Sheppard employs a rich array of oranges, reds, and yellows to bring the foliage to life, contrasting them with the cool blues and purples of the water, which add a sense of tranquility to the scene. The horizon is softly defined, suggesting the gentle rolling hills in the distance, with hints of settlements or trees interrupting the skyline.

The painting's foreground shows detailed, textured brushstrokes, giving a sense of depth and the rustling movement of trees in the breeze. Meanwhile, the water is rendered with horizontal strokes that capture the lake's reflective surface, mirroring the sky's light and the surrounding landscape's colors.

This work is a testament to Sheppard's ability to convey the beauty of the Canadian landscape and the fleeting, yet vivid, moments that each season brings. "Autumn, Lake of Bays, ON" is not just a representation of a place but an invitation to experience the warmth and peace of an autumn day by the water.