Instead of going to Las Vegas for my bachelor’s weekend before my wedding this August, I went on a camping trip in the mountains of Southern California, dry shrubby desert mountains. I brought my watercolor supplies and had a go at the beautiful manzanita tree bushes near our campsite. They have beautiful bark between burnt sienna and alizirin crimson.

I felt encouraged by the energy of the left tree and a little frustrated that the distant trees and mountain in the upper left were too dark. Oh well, I learned from it.

I ended up putting this image on coffee mugs for my three groomsmen as a memento of the trip. The long image works well wrapped around a mug.

Im open to any ideas and feedback.

Will

Irvine, California