My idea was to set up an Autumn still life with fabrics, flowers and fruit. I chose a mini-pumpkin and decorative gourds and set them on a patterned blue-spotted fabric. Patterns galore! The lovely complementary blue color sets off the oranges, yellows and reds. I picked some of the last cosmos blossoms from my garden and set them in an antique bottle. It didn’t take long to set up the still life outside and the wind was gently blowing the flowers while I snapped some reference photos. Drawing the design on the Fabriano watercolor paper takes the longest time. Once I get the shapes in place, I begin painting. Because the cloth is very detailed, it took longer to paint the patterns on it. The finished painting is successful because it describes the season and follows the principles of good design.