HaHa Tonka Sunset

 

Love painting historic Ha Ha Tonka at sunset - especially in oils.  The rich, buttery oils describe the rocky bluff and textured trees so quickly on the panel.  I had to gain my vantage from a perch along the edge to get this dramatic view.  It seems to reflect the historic past of this beautiful place so well.  See this painting and more in person at Lake Fine Art Galleria on Bagnell Dam Boulevard. Painting number 3869 in 3869 days. 

Garden at Willmore Lodge

It's SO fun sketching the garden at Willmore Lodge in ink and watercolor!  This Lodge is gorgeous inside, and the veranda off the back side overlooks the Lake of the Ozarks with a sweeping view! It feels like stepping back in time to enter this place. This painting now showing at Lake Fine Art Galleria on Bagnell Dam Boulevard!  It is day 10 #stradaeasel challenge and painting number 4330 in 4330 days. 

On the Strip

I started this one out standing on the sidewalk, close enough to jump in the car should the rain begin.  Well, I didn't get much sketching in before the clouds opened up - and I tossed my gear in the car.  The ink I use would bleed into a black mess if rained on!  So, I sketched in the car (which I'd backed into a spot for a good vantage), and resumed my line work.  Not long after, a "sketchy" guy in a truck parked beside me.  I had several friends on the street who honed in on the situation, stopping by my window, and walking to to me frequently.  Even though the rain had stopped, I finished this one in the car.  It pays to be alert to your surroundings and your intuition.  Happy to have friends looking out for me as well! Painting number 4317 in 4317 days.  This painting now showing at Lake Fine Art Galleria on Bagnell Dam Boulevard!  

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! 

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!  

Seven Springs Winery

What a lovely place to spend an evening with artist friends, painting the beauty of this terraced garden!  Friends joined me here, ordering a couple of dishes for my benefit - and wine, of course!  The crab cakes and spinach artichoke dip was delicious, as was my dry white!  Recharged, a painted this ink and watercolor while leaning against the fence, sipping my wine!  It's a tough job, but someone has to do it!!  Painting number 4309 in 4309 days, and this one is now showing 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. 

Toad Cove

What a fun, iconic slice of lake life this place is!  Shady Gators is a popular place on the Lake of the Ozarks, and so fun to paint in ink and watercolor!  Arriving just after sunrise, I found a shady place from which to work.  Already a hot one, this is another heat warning day so I try to stay in the shade as much as possible. I use three inks for the line work, india,De Atramentis Archive Ink and Levenger's Raven Black, then I follow in with watercolor.  Even at this early hour, boats arrive and take off from the nearby socks, leaving ripples on the water's surface.  I really enjoy my time by the water, it is so very soothing to paint.  This painting now available at Lake Fine Art Galleria.  Painting number 3142 in 3142 days. 

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. 

Boat Rental

Behind the Inn at the Grand Glaze, down the steep hill and right on the water is this amazing blue boat rental shack with various kayaks and even a paddle boat.  The bright colors pulled me in, so I sketched this out in ink and added watercolor as the sun set.  I perched at an angle because of the pitch of the land, and closely observed the interesting angles from looking down on this building.  I like to rest my paints on the ground while sitting on a camp stool for such places, but had to fight the sliding of my tins down the hill!  Haha! Blocking them with rocks, I was able to get this painted before all light was gone.  After all, I had a long hike up that hill to get back to my room!  This painting is now showing at Lake Fine Art Galleria in Osage Beach.  Painting number 3137 in 3137 days.