If you know anything about me, you probably know I love color. Lots and lots of color! But what you might not know is that autumn is, hands down, my absolute favorite time of year.
The crisp air, cloudy skies, the smell of wet earth after a good rain, and those magnificent autumn colors. Oh, those COLORS! There's just something about this season that calls to my soul.
Living in Oregon, I get to enjoy some pretty spectacular scenery this time of year. One of my favorite sights is watching the misty clouds drift through the trees along the hillsides on my drives home from work. Sometimes the clouds hang so low that the tree tops are barely visible behind them. I could stare at that view forever.
And unlike some folks, I actually LOVE the rain!
A Little Autumn Tradition
Every year, I try to make time for a drive up to Clear Lake to soak up the autumn colors. It's one of those little traditions I look forward to, especially when the vine maples are putting on their best show.
Unfortunately, this year has been a little different. Life has been incredibly busy, and just when I thought I might find some time to sneak away, the rain decided to settle in for days. So my annual autumn adventure might not happen this year.
So, on the last sunny day before the rain arrived, I made an impromptu stop at my neighbor's place. Y'all, his driveway is absolutely GORGEOUS this time of year! It's lined on both sides with birch trees that turn the most magnificent shade of golden yellow. The branches stretch overhead, and the ground becomes a thick carpet of fallen leaves. It's like walking through a golden tunnel.
And of course, I couldn't resist taking pictures!
Seriously, would you look at those colors?!
Peaceful autumn landscape featuring a tree-lined driveway covered in golden fallen leaves, with vibrant yellow and orange foliage creating a beautiful canopy of fall color.
Give Me All the Cozy Autumn Things
As much as I love being outdoors this time of year, I'm equally happy curled up inside with a warm blanket, a cup of tea, and something wonderful to read.
One of my favorite little autumn pleasures is settling in with the newest autumn issue of the Bella Grace Field Guide to Everyday Magic. Or getting completely lost in a good book while sipping tea. And then there are those rainy afternoons when a cup of hot cocoa on the front porch sounds absolutely perfect. Just sitting there listening to the rain and enjoying that wonderful earthy smell.
Although, I'm not always sitting quietly under a blanket. Sometimes the kid in me comes out to play, and I'm outside jumping in puddles or photographing their reflections. There's something fascinating about seeing the trees, sky, and autumn colors reflected in those little pools of water. I never quite know what I'll capture, which is half the fun.
Cozy autumn-inspired setting with orange and yellow flowers in a white vase, a candle, and an open Field Guide to Everyday Magic book, inviting a quiet moment of reflection and inspiration.
Autumn Finds Its Way Into My Art, Too
Naturally, all those gorgeous autumn colors tend to find their way into my artwork. Golden yellows, rusty oranges, warm reds, earthy greens. I love playing with autumn-inspired color palettes and seeing how they work together.
I recently created a little four-piece mixed media mini-series using an autumn-inspired palette. It’s actually for workshop next spring, but I couldn't resist bringing a bit of my favorite season into the pieces.
Four-piece mini mixed media art series by Creatively Misty featuring autumn colors, layered collage papers, abstract circles, and the inspirational words Believe, Imagine, Dream, and Inspire.
I love how this time of year brings together so many of my favorite things: beautiful colors, interesting textures, rainy afternoons, and endless opportunities to pull out my camera.
Whether I'm wandering through a sea of golden leaves, playing with autumn colors at my art table, or curled up with a good book while the rain taps against the windows, there's just something about this season that feels like home to me.
What about you? Are you an autumn lover too, or does another season hold your fancy?
Hi, I’m Misty
Mixed media artist, creative guide, and passionate believer in the power of fearless self-expression. After years of playing small and settling for a life that didn’t feel like mine, I chose to rewrite my story through art — and I’ve never looked back.
Now, I help women just like you break free from perfectionism and self-doubt so you can reconnect with your creative voice and boldly explore what lights you up. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after years away, my mission is to help you step bravely into your own magic — one joyful, messy layer at a time.
Let’s create a life (and art) you absolutely adore.
If you’d like to explore mixed media with me, explore ways we can work together here.