The background

Normally I begin with the sky. On this piece I wanted to play with the trees first and then work in the sky to give a softer look to the vegetation. If the trees appear too detailed they will be "pulled forward" and I want them more as a suggestion in the background.

More vegetation in the same color palette and a hint of a distant hill begins to add some depth. I'll work on the sky and the soft edges of the trees next and then begin on the zebra stripes. Stay tuned.