These two trees have long since vanished. I photographed them in 2012 in Santa Barbara County along Figueroa Mountain Road in the early spring. I thought they were a beautiful spot of color against the greens of the California hills, which in themselves, during a superbloom, can be covered in shades of lavender, orange, and gold.
I mixed together gouache paints – whites (zinc and titanium) and some ivory black with my watercolors. This allows for layers to be built and bits painted over, as in gouache, but allows for a bit of transparent and opaque. I’ve done this before and always find it is a lot of fun. Gouache, when thickish, is best with small paintings, but mixing whites with watercolor gets an effect like gouache but at a much lower price point.
The photo – linked from Flickr – is not an especially good photo, but I do feel it catches the beauty of these two trees. When I went back looking for them a few years ago I could not find them, so I am glad I have captured them!
Watercolor paint mixed with white and / or black artist’s gouache. 11×14 on Canson watercolor paper.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Your painting is better than the photo -N! I like the vibrancy you gave the image.
Was going to say the same as Anne, I like the painting more than the photo, lovely job!
Lovely trees! I lack the talent to paint or draw, but I enjoy looking at your work very much! Judy
Thanks so much, Judy!
Thanks, Fraggy!
Thanks, Anne!