Last Updated on July 15, 2025 by Dee
There’s something magical about painting in autumn. The crisp air, changing leaves, and golden light are just begging to be captured on paper with a brush and some watercolors. If you’ve been itching to dive into seasonal creativity, this guide is packed with inspiring DIY autumn watercolor paintings—plus free templates you can download to get started.
Whether you’re into cozy cottagecore scenes, autumn leaves, or abstract washes of warm color, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dig in 🍁
Table of Contents
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Watercolor Painting Supplies To Get Started!
This is my go-to list of recommended watercolor painting supplies that we use for all our watercolor art, junk journaling, and art journaling!
**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**
- Watercolors: Windsor & Newton is a reputable brand that offers high-quality watercolor paints. You can choose from their range of professional-grade watercolor tubes or pans, depending on your preference.
- Watercolor Paper: Look for cold-pressed, 140lb (300gsm) watercolor paper for the best results. This type of paper is durable and has a nice texture that’s ideal for watercolor painting.
- Brushes: A selection of round and flat brushes in various sizes will give you the versatility you need for different strokes and details. Sable or synthetic brushes designed for watercolor will give you the best performance.
- Palette: A mixing palette with wells for both mixing and holding your paints is essential. It can be a simple plastic one or a porcelain palette for a more luxurious feel.
- Water Container: Any clean jar or container will do, but having two for clean and dirty water can help keep your colors pure.
- Masking Fluid: This is used to cover areas of your painting that you want to keep white. Make sure to apply it with an old brush or a dedicated masking fluid brush, as it can ruin fine bristles.
- Pencils: A soft pencil, like a 2B, is great for sketching your design before painting.
- Eraser: A kneaded eraser is gentle on watercolor paper and can lift pencil lines without damaging the surface.
- Paper Towels or a Rag: These are useful for blotting your brush to control the amount of water and paint.
- Board: If you’re using watercolor paper from a pad or sheets, you might want to tape your paper down to a board to prevent warping.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love in my own art practice.
For a great pencil-to-paint workflow, check out this post on the best watercolor pencils.
1. Autumn Leaves Watercolor Study
Tips: Practice layering warm colors—start with a pale yellow base and add layers of orange, red, and burgundy. Let each layer dry slightly before applying the next.
Colors: Cadmium Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Alizarin Crimson, Sap Green.
Supplies: Round brushes (size 4 & 6), 300gsm watercolor paper, masking tape to frame edges.
2. Watercolor Pumpkins (Whimsical & Classic)
Tips: Sketch out the basic pumpkin shape and add shading with a diluted blue or grey for contrast.
Colors: Orange, Burnt Umber, Payne’s Grey, Olive Green.
Supplies: Fineliner for inking, watercolor palette, free pumpkin template (coming soon!).
3. Fall Forest Landscape
Tips: Use wet-on-wet technique to blur background trees and dry brush for foreground details.
Colors: Sap Green, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Indigo.
Supplies: Flat wash brush, size 2 round brush, textured watercolor paper.
4. Abstract Autumn Washes
Tips: Focus on blending and color transitions. Use salt or clingfilm for texture.
Colors: Deep reds, golds, russet oranges.
Supplies: Large mop brush, salt, water sprayer.
5. Autumn Tree Silhouette at Sunset
Tips: Create a glowing sky with graduated washes before painting in tree silhouettes.
Colors: Cadmium Red, Yellow Ochre, Indigo, Black.
Supplies: Round brush, small liner brush, masking fluid (optional).
6. Acorn and Oak Leaf Illustration
Tips: Draw outlines lightly first. Use ink and watercolor together (line and wash style).
Colors: Sepia, Olive Green, Burnt Umber.
Supplies: Fineliners, watercolor set, mixed media sketchbook.
7. Mini Autumn Postcard Series
Tips: Paint tiny 4×6 scenes—great for practicing and sharing.
Colors: Any autumn palette—mix and match.
Supplies: Cold press postcard paper, small round brushes.
8. Watercolor & Ink Mushrooms
Tips: Add whimsy with dotted ink caps and earthy color washes.
Colors: Indian Red, Sepia, Payne’s Grey.
Supplies: Micron pens, size 2 brush, reference photos.
9. Autumn Wreath Painting
Tips: Sketch a light circle and build wreath with seasonal elements—leaves, berries, twigs.
Colors: Burgundy, Sap Green, Burnt Sienna.
Supplies: Compass, watercolor brushes, eraser.
10. Cozy Cottage in Fall
Tips: Use line and wash technique for structure. Blend warm tones into foliage.
Colors: Yellow Ochre, Sepia, Crimson, Olive.
Related Tutorial: Magnolia Flower Watercolor
11. Fall-Themed Watercolor Bookmarks
Tips: Divide paper vertically, and paint four small illustrations—leaves, acorns, mushrooms, etc.
Colors: Rich oranges, rusty reds, deep greens.
Supplies: Ruler, pencil, watercolors.
12. Thanksgiving Pumpkin Table Scene
Tips: Sketch a rustic tabletop layout with candles, pumpkins, leaves.
Colors: Pumpkin Orange, Cream, Deep Red, Forest Green.
Supplies: 300gsm paper, masking tape, light pencil.
13. Watercolor Woodland Creatures
Tips: Keep it soft and minimal. Focus on shape and color blocks.
Colors: Brown, Warm Grey, Rust Red.
Supplies: Graphite pencil, watercolor palette.
14. Blustery Autumn Day Scene
Tips: Create motion using curved strokes and angled trees.
Colors: Cool Grey, Indigo, Ochre.
Supplies: Soft brush, pencil.
15. Autumn Flowers Watercolor
Tips: Use delicate strokes for petals and layer color for vibrancy.
Colors: Coral, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna.
Supplies: Detail brushes, watercolor template.
16. Hot Chocolate Mug with Leaves
Tips: Paint from top view. Add steam with diluted gray and curved lines.
Colors: Cocoa, Marshmallow White, Fall Leaf Colors.
Supplies: Circular stencil (optional), fineliner.
17. Watercolor Pumpkin Patch
Tips: Mix different shapes and colors for variety.
Colors: Orange, Pale Blue, Olive Green.
Supplies: Fineliner, size 4 brush, sketch pencil.
18. Autumn Galaxy Sky
Tips: Combine night sky technique with warm fall tones.
Colors: Indigo, Crimson, Cadmium Orange, Payne’s Grey.
Supplies: Masking tape, toothbrush for stars.
19. Autumn Quote with Watercolor Border
Tips: Paint leaves or pumpkins around hand-lettered quotes.
Colors: Coordinated warm palette.
Related Post: Watercolor Christmas Cards
20. Hummingbird & Autumn Flowers
Tips: Try line and wash with a gentle hand for florals and birds.
Colors: Crimson, Yellow Ochre, Sap Green.
Related Tutorial: Watercolor Hummingbird
Pin this for later! 👇🏻
Autumn is such a rich season to paint—visually, emotionally, and creatively. These DIY watercolor painting ideas are all about slowing down, noticing the little things, and making art that feels warm and personal.
Which one are you going to try first? 🍂