The title of this piece isn't showing just yet. The paper-towel wipeouts are an early indication of some lovely sparkling ripples that get better and better as summer drifts into autumn. I started with the background to get a sense for the color scales at play in preparation for taking on the water next September : >)

There's an unusual story that goes with the beginning of this piece. When I began sketching it in, a wasp stung me on the back, which inspired me to notice the upset hive about 6 feet behind me under some tree roots. When I came back this year, the hive had apparently moved elsewhere. My comedy brain still couldn't resist wasp children saying: "Daddy, tell us the story of you stinging the artist again!"