So here we are a bit into the Autumn season (or Fall as some like to refer it to). It’s time for warmer cloths, long rainy days (here in the Pacific Northwest), longer nights, and warm drinks. How does one find inspiration in a changing season?

A lot depends on where you live. Here in this region and where I grew up in Central New York there is a lot of beauty in the Autumn season, from the migration of birds, lots of colorful leaves, and the bright contrast of color on browns/greys. Add to that the dark greens of evergreens and the landscape is never fully drab.

To start off with there is a period of time in which the leaves change from green to a variety of vibrant colors, like golden yellow, bright oranges, and scarlet reds. These colors strike the imagination when dealing with outdoor characters and Fae/Elven kind. Instead of the usual green, a dryad with flame red or golden yellow hair to compliment or contrast with their skin (bark?) color is one example.

After a week or two these leaves eventually fade to a dull brown but even this can be quite striking. The leaves can retain spots of color away from the edges or the color can exist just along the edges. This makes for an interesting color scheme for a trent or another woodland beast.

Soon the leaves fall and the deciduous trees have nearly barren branches. In contrast, the pines and spruces retain their needles bring dark green to the forefront of one’s sight. Interspersed between shrubs, with or with out leaves, display hardy berries of red or orange color. These attract one’s attention as it stands out against more muted colors. Much like a druid or ranger clad in browns, use dark greens or greys with a splash of color as the center point.

Despite the air being more quiet and most of the fauna settling down for winter, the residential birds of the region bring both sound and color to this season. Back in New York it was Cardinals, Black-capped Chickadees, and Blue Jays. Here in Oregon there is the Stellar’s Jay, Scrub Jay, and the ever friendly Black-capped Chickadees. These brighter birds bring color to the more muted palates of later Autumn, yet the plumage remains muted compared to their summer finest.

For myself, I find a lot of inspiration in the Fall season. It’s easy to apply these thoughts to outdoor models but work quite well for underground as well. Using what inspires you does not have to be straight forward, but in any way you so desire.