Capture Autumn In Loose Watercolour

Autumn is a season of change. The trees remind us, year after year, that letting go can be beautiful. Leaves turn gold, scarlet, and amber, then drift away — a gentle reminder that nothing lasts forever, and that’s what makes life precious.

As artists, autumn invites us to slow down and notice. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the golden glow of the afternoon sun — all of these are moments worth capturing, whether in paint, words, or memory.

The Beauty of Imperfection

One of the reasons I love painting autumn leaves in loose watercolour is that they mirror nature’s freedom. No two leaves are ever the same. Their spots, rips, and colour shifts are what make them beautiful. In the same way, when we paint loosely, we embrace unpredictability — blooms, runs, and textures become part of the story.

Just as trees release their leaves without clinging, loose watercolour teaches us to release control. To trust the flow of water. To let the pigments mingle and surprise us.

A Simple Practice for the Season

I’ve created a small exercise you can try today:

1. Collect some leaves and berries and nuts on your nature walks – Feel inspired by what you are seeing.
2. Pick up your brush and paint a single leaf shape by outlining your leaf.
3. Drop in a mix of yellow, red, and brown — watch them blend.
4. As it dries, watch the beautiful colours create autumn on your paper.

It doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, the more spontaneous, the better.

Bringing Autumn Into Your Life

Painting autumn leaves isn’t just about art — it’s a form of mindfulness. Every brushstroke is a way of saying: I was here, I noticed, I felt this season.

So, as the leaves fall outside your window, take a moment to bring that beauty onto your paper. Let your your sketchbook, and watercolour paper hold a piece of this fleeting season.

Ready to take the class? Click here to follow this real time loose watercolour class, or here to take the step-by-step version.

Loose painting tip of the month: Capture autumn not just with your brush, but with your heart.

With Love,

Jennifer Rose xx