West Texas Redhat

7x5 watercolor on 140 lb cold press paper done first week of May from our own redhat wildflowers that grow abundantly in semi-arid parts of the southwest. This work was gifted to a friend. COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2026

Petticoats - Mexican Redhat Wildflowers

11x8.5 watercolor and ink on paper of wildflowers growing in our vacant lot. Commonly known as Mexican red hats, these have so much character and different form and colors; their petals resemble petticoats. From dark red to a red-orange, their vibrant saucy pigment dot the landscape, often growing in clumps. This ink and line wash is my 3rd piece featuring their lively design. COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2026

Wild Redhat

8.25x5.25 watercolor in my junk journal done last week of one of the prairie coneflowers also known as Mexican redhats that grow wild here and in New Mexico. I've not painted in the old book journal for awhile and watercolor takes to it nicely. COPYRIGHT 2022 Kay Smith

Blue Green Flower

6x16 watercolor on matboard, partially gessoed, finished today.  A cropped flower that could be a wild cousin to the sunflower or even a distant relative to the daisy, this fun and splashy floral is cool with warm accents.  With our hot triple digit heat in Texas and with me planning a teaching trip to south Florida, this one just fit the bill.
Image is COPYRIGHT 2014 Kay Smith.

WIP Mexican Redhats wildflowers continued

8.5x11 watercolor and ink work in progress (WIP) continued with last night's drawing more blooms and painting today about 1.5 hours. Tomorrow I'll fill in foreground tall skinny leaves and do a wash over the background.  Some values have to be adjusted before it is done, so do stay tuned! I looked this plant up with its many variations in Neil Sperry's Texas Gardening book, and it is quite fascinating.  Seed companies also sell many types to directly plant yourself if you don't want to trust Mother Nature.
Image COPYRIGHT 2013 Kay Smith.

Petticoats - Mexican Redhats

11x8.5 watercolor and ink on paper of wildflowers growing in our vacant lot.  Commonly known as Mexican red hats, these have so much character and different form and colors; their petals resemble petticoats.  From dark red to a red-orange, their vibrant saucy pigment dot the landscape, often growing in clumps.  This ink and line wash is my 3rd piece featuring their lively design.
Image is COPYRIGHT 2013 Kay Smith.