Mark - I'd probably have to agree with Dave, here. But, if you're looking for a thematically guided project, check out the internet ray-tracing competition (www.irtc.org). Though there are some prizes available, it exists primarily to encourage the use of ray-tracing and to help the artists who participate improve their skills. They announce a new theme every quarter -- not quite bi-weekly, but it's something. Recent themes have been "ruins" and "the city." The image I posted a couple versions of here earlier was for this competition; I got some excellent tips from people in this forum. It's been very educational and fun. - Chip