Broad, sweeping strokes of green, blue, and violet form clusters of water lilies that float across the lower half of the composition. The lilies are rendered with thick, textured paint, their shapes loosely defined and their edges blending into the surrounding water. Patches of pink, lavender, and pale yellow drift across the surface, suggesting the play of light on water and the reflection of sky above.

At the top of the image, strokes of green and ochre mingle with blue, evoking overhanging foliage or the mirrored forms of trees. No horizon or shoreline interrupts the scene; the entire view is devoted to the pond’s surface, dissolving the boundary between water and air. The composition is vertical, drawing the gaze upward from the lilies at the bottom to the more diffuse, luminous brushwork above.

The brushwork is energetic and visible, with short, dappled marks layered over broader sweeps, creating a sense of movement and fleeting atmosphere. Hints of purple and blue deepen the shadows among the lily pads, while touches of rose and yellow enliven the water’s surface. Near the lower edge, a signature reads 'Claude Monet,' anchoring the work to its creator.

The upper left corner contains a dense cluster of green and ochre brushstrokes, with some sharper, angular marks suggesting foliage or shadows above the water. Soft, pale lavender and cream tones dominate the right edge, creating a luminous effect that contrasts with the darker, saturated greens of the lily pads. Near the lower left corner, a small patch of deep blue and purple sits beside a single, loosely painted pink blossom.

The central area is marked by overlapping, horizontal strokes of green and turquoise, giving the impression of layered lily pads receding into the background. Throughout the painting, areas of bare canvas or thinly applied paint allow the surface to show through, especially around the edges, lending a sense of openness and airiness to the composition. The absence of narrative or human presence focuses attention on the changing effects of light, color, and reflection on the pond’s surface. The composition’s abstraction and emphasis on sensation over detail exemplify the approach for which Monet is renowned.