Continuing my obsession with autumn, I created a watercolor fall painting in this tutorial.It’s got pretty leaves,twigs and acorns.And the best part is you can create a similar pattern which can be used to print some fabulous goodies.

I’m literally obsessed with fall colors.The warm palette makes my heart swoon. It’s funny how colors can evoke emotion depending on which side of the color wheel they reside in.There’s so much to color than what you see. I can go on talking about it but that’s not the purpose of this tutorial.So without boring you any further, I’ll begin the watercolor fall painting tutorial.You will also be able to make this painting into a pattern which I will explain in another detailed tutorial.

{This post contains affiliate links. This means that I will earn a small percentage if you decide to buy from one of the links you click below.You will not be charged extra.}

Materials you’ll need for the watercolor fall painting are:-

• Watercolor paints- Artist paints(I use the Sennelier 24 pan set) or Student paints(I recommend the Winsor and Newton Cotman paints or the Sakura Koi set)
• Watercolor paper
• Watercolor brushes
• Palette

Colors used for the watercolor fall painting:-

• Warm Sepia
• Phthalo,Green light
• Forest green
• Yellow ochre
• Venerian red
• Burnt Sienna
• Naples yellow deep

Step 1:To begin,paint twigs randomly in different directions.Paint them in a sort of curved manner as though they’ve been tossed in the air.To emulate a twig in real life,paint nodes.Finish a twig by adding a small blob at the end.I used the color “warm sepia” from the Sennelier palette.

Notice how all the twigs look like they’ve been thrown up in the air because of the way I’ve painted it?

The nodes form an integral part of the twigs.Continue until you’re happy with the placement.

Step 2:The next step is to paint the different elements that emerge from the twigs.Start by painting a beautiful “odd-pinnate” leaf.Odd-pinnate leaves are the scientific name for those leaves that have leaflets on either side of the center and ending in a single leaflet.Next add an acorn to the twig.

Continue adding more leaves and acorns as you progress with the watercolor fall painting.I’m going to be frank here,you’ll have a lot of watercoloring to do now.So get that cup of coffee or put on some funky music to enjoy the process.

For the acorns, I used “warm sepia” and “raw umber”.

Step 3: As you progress further, make sure that you paint the leaves in warm colors too.Since this painting is inspired by autumn, it should have the warm colors I talked about earlier.

For the green leaves, I used a mix of “phthalo,light green”,”forest green” and “yellow ochre”.We’re nearly there! If you’re getting bored, take a break.You can always get a little refreshed and return back to the painting.

For the warmer leaves, I used a mix of “yellow ochre”,”venerian red”,”naples yellow deep” and “warm sepia”.

Fill in the gaps between the twigs.There should be a balance between the negative space and filled space.Look at the painting from a distance to check whether it needs more elements.If you’re happy with the result, wait for it to dry and scan the painting.

Step 4:Once you’re done scanning, you can use Society6 to create stunning art prints,tote bags and even my favorite throw pillows.It can be a bit tedious and confusing to upload stuff there but I’m just an e-mail away.

I generally don’t promote the things I sell here because I make these blog posts for you to learn.And that really is the sole purpose of my blog.But Society 6 is running a promotion where you can bag any of my products with free shipping worldwide.How cool is that?I’m totally eying that throw pillow I’ve shown below.The promotion expires on October 11,2015 at Midbight Pacific Time.Use any one of the links below to avail the promotional offer.

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Take a look at the throw pillows:Click here

Take a look at the tote bags:Click here

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Take a look at all the products:Click here

What do you think?

I hope you’ve learned plenty from this tutorial.I explained the process here in detail so that you can also create your own patterns.What are your favorite elements of autumn?Let me know all about it in the comments below.And share your creations with me on Instagram using the hashtag #makeinkstruck.

Cheers!

About zakkiya @ inkstruck studio

Zakkiya is the creative blogger and founder of Inkstruck Studio. She’s a self taught artist who let go of her architecture profession to pursue her passion in art. Zakkiya likes to write detailed tutorials in watercolor, calligraphy, and hand lettering. She also teaches watercolor workshops occasionally in Doha where she’s based currently. Other passions include traveling, photography, and basketball.When she’s not working, you can find her cuddling and running around with her toddler boy.