When you have been somewhere that was especially lovely or had a really good time there, it shows in your painting. That is certainly true when you paint plein air on site, but that is also true when painting from a photo that you took there. You remember all the things that can't be captured in a photo- light, colors, etc. The fact that you felt good there affects the painting too. I can't explain it, but it is all true.
We spent Memorial weekend with friends at an inn on this river in Salado and spent a lot of time in these chairs. Mat and Kathy, this is for you!