Sketches should be light and playful. Look for the shapes of full clumps of foliage and whole trees. It's helpful to sketch in the cast shadows, but do not shade these in with graphite. You will soon fill those shapes with darker paint. A light hatch can be used to remind you of your plans. During these early stages, keep the watercolor mixed thinly - the consistency of tea - and then use flat brushes to chisle lights and darks as needed. As with any watercolor, start with lightest colors and come back to fill in shadows after these areas have dried. The painting above was done in Joshua Tree National Park. Along with water to stay hydrated, the second most important piece of gear I carried was a baseball hat to keep the sun off my head - and out of my eyes.

Mouse-over the painting to view the finished work, with some of the additional handwork taking place back in my room later that evening.