Artwork Inspired by Autumn

Connecting the Past with the Present…

Recently I discovered an old sketchbook of mine and found this poem I had written along with this watercolour leaf sketch. I had observed Autumn on a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh 11 years ago and remember sitting under a large pine tree experiencing the present moment with all my senses.

The Royal Botanic Gardens is an incredibly special place in the heart of the city. I was lucky to visit the gardens regularly when I was growing up in Edinburgh, and from my perspective as a child, it felt like a secret world. A place where my imagination could play. Now, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I find it offers a quiet place to appreciate and connect with the sights, smells and sounds of nature. Every season is beautiful there, but Autumn is particularly spectacular due to the variety of inspiring colours on display.

A detail of a tree in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, October 2020

The Joy of Colourful Autumn

Autumn is inspiring. Before our eyes we watch as the bright and bold hues of Summer change into the rich and intense tones of Autumn. It’s pretty darn magical when you think about it!

There is an instinctive joy in seeing green leaves turn into a unique and harmonious blend of red, orange and yellow.

Its transitionary briefness makes it extra special to observe because you know once the last leaves fall to the ground, it’ll be Spring before the trees are beautifully dressed again. The Autumn colour palette is earthy and deep, a combination that feels warming and comforting as the colder season approaches. Our landscapes are filled with a glorious array of russet, crimson, amber, saffron, burnt orange, sepia and olive.

Exploring the Autumn palette using watercolour inks…

Autumn Foraging!

In a time like this, when we live with certain restrictions, it feels particularly important to embrace what we have at hand. A walk around our local park can energise the body and the mind. Observing a squirrel collecting acorns or listening to the wind rustling leaves in the trees allows us to be present in the now.

After finding my old sketchbook, I made a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens to develop what I recorded 11 years ago. This time I took a bag and went foraging for some Autumn goodies! I collected items from the ground including fallen leaves, conkers, pine cones and berries. I created and photographed some still life patterns, working quickly and intuitively with the fresh items before they wilted at the end of the day.

Happy to bring a touch of the gardens into my home, I placed some leaves within a book and left them to dry for 3 days. Once pressed, I crafted some decorations to make my home feel festive!