"Oasis" (Shady Lakes Reflections)

I'm always drawn to ponds and this one in particular was called "Shady Lakes" in Albuquerque, NM.   After teaching at

the International Assoc. of Pastel Societies Convention, I visited this lovely location; full of water lilies, reflections of the fluffy 

clouds of the Southwest, a glimpse of the mountains, and the drift of cotton wood "fauna-matter" floating in the air and landing on the water.

A loan water lily was pushed by the wind  like a small sail boat toward me...a fantastic moment that inspired this painting!