MONTREAL, CANADA.- Abstract expressionist painter and sculptor Jean-Paul Riopelle, 78, died. He became the first Canadian to have a painting sell for more than $1 million. Robert Tourigny, a nurse who cared for the painter, stated, "He died calm and serene. He always said he wanted to die at home, surrounded by his things, in his bed, just like a bird in its nest." He was a member of the informal group of expatriate artists known as the Ecole de Paris (School of Paris). Prime Minister Jean Chretien called Riopelle one of Canada's greatest artists.