In this visual tutorial, we’ll capture the crisp beauty of fall with a reflection landscape featuring a line of pine trees in stunning autumn colors.
You’ll learn how to paint a clear blue sky and its reflection on a calm lake, along with vibrant fall foliage in shades of red, yellow, green, and orange.
Using a brush technique, this easy fall landscape is ideal for beginners and will help you practice creating natural reflections in water while playing with the rich colors of autumn.
If you love autumn paintings, check out Fall Foliages.
Fall Foliages: Mastering Autumn Trees & Landscapes
“The autumn road paintings were my favorite part of the class. Learning to use a palette knife for the fallen leaves opened up a whole new world of texture for me!” — Emily S
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MATERIALS YOU NEED
Acrylic Colors:
- Light blue
- Sap green
- Cadmium yellow
- Crimson red
- White
- Black
Surface:
- I painted on an A6 watercolor paper.
Brushes:
- I used a size 4 filbert brush which is perfect for this canvas size. If you are painting bigger, then switch to a size that is proportionate with your painting surface.
- Size 1 & 2 round brush
Get my exact supply list for acrylic paintings, with helpful color mixing tips that you can start implementing right away!
painting steps:
- Sketch the horizon line where the trees will meet the lake, and lightly outline the pine trees along the shoreline.
- Paint the sky and water reflection, blending clear blue tones to create a serene backdrop. Make sure the sky and lake have a smooth, consistent reflection.
- Block in the pine trees with a mix of muted greens, oranges, yellows, and reds to represent the fall colors. Use a small brush to add details and vary the tree shapes for a more natural look.
- Create the tree reflections in the lake by mirroring the pine tree line. Use softer strokes for the reflection to give the water a calm, rippling effect.
- Refine the details by adding layers of color to the fall foliage and enhancing the reflections in the water. Make sure the colors on the trees and in the water are harmonious and balanced.
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If you enjoyed following this step-by-step guide through images, why not take your painting skills to the next level? In my Fall Foliages masterclass, I offer full demonstrations of this painting with voiceover and detailed guidance.
You’ll learn how to paint this fall reflection landscape from start to finish, with tips on mastering reflections, layering acrylics, and capturing the beauty of autumn scenes. Join the masterclass and take your autumn paintings to new heights!
This fall reflection landscape is perfect for learning how to blend colors and capture the beauty of autumn trees reflecting on a calm lake. If you enjoyed this beginner-friendly painting, there’s so much more to discover in my Fall Foliages masterclass! You’ll not only master these techniques but also explore a variety of autumn scenes, from glowing trees to misty fall mornings.
Happy painting!
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