Warm Autumn Woodland Scene Using NEW Watercolor Tubes!

If you enjoy nature-inspired projects, this watercolor technique is perfect for creating cozy depth and dimension on embossed panels.

Welcome back to Creative Coloring with Erum! Today, I’m painting a warm, autumn woodland scene using only three of Altenew’s new Watercolor Tubes — Burnt Sienna, Mars Red, and Van Dyck Brown.

Watch the video tutorial below or CLICK HERE to learn more about this cardmaking technique! Or read step-by-step instructions after the video.

Tip: Always begin with a light wash to preserve highlights.

1. Trim your 5x7 watercolor cardstock to 3 1/2" x 5" and emboss it using the Woodland Path 3D Embossing Folder. This design is full of texture — perfect for watercoloring!

2. Start by applying clean water over the entire panel.

3. With Burnt Sienna, add a light watercolor wash from the top down, then deepen the lower section using Van Dyck Brown for a smooth ombré blend.

4. Dry the panel, mist lightly with water, and layer in more concentrated Burnt Sienna to add variation and organic watercolor texture.

5. Repeat the same with Van Dyck Brown, letting the colors naturally merge.

Tip: Re-emboss after the first wash if the texture fades.

1. If needed, re-emboss to redefine the raised details.
2. Work one area at a time — wet first, then drop in pigment.
3. Keep leaf bases darker and upper curves lighter to reflect soft light from above.
4. Alternate between Burnt Sienna, Van Dyck Brown, and a mix of both, adding hints of Mars Red for warmth. These subtle watercolor transitions add realism and depth.
5. For the mushrooms, start with Mars Red — apply pigment at the edges and sides (mushroom head) for rich saturation, then let the right side stay lighter.
6. For extra dimension, blend a touch of Van Dyck Brown into the red while it’s still damp and add that to the extreme left, don't over blend.
7. Use Burnt Sienna for the mushroom stems and acorn bases, shading with Van Dyck Brown to keep tones distinct yet cohesive. Also, add the darker pigment to paint the acorn heads. This creates a balanced watercolor palette across the panel.

Tip: Save Mars Red accents for focal elements like mushrooms or leaf tips to keep your composition balanced.

1. Use a no. 6 brush with diluted Mars Red to dab soft, textural touches in the background.

2. Switch to smaller brushes (1 or 3/0) for finer watercolor details on leaves and shadows.

3. Once dry, add splatters of Van Dyck Brown, Burnt Sienna, and Mars Red, layering them from lightest to darkest.

4. Finish with a few splatters of Carbon Black Gouache for contrast and crispness.

5. Finally, add white gel pen dots or splatters to create a whimsical, light-catching effect.
   If it feels too bright, tone it down gently with a watery Burnt Sienna wash — a watercolor rescue trick that keeps everything soft and cohesive.

6. Stamp the sentiment from Fanciful Pansies in Obsidian Pigment Ink.

7. Adhere Stellar Sequins in Clear Iridescent.

Tip: Use wet-on-wet watercoloring for soft transitions and blurred edges.

This project shows how much you can achieve with just a few shades! The Woodland Path Embossing Folder and new Altenew Watercolor Tubes make it easy to create richly layered autumn scenes filled with warmth and texture.

I haven’t painted an embossed panel in ages, and this one reminded me just how relaxing and rewarding watercolor cardmaking can be.

Thanks so much for joining me today — see you next time for another Creative Coloring with Erum episode/post!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy crafting!

Just a heads up, we're having an amazing deal on all of Altenew's inks! Get up to 55% off on the entire collection including fresh dye inks, crisp dye inks, and pigment inks. 

Don't forget to check it out tomorrow, because this offer is only available from October 21, 2025 at 12:01 AM EST until October 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. Shop HERE! 

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