0,0)
Flip
Cls
Until KeyDown(Key_Escape)

End


I get a popup window with this error:

"Unhandled Exception: Attempt to access field or method of null object"

I have the path and image correct, I am using the latest DX and have 525MB free memory. I am using Windows XP Pro

Help!!! I just purchased BlitzMax today.

Thanks in advance and God bless.

nb