Pond Wendell Minor

The composition presents a tranquil scene centered around a body of water, likely a pond or small lake. Dominating the foreground are two deer – an adult doe and a fawn – standing partially submerged in the water. The doe appears watchful, her head turned slightly towards the left, suggesting awareness of an unseen presence beyond the frame. The fawn huddles close to its mother, exhibiting a posture of trust and dependence.
The surrounding vegetation is rendered with a degree of stylized realism; tall grasses line the bank behind the deer, creating a visual barrier between the animals and the implied background. A dense thicket of foliage forms a dark backdrop, contributing to the sense of enclosure and seclusion within this natural setting. The water itself reflects the sky and surrounding greenery, producing an effect of shimmering depth.
Scattered across the surface of the pond are vibrant pink lily pads and blossoms, adding splashes of color that contrast with the predominantly green and blue tones. A single sheet of paper floats on the waters surface near the lower center; its presence introduces a note of human intervention or intrusion into this otherwise undisturbed natural environment. The text visible upon the paper appears to be handwritten, though the content is illegible, leaving it open to interpretation – perhaps representing a lost message, a forgotten memory, or simply an element of surrealism.
The painting evokes themes of protection, vulnerability, and the delicate balance between nature and human influence. The deer’s posture suggests both serenity and caution, hinting at the inherent fragility of life within a wild setting. The inclusion of the floating paper introduces a layer of ambiguity, prompting contemplation about the relationship between humanity and the natural world – a sense of loss or disruption subtly woven into an otherwise idyllic scene.