Capturing

Autumn with
Watercolors

© COPYRIGHT KRISTINE RAPOHINA ART 2024

 I'm Kristine, a botanical watercolor artist, instructor, and

Hello and lover Nature. My journey with watercolor began in 2016,

and since then, I've fallen deeply in love with the beauty,

welcome!
and serenity that this medium offers. Through my art and
teaching, my goal is to help others find joy and relaxation
in the painting process—no matter where they are on their
artistic journey.
This eBook, "Capturing Autumn with Watercolors," is my
way of sharing the magic of this vibrant and cozy season
with you. Autumn has always been my favorite time of year
—the crisp air, the rich colors, and the quiet moments of
reflection. I find endless inspiration in Nature’s shifting
palette, and I want to help you translate that into your own
watercolor creations.

In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step painting tutorials for

classic Autumn subjects like pumpkins, leaves, and even
the delicate white cosmos flower. I’ve also included a few
of my favorite study pages, featuring acorns, apples, and
chestnuts to inspire detailed exploration of seasonal
elements. You’ll learn tips on mixing the perfect autumn
browns, along with creative prompts to fuel your
kristineart.com imagination. To add a personal touch, I’m also sharing a
cozy autumn vlog, where I invite you into my home to see
how I balance family life, cooking, and art during this
wonderful season.

Let’s embark on this creative journey together. I can’t wait

to see what you’ll create!

Warmly,
Kristine

“The joy of painting lies not in the final result, but in the quiet moments when you’re lost in your work
—the hum of the brush, the fluid movement of the colors, and the soft silence of creativity. In those
moments, you are not just creating art; you are connecting with something deeper within yourself.”

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MIXING THE PERFECT Pigments that I use to mix any variety
of Browns:

BROWNS FOR AUTUMN Lemon Yellow

Indian Yellow
Transparent Yellow
Alizarin Crimson
Autumn is a season full of rich, warm tones— Perylene Maroon
think of the deep browns in fallen leaves, the Ultramarine Blue

warm earthy hues of pumpkins, and the subtle Perylene Green

shades of acorns and tree bark. Mixing these

browns in watercolor may seem simple, but
achieving the perfect balance requires a bit of
experimentation and understanding of
pigments.

In this section, I'll guide you through creating a

versatile palette of browns that will add depth
and warmth to your autumn paintings. You'll
find descriptions of key pigments, my favorite
brown mixes, and a video link to help you
master the process. 14
PROFESSIONAL
To dive deeper into the mixing process, watch WATERCOLOR
my YouTube tutorial where I demonstrate PIGMENTS
step-by-step how to mix beautiful, earthy SENNELIER RED

browns using a range of pigments. Click the TRANSPARENT YELLOW ALIZARIN CRIMSON

link below to access the full video:

INDIAN YELLOW PERMANENT ROSE

LEMON YELLOW RED VIOLET

WATCH THE FULL TUTORIAL:

MIXING AUTUMN BROWNS MANGANESE VIOLET INDIGO

PERYLENE MAROON ULTRAMARINE BLUE

SAP GREEN
!!IMPORTANT!!
PERYLENE VIOLET PERYLENE GREEN

Experiment with pigments that you have in your paint box. No need to buy new ones before you
really explored what you have.

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STUDY PAGE – ACORN: A SIMPLE
GUIDE TO PRACTICE AND PLAY

Welcome to your first study page! In this To get started, watch my short video tutorial
section, we’ll focus on creating a beautiful, where I guide you through the entire process
beginner-friendly watercolor study of an acorn —from mixing the perfect autumn browns and
with its accompanying leaf. greens to sketching and painting your acorn
and leaf. Click below to watch:

The goal of this exercise is not perfection, but

practice—a stress-free way to experiment with
WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL: ACORN
color mixing and composition while embracing
COLOR MIXING AND STUDY PROCESS
the natural beauty of autumn’s small details.

AMAZING TOOL FOR

WATERCOLOR MIXING

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STUDY PAGE – ACORN: A SIMPLE
GUIDE TO PRACTICE AND PLAY
WHY STUDY PAGES MATTER WHY IMPERFECTION IS YOUR
Study pages are an excellent way to build your
BEST TEACHER
skills in watercolor painting without the This study page is designed to be a stress-free
pressure of creating a “finished” piece. They practice. There’s no need to worry about
offer a space for exploration and growth, creating a “perfect” acorn or leaf—in fact,
where you can: embracing imperfections is key to growing as
an artist.
Practice Color Mixing: Experiment with
creating the perfect earthy tones for the Remember, it’s in these small, daily studies
acorn and soft greens for the leaf. This is a where real growth happens. With each acorn
great way to build confidence in blending you paint, you’ll feel more comfortable mixing
and layering colors. colors, controlling your brush, and finding
your unique style.
Refine Your Techniques: Test out different
brushstrokes and layering methods. Feel
free to adjust the pressure on your brush or
experiment with wet-on-wet techniques.

