These beauties are irresistible for their variety and color, especially the reds which are so intensive. When digitally painted the colors became more intense with the addition of slight gradient saturated light and edging. They almost look like fragile flowers on a "Charm City" (Ace of Cakes) wedding cake or those found in pastry competitions.

The original seen below, although strong, pales by comparison in color intensity, yet captures the intrinsic qualities of the cosmos to the same degree as the digital painting.

Masses of cosmos with vivid colors filled one of my deck boxes a few summers ago. The entire deck box looked like a patchwork quilt. These blooms were captured in one area with an early model Minolta digital camera.