This is one of our favorite locations to paint. There are three  pavilions to choose from to get out of the sun with plenty to look  at.  May I suggest that when you paint outdoors, be sure to not let  the direct sun beat down on your canvas. It is impossible to see what  you really have going on if you have shadows or bright spots on your  working surface. Full sun washes out the look of colors and can be  hard on your eyes. As you're working you will need to see the  painting the way it will be viewed when completed.
I was drawn to the three different areas of water in this scene plus  the distant view. If you can simplify a scene like this, you'll have  a winner! Here's a tip to the beginner. To get the right feeling for  water no matter if the water is moving or calm, remember that you'll  always need some horizontal strokes. Reflections have a vertical  feeling, and the combination of the two can be dynamic!
In this painting, the reflection helps to draw the viewer into the  painting and provide some variety in an otherwise horizontal motif.