I've always thought that the act of painting was like meditation. For me it's a way to clear my mind, and it just makes me happy. What could be more meditative than being in the middle of a lake contemplating nature? What I like about painting this subject matter is studying the transparency of the water and the things you see that are submerged; the reflection of the sky and the trees; and the lily pads defining the surface of the water – all happening at once. The process takes a lot of concentration and I can't be thinking of anything else. I'm having a great time with this series!