This morning, I noticed how quickly autumn is settling in. Cool mornings and crisp leaves always remind me of why I adore this season. So, in this week blog, I am feeling inspired to reflect on some of my favourite autumnal artworks over the years.

Miniature Pumpkin

It feels impossible to talk about autumn without mentioning pumpkins! This little miniature pumpkin, with its classic autumnal orange, captures everything I love about the season.

From the playful tradition of Halloween carving to the simple beauty of its round form, pumpkins are both a visual and kitchen delight. Painting this tiny gourd was my way of celebrating the much anticipated arrival of autumn. Beyond its beauty, pumpkins have a rich history as a fruit, connecting us to centuries of harvest traditions throughout the world.

Apple

Juicy, vibrant red apples are arguably the quintessential fruit of autumn. Their crispness and colour inspire creativity in so many ways. I even created an artwork featuring a whole basket of them! Apples are everywhere in the autumn, whether bobbing for them at harvest festivals, baking them into pies, or pressing them into cider. The sight of a perfect autumn apple is enough to make the season feel complete.

Oak Leaf

Few things capture the essence of autumn like the crunch of leaves underfoot. The transformation of green foliage into reds, oranges, and deep browns is a reminder that nature itself is an artist. This oak leaf caught my eye on a chilly autumn walk years ago. Its delicate veins, subtle brown spots and rich hues make it endlessly fascinating to study and paint, a tiny masterpiece in its own right!

Fly Agaric

Few sights signal autumn like the iconic fly agaric mushroom. Its vibrant red cap dotted with white is instantly recognisable and utterly enchanting. Found across the UK, this mushroom is a key theme in folklore and children’s storybooks, carrying a long history in mythology. Beautiful as it may be, it’s highly toxic, so is best kept to painting or photography! Spotting one in the wild is like a secret sign that autumn is truly here.

Shrubby St John’s Wort

Shrubby St John’s Wort is a late-summer and autumn highlight in the garden. Unlike most berry-producing plants, it carries its bright berries well into the cooler months, providing colour and interest when many other plants are fading. Its berries, ranging from fiery reds to warm oranges, echo the classic shades of an autumnal palette. Evergreen leaves and seasonal berries make it a perfect feature for both gardens and cut arrangements inside the home, bringing a touch of autumnal warmth indoors.

Thank you for reading this week’s blog! I would love to hear your thoughts about autumn below, so I can grow my seasonal ideas!

Head on over to my Patreon to draw or paint some of your own autumnal artwork with my tutorials.