Stark Cavern Reflections

LOVE getting to paint lake reflections IN a CAVE!!  It's not every day I get an opportunity like this - in fact it is the first time plein air artists have been allowed to paint inside this cave!  After scouting several views within the first few rooms, this long view over the lake was my choice location!  The light filtering in from the entrance, as well as other lights, illuminated the space in a magical way, other worldly, in fact!  It is ethereal and timeless to paint in the still of a cave.  I heard the guide say there are no fish in this lake, but something jumped from the water as I painted.  There was far less dripping here than in the Bridal Cave, but still there was a gentle lapping of water.  The water runs out the cave entrance flanked on either side with trees and a rocky ridge.  I used my mighty light in this cave - and it's a good thing I had it, since it was very dark behind me!  Painting number 4310 in 4310 days.  Come see this one in person at Lake Fine Art Galleria on Bagnell Dam Boulevard!  

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. 

Chapel at Bridal Cave

 Making history in possibly the coolest place I've ever painted - inside the Chapel of the Bridal Cave!   We are the first artists to plein air paint in this cave!!  What a once in a lifetime experience!!  I didn't know this would be possible, so I was dressed for the high heat warning day of near 100 degrees. Donning a jacket, I walked into this gorgeous, chilly cave and absolutely marveled at the beauty. We could set up anywhere in the first two "rooms", and I chose the chapel. Many couples have been married here, and this is a very special place.  This room was colder than the first and cold water dripped from the ceiling, splashing on my legs from the walls.  I went back out for my rain jacket, and that helped to at least keep the top of me dry.  By the time I finished this magnificent place, I was shivering so much I could hardly manage my brushes and close up my easel.  My feet and sandals were completely wet and so very cold!  It took an hour of standing in the sun at 97 degrees to finally warm up enough to start losing layers.  And it was SO VERY WORTH EVERY BIT OF THE DISCOMFORT!  I am so happy to be among the first artists ever to paint here.  What an honor!  Painting number 2129 in 2129 days.