Embrace Imperfection: The key to this

exercise is to have fun with it! There's no
need to aim for a perfect result. By letting go
of the idea of creating a flawless piece, you
allow your creativity to flow more freely. CERAMIC WATERCOLOR
PALETTE FOR AUTUMN

“Let go of your inner “Perfectionist” - it really slows you down and keeps you away from succeeding.
Embrace mistakes, even wait for them. Because if you make mistakes – you are learning and if you are
learning – you are succeeding!”

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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STUDY PAGE – CHESTNUT:
TESTING COLORS AND TECHNIQUES
In this study, we’ll explore painting a chestnut, CREATING A DYNAMIC
another rich, autumnal subject perfect for STUDY PAGE
practicing color mixing and refining your
painting techniques.
A study page like this is all about discovery.
You’re not aiming to create a finished
painting, but to learn through
WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL:
experimentation. Here’s how you can
CHESTNUT STUDY PROCESS
approach your chestnut study:

Before starting, be sure to check out my short

tutorial where I walk you through the process 1. Sketch Your Chestnut
of mixing deep browns and greens for the
chestnut shell and smooth nut interior. In the You can use an outline drawing I have to each
video, I’ll show you how to leave portions project, but you can also do it yourself.
unfinished, allowing you to explore different Lightly sketch your chestnut and its spiky
watercolor techniques and approaches. shell. Don’t worry about drawing the whole
thing—just create a partial outline to guide
>>>
your painting process.

HIGH QUALITY
WATERCOLOR BRUSHES

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STUDY PAGE – CHESTNUT:
TESTING COLORS AND TECHNIQUES
2. Testing Colors 5. Observe and Experiment

•For the chestnut’s rich brown hues, try mixing Take note of how the different colors you’ve
Lemon Yellow with Alizarin Crimson and mixed react when layered, how the paint
Ultramarine Blue for a deep, red-brown color. behaves when more or less water is added, and
More Alizarin Crimson what effects you like. This is a time for
observation and learning, not a race to finish a
•For the shell, mix Sap Green with Lemon perfect painting.
Yellow and a touch of Brown mix.
I used greens from the previous study page. THE VALUE OF INCOMPLETE
STUDIES
Paint different parts of the chestnut to see how Leaving parts of your study incomplete is a
the colors behave on the page. Experiment with powerful way to gain insight into your
layering, adding water, and blending. painting process. It gives you the freedom to
make changes, test colors, and adjust
3. Leave Areas Unfinished techniques as you go without worrying about
a polished outcome. You can even return to
Allow part of your chestnut sketch to remain your study later, building on what you’ve
incomplete—this space is for you to test out learned, or use it as a reference for future
various color mixes and techniques. Try different projects.
brushstrokes, layering methods, or wet-on-wet
techniques to see how the pigments interact. Use By testing your colors and experimenting
this part of the study page to learn through play. with brushstrokes, you build familiarity with
your materials and gain confidence in your
4. Play with Textures approach to more complex subjects.
Remember, this is all about the process—the
The spiky shell of a chestnut offers a fun learning happens in the experimentation, not
challenge! Use a fine-tipped brush to test out in the final product.
adding texture. You can create the spiky
appearance with quick, light strokes of a darker
green or brown mix. Don’t be afraid to let some “The world is full of interesting subjects just waiting
of the textures blur or blend—it’s a part of the to be captured. Don’t shy away from the ones that
learning process. challenge you. It’s in exploring the unfamiliar that
your art, and your creativity, will truly grow.”

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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STUDY PAGE – APPLE: EXPLORING
COLOR AND TONAL VALUES
Welcome to another exciting study!

This time, we’ll focus on painting an apple, an To guide you through this study, I’ve created
autumn favorite, and a fantastic subject for a short video that covers mixing the reds,
experimenting with both color mixing and greens, and yellows needed for the apple’s
tonal values. Like the chestnut study, this page skin, as well as how to create smooth tonal
will be incomplete, giving you space to explore transitions to add depth and roundness.
watercolor mixes and practice shading without
the pressure of finishing the entire piece. Follow along and leave parts of the apple
unfinished so you can test colors and
Through this, you’ll gain a deeper shading techniques.
understanding of how to create realistic forms
using color and light.

