Fall Has Arrived

Even though the temperatures are not cooling off too much, Mother Nature sure got the word out to the trees that it's fall. Please note, I am not complaining about the warmth. It was almost 90 degrees yesterday, which is not normal for October in my neck of the woods. Soon enough, all I will see for months is white and gray, and temps will hover around 0. Yes, the stories you may have heard about Minnesota and North Dakota are mostly true.

I digress.

Last weekend I cut down my sunflowers so I could let them dry out a bit before extracting the seeds. I got it into my head to take some pictures of them or sketch them before I dispose of them. Then, on my walk from class one earlier this week, I noticed some vibrant red-ish leaves that I just couldn't leave behind. So I plucked those up to bring home with me and record their coloring. I put the two items together into this photo.

I love all of the colors here. This would make a great palette for a new project.

I just love this red with a hint of orange. And the worn wood of our deck just fits this season.

Tomorrow I am planning on paying a visit to Maplewood State Park in Minnesota. It's full of sugar maples and is just majestic this time of year. I also want to try to hunt down some of the gnome homes an artist placed around the park, if they still exist. I think it's been almost 15 years since I've been to this particular park. I will share what I record if I do make the trip. Jameson and Angus will be joining me as well, which will be their first experience in thick woods.

Happy Friday to everyone!