Ha Ha Tonka Overlook

 

The view from the castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka castle are remarkable!  From the castle on the steep bluff to the sweeping arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, this vista is beautiful.  I had painted this earlier in the day with a heavy, overcast sky, but as I was departing another painting spot, I realized how beautiful the color now was!  So, I pulled this back out and added the bluer sky and water layer, making it far more appealing. I'm so happy that I walked back by this ridge! Now Showing at Lake Fine Art Galleria! Painting number 4315 in 4315 days. 

The Butcher Shop

 

What a treat to find and paint this vintage style butcher shop in the heart of Camdenton! I was turning around, looking for a good angle to paint Ozarkland, when i stumbled upon this lovely place!  Judging from the stream of patrons going in and out - it must be amazing, too!  With ink and watercolor I sketched out the scene, careful to reserve my whites against the reds.  This place really is a slice of Americana in the Ozarks!  Painting number 4314 in 4314 days. Now Showing at Lake Fine Art Galleria! 

Bridal Cave Pipe Organ

Painting inside the Bridal Cave is ethereal, especially by the "pipe organ" formation!  I recently purchased a mighty light from Judson's Art Outfitters, and this is my first time to use it.  Small enough to slip in my pocket, it has three settings and clamps securely on my pochade.  In this cave setting, it was a lifesaver, since my back was toward a rock wall which was very dark.  The constant dripping echoed within the cave, and was almost like a serenade.  My second time to paint in this cave, I layered up for warmth with a rain coat for my outer layer. What a lovely special way to experience this cave!  Painting number 4307 in 4307 days, and this one is now showing at Lake Fine Art Galleria on Bagnell Dam Boulevard in Lake Ozark, Missouri. 

View from Bridal Cave

What a glorious time I've had painting at the Bridal Cave in Camdenton, Missouri!  From the plein air painting inside the Chapel of the cave, to painting this beautiful sweep of the Lake of the Ozarks from the covered overlook just outside the cave entrance, this place will forever hold good memories for me!  As with any body of water, the lake changes color with the sun and sky.  What started as overcast has opened up to a sunny, hot day - and that reflects in the water!  I painted my masses first, lights and darks followed by the central colors, then added the smaller details such as boats and docks. If was very comfortable painting under this covered overhang, with water cooled breezes blowing through. It has been so fun to visit with guests as they wait for their tour guide while painting the beauty of this lake!  This painting won a ribbon at the Lake of the Ozarks Plein Air event and is now showing at Lake Fine Art Galleria in Osage Beach.  Painting number 3140 in 3140 days. 

Ozarkland

 I just had to return to this corner to capture Ozarkland in ink and watercolor.  This time I am set up diagonally across the square from this iconic place. This intersection is so busy, and interesting!  The square is set like a diamond on the cross of streets from the points. Parking is on several sides with small shade trees to offer cover on this very hot day. I planned to go paint the Ha Ha Tonka castle ruins, too, but I've run out of time!  I've used three kinds of ink on this one before adding watercolor, De Atramentis Archive Ink, Robert Oster's Thunderstorm, and Levenger's Raven Black. The first one is for the sketchy lines I want to stay the second is a great shadow shade, and the last is for lines I want to move.  I have so many inks, perhaps I should explore with more of them in the field.  These favorites are almost always with me!  Painting number 3135 in 3135 days. 

Ozarkland

I can remember going to this special place with my grandparents when I was small - and it is a joy to paint it now!  Ozarkland is a Missouri icon - and I actually met the woman whose uncle started them all today!  This one is located in Camdenton, and of course I will stop in to browse the goodies and take a step through time before I leave!  I'm so happy this painting won the Camdenton Square Buyer's Choice Award tonight - and now has a new home! Painting number 3127 in 3127 days.