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL:

APPLE STUDY PROCESS

AMAZING TOOL FOR

WATERCOLOR MIXING

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STUDY PAGE – APPLE: EXPLORING
COLOR AND TONAL VALUES
CREATING YOUR APPLE STUDY 3. Tonal Study and Layering
PAGE
Pay attention to how the colors blend and the
This apple study will give you the opportunity to
contrast between light and shadow. This tonal
practice not only color mixing but also tonal
study will help you see how to create the
values—light, shadow, and everything in
illusion of depth and roundness in your
between. Here’s how to approach it:
subject. Watercolor is all about building
layers, so don’t hesitate to go over areas more
1. Sketch Your Apple
than once as you test out tonal values.

Start with a simple sketch of an apple. You can

outline the whole apple or just a section of it, THE POWER OF TONAL STUDIES
depending on where you’d like to focus your
practice. Keep it light and loose. Studying tonal values is essential for creating
realistic watercolor paintings. The apple’s
2. Exploring Tonal Values round, simple form makes it a perfect subject
for understanding how light hits an object
•Light Source: Determine where the light is and how shadows define its shape. Use this
coming from and mark where your highlights study as a way to practice shading and
will be. Focus on creating smooth transitions layering - you can always come back to it and
from light to dark to make the apple appear add more detail as your skills grow.
more three-dimensional.
Remember, this is a learning exercise, so
•Shadows: On the darker side of the apple, add don’t worry about perfection. Allow the
deeper, more saturated color. Practice layering colors to flow naturally and observe how the
the paint to build up shadow gradually, using light and dark areas interact. You’re building
more water for lighter areas and more pigment valuable skills in observation, color mixing,
for darker spots. Test this in one part of your and tonal contrast!
study while leaving other areas unfinished to
compare your tonal ranges.

“Every subject, no matter how simple, holds within it a world of color, light, and shadow. Don’t rush to
finish—take your time to explore, experiment, and let your painting evolve with each brushstroke.”

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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DISCOVERING THE ARTISTRY OF
AUTUMN'S BROWNS
THE BEAUTY OF MUSHROOM ILLUSTRATION

For today's practice, I've chosen a subject that embodies the spirit of autumn—mushrooms. These
delightful fungi sprout from the forest floor, their unique shapes and colors adding a touch of
whimsy to the landscape.

By painting a mushroom illustration, you'll not only explore the enchanting world of browns but also
pay homage to the tiny marvels that thrive during this season. And after finishing this illustration it
can be a nice addition to your creative space or a really sweet gift!

TRY YOUR HANDS ON THIS

MUSHROOM ILLUSTRATION

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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CAPTURING AUTUMN'S MAJESTY
- THE MAPLE LEAF

Today, I'm diving headfirst into one of the most

iconic symbols of autumn—the magnificent
maple leaf. Get ready to unlock the beauty and
vibrancy of this emblematic foliage as I guide
you through a full tutorial.

The maple leaf is a symbol of the changing

seasons, and during autumn, it takes center
stage with its fiery reds, vibrant oranges, and
rich golds. Its intricate veins and unique shape
make it a captivating subject for artists.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1. Watercolor paper, at least 300gsm

2. Pigments – Lemon Yellow, Indian Yellow,

Sennelier Red, Alizarin Crimson, Perylene
Maroon, Perylene Violet, Sap Green, WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL:
Ultramarine Blue – experiment with pigments MAPLE LEAF
you already have in your paintbox.

3. Brushes – round synthetic brush N7 and fine

tip brush N4

4. Paper towel, erasers, pencils, plain paper for

line drawing transfer.

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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ANOTHER AUTUMN'S MAJESTY -
THE BROWN MAPLE LEAF

Another Maple leaf - I can't get enough of Maple

leaves, hope you too. :) And I already am
gathering reference photos for a new Maple leaf
painting.

This has different color and also form.

Great to practice a big curve for 3D look

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1. Watercolor paper, at least 300gsm

2. Pigments – Lemon Yellow, Indian Yellow,

Sennelier Red, Alizarin Crimson, Perylene
Maroon, Perylene Violet, Sap Green,
Ultramarine Blue – experiment with pigments
you already have in your paintbox.
WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL:
3. Brushes – round synthetic brush N7 and fine BROWN MAPLE LEAF
tip brush N4

4. Paper towel, erasers, pencils, plain paper for

line drawing transfer.

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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PAINTING THE SPIRIT OF
AUTUMN - IT'S PUMPKIN TIME!

Today, we're diving into the heart of autumn

with a delightful subject that embodies the
season's essence—the pumpkin. Get ready to
unleash your creativity and paint the spirit of
autumn.

