Autumn Inspiration
'I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.'
- Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables
Without a doubt, autumn is my favourite season. I'm always ready for it after the summer, which often feels a little intense to me. Although there are many joyous aspects to summertime, I don't like too much heat (blame my Geordie roots) and I find the stifling summer nights that we sometimes get in London just too much. It feels like a sigh of relief when I start to sense autumn approaching.
It's also a time of year when I tend to feel most creatively inspired. So much more than at the start of a new calendar year, I see the start of autumn as a time of new beginnings. Having been a teacher for fourteen years, perhaps this is no surprise. New stationery, anyone? Autumn's musings seem to be more slow-paced, reflective and thoughtful. My notebook becomes filled with questions, trains of thought, sketches and kernels of ideas that may or may not lead to something bigger.
![Watercolour paints and paintbrush with autumnal objects](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0290/7678/3138/files/autumn-watercolour-pinecone-leaf_600x600.jpg?v=1633010158)
Visually, autumn is, of course, nothing short of stunning. There are so many details to examine, from the intricacy of a pine cone (those of you who know me will know how much I love them!) to glossy scarlet rosehips and the ever-changing hues of the deciduous leaves in between.
![Rosehips painted with watercolour and ink.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0290/7678/3138/files/autumn-rosehips-watercolour-ink_600x600.jpg?v=1633010292)
This autumn, I encourage you to take a wander outdoors - anywhere with a good amount of trees - and soak in autumn. Even better if you can take a sketchbook with you and try a few drawings as you perch somewhere, preferably wrapped up in cosy woollens, perhaps with a flask of tea if you're well-organised.
![autumn leaf and acorn painted in watercolour and ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0290/7678/3138/files/autumn-leaf-acorn-watercolour-ink_600x600.jpg?v=1632996260)
Gather some natural objects, such as fallen sycamore keys, leaves of different colours, acorns or pine cones and bring them home to study, draw or paint. I guarantee you will feel soothed and invigorated after spending some time walking in woods and examining autumn's treasures. Your drawings don't have to be shown to anyone else; they don't have to be 'good' (more on that later!). Their purpose is to allow you to look closer and wonder.
![pencil, paintbrush and fineliner with autumnal objects on a wooden background.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0290/7678/3138/files/autumn-art-materials_600x600.jpg?v=1633010363)
'I would rather teach drawing that my pupils may learn to love nature,
than teach the looking at nature that they may learn to draw.'
- John Ruskin
Happy October!
With three unique autumnal watercolour projects,
my Autumn Art Set has everything
you need to get creative this season.
Find out more...