Not long ago I was the Featured Artist at a show near Beaver Lake, NY. For this occasion I wanted to create something small but special and specific to the area. The previous year I had walked some paths around this lake, taking photos along the way, which gave me research I needed for this region. Although I created the painting in my studio, I worked it in oils, as I do for plein air, which allows for a more spontaneous approach. Since I can't resist some form of wildlife in my work, I added the descending mallards as a final touch.