I agree with Sabyasachi on the eye making the image which I am sure was the focal point or center or interest for Artie.

Sabyasachi,

The exposure was chosen at +1 2/3 stops off the water because the meter is calibrated to middle gray (18% gray). THe water looks bright in this image and I would estimate it is about 2 stops brighter then middle gray, so Artie is basing his exposure off metering the water which he knows should be a certain tonality brighter then middle gray.

I would have started with 2 stops brighter, taken a couple of images and then fine tuned the exposure which is probably what he did here.