Fall leaves are terrific subjects for sketches in your nature journal. They're fascinating, but limited in size so you can spend some time in the details without feeling lost.
Here's one I drew on a recent hike in the park. I'm always picking up nature treasures like acorns and leaves. Halfway through our walk, we stopped at a spot with a convenient picnic table where I sat and sketched.
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I started with a pen sketch. It was a little wonky and imperfect, but I just kept drawing.
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I added layers of colored pencils in canary yellow, goldenrod, burnt sienna, sepia, dark brown, grass green, black and white for the veins.
I invite you to take a walk in nature, find a small treasure or two and make some sketches.
Give yourself the gift of time spent admiring the beauty of nature as you sketch. It's a satisfying way to slow down and absorb the calming effect of nature and your own creativity.
Don't judge your drawing as you make it. Simply focus on what you see, and let your hand follow your eye as you draw.
You're not a camera! Your job is to make a sketch, to explore and experiment, not make a "pretty picture."
Slowing down makes the experience more calming and pleasant. You'll notice more, too.
