I first painted this scene on location in a small 9 × 12 study just as the sun was coming up. The air was heavy with moisture and dew, and the insects were already loud and active around the pond.

I was drawn to the path leading through the trees toward the lily pond and the early light beginning to move across the water. I later used the plein-air study to create this larger studio painting, keeping the direct feeling of being there while giving the scene more space.

24 × 30 inches
Oil on linen
Framed and ready to hang