As the leaves start to change and the air cools, Fall offers us the perfect opportunity to pause and notice the world around us. Painting, especially with watercolor, gives us a unique chance to capture these fleeting moments of beauty. It’s not just about recreating what we see, but learning to observe closely—how the colors of a leaf subtly shift from green to red, or how shadows fall across a landscape.
Why Observing is Essential to Painting
Watercolor invites us to slow down. When we set out to paint something as simple as a fall leaf, we have to spend time really looking at it. It’s in this observation that we notice the small things: the way the edges are a little uneven, how some parts are still green while others are tinged with gold, and maybe even the tiny holes left behind by insects.
By focusing on these little details, we engage with nature in a more meaningful way. This process of slowing down and observing brings a deeper appreciation for the world around us. And even if the final painting doesn’t come out exactly how we imagined, we’ve already gained something valuable: the joy of really seeing.
Painting as a Tool for Mindfulness
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush through life without truly experiencing the moment. Watercolor painting can be a tool for mindfulness, helping us reconnect with the present and enjoy the subtle details of our surroundings. When we sit down to paint, we give ourselves permission to pause and take in the world at a slower pace.
This Fall, I encourage you to carve out time for a simple practice: find something in nature that catches your eye—a colorful leaf, an acorn, or even the texture of bark. Spend a few moments observing it, and then let that observation guide your painting.
Don’t worry about perfection; instead, focus on the act of seeing and capturing what you notice.
Introducing the Autumn Watercolor Workbook
I’ve designed my latest workbook focused on Autumn to help you connect with the beauty of this season through watercolor. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, the projects inside are simple but meaningful, guiding you to paint seasonal illustrations. Each project is designed to help you slow down, notice the details, and translate them onto the page.
One of my favorite tutorials from the workbook is a step-by-step guide to painting a fall tree. It’s a great exercise in observing the shifts in color and texture. Click here to access the tutorial now.
Look Closer: A Quick Exercise
For a fun way to get started, check out my Instagram reel where I share a simple exercise in looking closer at the world. In the video, I focus on a single fall leaf. Watch how I capture it's many colors with watercolor, and try it yourself! It’s a perfect way to bring a bit of Fall indoors and into your art.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Process
Remember, the beauty of watercolor painting doesn’t lie in creating a perfect piece of art—it lies in the act of creating, observing, and enjoying the process. This Fall, I hope you find time to slow down, look a little closer, and appreciate the world in all its seasonal glory. Whether you’re painting in my Autumn Watercolor workbook or exploring nature on your own, I hope you embrace the little moments of noticing that make life richer.
Stay Creative,
-Alyssa
