Painting of Boy Playing in Water by Marion Williams Steele

This is a framed oil painting depicting a young blonde boy, presumably a toddler, crouched down playing in shallow water. The boy is bare-chested with colorful swim trunks, and he holds what appears to be a small yellow shovel or toy boat in his hands. His expression suggests engagement and joy. The background features vague shapes of boats with sails, suggesting a lakeside or seaside setting. The colors used in the painting are vibrant, with blues, browns, and hints of orange and pink reflecting in the water, creating a realistic ripple effect. The brushstrokes are visible and appear impressionistic, particularly in the water and background elements, contributing to a sense of movement and light. The painting is signed in the lower right corner with what appears to be 'Marion Williams Steele'. It is housed in a simple, elegant frame with a white matte surrounding the artwork. The frame itself is a thin, gold-toned metal, providing a clean border. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious signs of damage, wear, or repairs visible from the image. The matte shows light texture, characteristic of standard archival framing. The style of the painting suggests a contemporary or possibly late 20th-century piece, characterized by its bright palette and somewhat loose brushwork, capturing a candid moment of childhood.