September Recap & A Fall Journal
September has been a month full of making — layers of gelli prints, mark-making sessions, painted papers, and journal spreads scattered across my studio table. As the month came to a close, some of those bits and pieces came together into my completed Fall Journal.
Gathering Inspiration
Much of my inspiration this season has come from my walks with Charlie. Those slow morning walks are where I start noticing the smallest shifts like the cooler air, the first turning leaves, light filtering differently through the trees. It’s in those moments that I begin to imagine color stories and textures I want to bring into the studio.
Color Palette
I found myself returning to one of my favorite palettes: soft lavenders, purples, and ochres — colors that I noticed come later in fall. I often use this old photograph of leaves as a reference. These colors show up again and again in my journal spreads and art.
Creating Alongside Others
One of the true highlights of September has been teaching my Fall Art Journal class. Watching my students’ journals come to life with their own marks, imagery, and reflections has been endlessly inspiring. Every person interprets the lessons differently, layering their own stories and textures. Seeing those pages unfold is such a joyful reminder of why I love this practice — it’s both deeply personal and beautifully communal.
If you’d like to see a glimpse of their work (and my own finished journal), I’ve shared a few snippets at the end of my latest YouTube video.
Why It Matters & Looking Ahead
Keeping a seasonal art journal isn’t just about filling pages. It’s a way of paying attention — of being present with the time of year and how it moves through your creative life.
This month, my journal taught me to:
· Slow down and notice tiny seasonal shifts.
· Warm up my hands and reconnect with familiar materials.
· Experiment with new techniques and approaches.
· Build momentum — letting one piece of art lead to the next.
This creative momentum is carrying me into October, where I’ll be creating new fall-inspired spreads and beginning fresh artworks on paper. The rhythm of making, reflecting, and noticing continues — and I can’t wait to share what unfolds next.
Watch the full Fall Journal Recap on my YouTube channel for a closer look at my pages and my students’ work.