Pumpkins are synonymous with autumn. Their

warm, earthy colors and charming shapes make
them an irresistible subject for artists. Whether
you prefer the classic orange pumpkin or the
whimsy of heirloom varieties, today's practice
will allow you to explore the delightful world of
pumpkin painting.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1. Watercolor paper, at least 300gsm

2. Pigments – Lemon Yellow, Indian Yellow,

Sennelier Red, Alizarin Crimson, Perylene
Maroon, Perylene Violet, Sap Green, Manganese
Violet – experiment with pigments you already
have in your paint box.
WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL:
PUMPKINS
3. Brushes – round synthetic brush N7 and fine
tip brush N4, big round brush for wider
brushstrokes and water layers

4. Paper towel, erasers, pencils, and plain paper

for line drawing transfer.

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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AUTUMN'S MELODY - PAINTING
THE RUSTIC CHARM OF ACORNS

Today’s lesson is about “How to Paint a 3D

form” and I will show you that on an example of
two differently painted Acorns.

WATERCOLOR SKETHCBOOKS
HOT PRESSED 300GSM
WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL:
ACORN

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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AUTUMN'S DANCE – PAINTING
FALLEN LEAVES ILLUSTRATION

In this practice we're capturing the graceful and

whimsical dance of falling leaves.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1. Watercolor paper, at least 300gsm, or a

sketchbook with watercolor paper

2. Pigment mixes of the browns we did on

Page 16

3. Brushes – round synthetic brush N7 and fine

tip brush N4

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL:

FALL LEAVES

WATERCOLOR HP PAPER BLOCK

140 LB / 300 GSM

You can paint this composition on a whole piece of paper. I did it on my sketchbook whole opening.

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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MARIGOLD MAGIC - PAINTING
THE RADIANCE OF MARIGOLD
FLOWERS

We'll focus on the vibrant and cheerful

marigold flowers, a symbol of the season's
radiant warmth.

Marigolds are a quintessential autumn flower

known for their brilliant shades of yellow and
orange. They bring a burst of warmth and color
to gardens and landscapes during this season.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1. Watercolor paper, at least 300gsm

2. Pigments – Lemon Yellow, Indian Yellow,

Sennelier Red, Alizarin Crimson, Perylene
Maroon, Perylene Violet – experiment with
pigments you already have in your paint box.

3. Brushes – round synthetic brush N7 and fine

tip brush N4.

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL:

MARIGOLD

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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AUTUMN'S GRACE - PAINTING
THE FRAGILE BEAUTY OF
WHITE COSMOS

Today, we're celebrating the delicate beauty of

the white cosmos flower—a symbol of purity,
simplicity, and the graceful transition of
autumn into winter.

As autumn bids farewell and the world prepares

for winter, the white cosmos stands gracefully
in gardens, its pure petals symbolizing the
lingering elegance of the season. Today, we'll
guide you in painting the fragile and elegant
beauty of the white cosmos while capturing the
essence of autumn's gentle transition.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1. Watercolor paper, at least 300gsm

2. Pigments – Lemon Yellow, Indian Yellow,

Permanent Rose, Perylene Violet, Manganese
Violet, Ultramarine Blue, Sap Green –
experiment with pigments you already have in
your paint box. WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL:
WHITE COSMOS
3. Brushes – round synthetic brush N7 and fine
tip brush N4.

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LINE DRAWING
HOW TO TRANSFER AN
OUTLINE DRAWING VIDEO

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ART MATERIALS
Brushes Watercolor set Brush case

FIND HERE FIND HERE FIND HERE

Ceramic palettes (Classsic, Flower, Leaf)

FIND HERE FIND HERE FIND HERE

Sketchbook with 200gsm watercolor paper Sketchbook

PINK - FIND HERE FIND HERE FIND HERE

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LEARN MORE

Online School starting from 10$ Tier - here you can have
Patreon extra attention from me with live feedback for your work.
More than 180 tutorials in real-time and with voice-over.

I have made a list of tutorials to make it easy to find the

tutorial that you would like to try. Divided all tutorials into 4
Tutorials sections - Beginner Section; Advanced Section; Pencil Practice
and Learning Watercolors.

Art materials, painting tutorials, original paintings,

Shop stationery and prints!

Follow me on YouTube! Suggested Autumn Videos:

A Cozy Autumn Day in the Forest
How to Paint a Realistic Apple
Youtube Chrysanthemum flower watercolor painting
demonstration
White flower watercolor painting
How to paint a mushroom with watercolors

Follow me on Pinterest for extra inspiration and motivation

Pinterest
to practice painting!

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Thank
you!
Follow me here:

kristineart.com