This went through 3 or 4 designs before I hit the one I like. I'm glad I didn't settle for an earlier version.

If I sell a million mouse pads, I could probably get a house like this. I average about 5 a month, so it may be awhile longer.

For those of you wondering how the waves were done, they are a large bumpy terrain, with an ocean texture applied.

A cute snow man in a Santa hat waves a seasonal greeting.

Most images have one thing that slows progress. Everything falls into place except the lighting, point of view, or as in this case waves. It took forever, but I am glad I stuck with it.

I used a volumetric cube to create the hazy effect of the pool, and terrains for the waves. The dolphins and boy were made using Poser.

This, while minimalistic, is my favorite of the beach sunset series. (and probably the last for awhile.)

Heat waves recreated by placing a wavy glass texture in front of the camera point.

I liked how the lenses on the lighthouse lamp affected the light, but I wish it showed up more in the final image. Maybe I'll use it again someday.