There’s something about autumn that I’ve always loved. The colours changing, the nights drawing in and that first real chill in the air seem to bring back so many memories. For me, autumn isn’t just a season — it’s all the little things that come with it. Walking through woods filled with reds, oranges and golds, Halloween as a kid, Bonfire Night, fireworks lighting up the sky and coming home to get warm after being out in the cold.Those memories have inspired quite a few of my paintings over the years.
Painting the Colours of Autumn
As an artist, autumn has to be one of my favourite times of year to paint.
I love working with light and colour, and at this time of year nature does a lot of the hard work for you! The deep reds, burnt oranges and golden light can completely transform an ordinary woodland scene. But I never really want my paintings to be just landscapes. I like to add people and little details that give each painting a story. Sometimes it might be children exploring in the woods or simply a moment between two people. I want you to be able to look at a painting and imagine what’s happening — or, even better, have it remind you of a memory of your own.
A Bit of Halloween Magic
Then, of course, there’s Halloween. I’ve always enjoyed painting scenes that have a bit of magic and mystery to them, so Halloween gives me the perfect excuse to make things a little spookier! Dark woods, big moons, pumpkins, old houses and children dressed up for Halloween are brilliant subjects to paint. But I still like there to be warmth in the picture. For me, Halloween is much more about that excitement we remember from being kids — getting dressed up, heading out as it starts getting dark and wondering what might be around the next corner. It’s spooky, but it’s also fun and full of imagination.
Remember, Remember…
Bonfire Night is another one that brings back so many memories for me. There’s nothing quite like standing around a huge bonfire on a cold November night, watching the sparks disappear into the darkness while fireworks go off overhead. When I paint Bonfire Night scenes, it’s the light that I really enjoy capturing. That intense orange and yellow glow from the fire against a really dark night creates such a dramatic painting. Families standing together, kids looking up at the fireworks and everyone gathered around the warmth of the fire. They’re simple moments, but they’re often the ones we remember.
Paintings Full of Memories
A lot of my artwork is inspired by nostalgia and memories of growing up. I love it when somebody looks at one of my paintings and tells me, “That reminds me of when I was a kid.” That’s probably one of the best compliments I can get.
