Capturing fall foliage feels like capturing a season that wants to escape the moment you look away. This time I decided to take my small watercolor kit, a handful of acrylic markers, and my cotton watercolor sketchbook to record the colors of autumn: bright yellow, warm orange, and deep red. I enjoyed mixing both transparent and opaque media outdoors, letting each page reflect the shifting light and mood around me.
If you want sketch landscapes with acrylic markers this post is for you.
See my acrylic markers set here.
Small river
The first sketch started with a peaceful small river framed by scattered fall colors. There was not much foliage left, but the bits of yellow and orange gave the scene just enough warmth to feel seasonal. I began with fluid watercolor washes to catch the stones, water reflections, and soft shadows. After it dried, I used a fountain pen to bring out the contours. This quick mix helped me show both movement and serenity in one moment.
Pinecrest tree
Next I turned to a tall tree dressed in autumn colors. I loved how the branches carried both fading leaves and bright fresh tones. I worked in watercolor first, letting the transparent layers settle into the paper. When it dried, I added acrylic markers and fountain pen lines on top. The contrast between the transparent watercolor and opaque acrylics created a lively effect, almost like the tree glowed from inside. It felt like a small experiment that paid off.
Tree branches
When I noticed a fallen tree whose branches had become trees of their own, I knew I had to sketch it. I never saw such an unusual formation before. The tangled branches, roots, and reflections on the shallow water made the scene full of character. I used fast watercolor strokes to create the feeling of depth and movement, then added line work for structure. This moment reminded me why sketching outdoors feels so inspiring: nature always surprises you.
House and bridge
The last outside sketch features a ranch house peeking through yellow foliage and a wooden bridge leading the eye into the scene. I reached again for my watercolor kit to paint the warm brown tones of the bridge and the soft shadows around the house. The mix of warm leaves, geometric architecture, and soft natural shapes created a pleasant balance. It felt like discovering a hidden postcard moment.
Fall foliage nearby
Back at home, I spotted a tree glowing with fall colors from my balcony. I decided to capture it mostly with acrylic markers and just a bit of watercolor underneath. Acrylic markers helped me create vibrant dots and strokes that built the foliage layer by layer. Depth was challenging here, because the tree had a complex structure. Still, with patient layering and a few darker accents, the sketch came together beautifully, showing how dynamic fall leaves can look even in a small corner of everyday life.
Sketching fall foliage with both watercolor and acrylic markers turned into a rich and enjoyable experience. These two mediums complement each other: watercolor gives softness and atmosphere, while acrylic markers add bold rhythm and clarity. Most importantly, sketching outdoors encourages you to slow down and notice the colors that disappear far too quickly. I hope these moments inspire you to take your sketchbook outside and enjoy the season before it slips away.
