A beautiful atmospheric painting: Autumn Mist

‘Autumn Mist’ (60 x 60 cms acrylic on stretched canvas) has always been a particular favourite of mine with its broody and moody atmosphere that evokes a deep sense of calm and serenity. Unlike some of my other paintings it is not as vibrant and colourful, but instead has a more serene and thoughtful mood. The piece draws inspiration from my memories of various parts of Scotland capturing the essence of its stunning countryside with rolling valleys, rugged mountains, and the ever present mist always gently rising. I imagined the scene unfolding in late afternoon or early evening when the light softens and the sky adopts a muted blue tone lending a quiet and tranquil feel to the composition.

I thoroughly enjoyed painting ‘Autumn Mist’ because it allowed me to explore a more impressionist style particularly through the use of darker, richer tones in the foreground. I used much larger brushes so I was able to create extensive blending which conveys the shapes of bushes and trees in a way that invites the viewer’s imagination to fill in the detail. This technique enhances the overall sense of atmosphere and depth making ‘Autumn Mist’ a piece that resonates with both mood and memory.

The light primarily emanates from the horizon although there are also subtle rays shining through and between the clouds in the sky. The pale yellow tone represents quite a departure from my usual palette and I chose it deliberately to evoke the soft, gentle afternoon light just before the more vibrant colours of the sunset begin to emerge.

You can sense that the sky is on the cusp of transformation as the lingering warmth of the day, even during the later months of the year, rises and pushes upwards into the sky. To create a sense of movement I used larger brushes with circular motions and lots of layers, whilst intentionally leaving some areas with fewer brushstrokes to preserve the impressionist quality.

I then blended these carefully to capture the delicate light and evoke the mood of an inspiring late afternoon/early evening with that first glow of dusk. There are many different colours in the sky to capture the perfect balance of atmosphere and light. Each hue shifts subtly creating a dynamic and inspiring scene.

It was lovely to place this painting in various interior spaces, partly to see if I feel it’s truly finished and partly because this step completes the entire process of creating the artwork. Experiencing the painting in different settings helps me understand its impact and harmony within a room.

You can view all my larger paintings here or below (click the button below), where you’ll find a range of sizes and colours designed to suit every type of interior.

I’m also happy to ship overseas. To ensure safe and timely delivery I work with a specialised art courier who is very quick, reliable, and affordable.