Prickly Pink Saguaro

15x11 watercolor on Grumbacher 140 lb cold press paper done first week of June, another imaginary cactus in my series of desert plants. I added shapes and colors to the background to mimic other saguaros surrounding the main one. COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2026

Desert Vibes

30x11 acrylics on Kilimanjaro 140 lb cold press paper done in January, a playful unrealistic cactus depiction. These tall saguaros are welcoming everyone with their open arms, colorful contortions, and desert vibes. COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2026

Thorny Beauty

12x9 watercolor on Canson 140 lb cold press paper done in March, a beautiful pink fuchsia colored flower amongst the thorny spikes of desert cactus. This ref was shared on WetCanvas for one of the challenges last year. COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2026

Tall Cactus in Red Pot

10.75x4.25 watercolor on Canson 117 lb cold press paper with white gel pen done last week, another in my tall cactus series in small pots. Vertical art is very popular and is a size that fits just about anywhere. COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2025

Pink and Yellow Cactus Flowers

6x6 watercolor using White Nights pigments in sketchbook done over the past 2 weeks, another imaginary prickly pear cactus desert landscape. COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2025

Rough Cactus Patch

8x6 watercolor on rough handmade paper done week before last using graphite paints by Gansai Tambi (Kuretake) and Rosa Gallery paints. In this imaginary southwestern desert landscape focusing on cactus plants, I've used the graphites for the rough texture and Rosa paints for their brilliant colors of the prickly pears. COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2025

May Prickly Pears

6x8 watercolor using White Nights paints done last week, an imaginary cactus of prickly pears on handmade rough paper 140 lb cold press. I put in darks first followed by midtones then lights. COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2025

Desert Day Cactus

9x12 watercolor using White Nights and Tombow markers on Fabriano Bristol 100 lb paper done last week. In this imaginary desert scene, cactus pad leaves were put in first using various markers. Lastly, I sketched in a southwestern tile roof building in the background to fill empty space. COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2025

Tall Mini Cactus with Turquoise Background

7x4 watercolor and ink on Strathmore toned tan paper done a few days ago of a tall mini cactus in clay pot I've used in other pieces. Changing supports and colors often spark new ideas. COPYRIGHT 2022 Kay Smith