How to Paint an Autumn Landscape with Gouache in Your Sketchbook

There’s something so calming about painting a fall landscape in gouache—especially when it’s broken down into an easy, sketchbook-friendly process. This tutorial is a great one to save if you want cozy autumn vibes without overthinking every brushstroke.

If you’re a beginner, don’t worry: you can follow the workflow and simplify the shapes. If you’re more experienced, you’ll still pick up ideas for layering, soft backgrounds, and those little finishing touches that make a landscape feel complete.

How to Plan an Autumn Gouache Landscape in a Sketchbook

Before paint even hits the page, a quick plan makes everything smoother—especially in a sketchbook where space is limited. In the video, you’ll see how the landscape comes together step by step, starting with the overall composition and big value shapes.

A helpful way to think about gouache landscapes is “background to foreground.” Lying in the sky or distant shapes first gives you a base to build on, and then you can add midground forms and foreground details in more opaque layers.

This approach also makes it easier to keep your scene readable, even if you’re working fast.

As you paint, try to keep your palette cohesive. Autumn scenes usually look best with a few repeating warm tones—think oranges, browns, muted yellows—balanced with cooler neutrals so everything doesn’t blend into one flat warm blob.

We thank Raghad for the images.

Step-by-Step Gouache Landscape Tutorial With Cozy Fall Colors

This is the kind of sketchbook painting tutorial you can pause and replay while you paint along. Watch for how each layer adds depth—especially where edges are softened or sharpened to create distance and focus.

Source: Raghad

Common Gouache Landscape Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

If your first pass doesn’t look “right,” that’s normal—landscapes often click in the last 20%. These quick fixes can help:

• If layers lift, let the paint dry longer and use less water for the next pass.

• If colors look muddy, simplify your mixes and reuse a few core tones across the scene.

• If the landscape feels flat, add a darker value in the foreground and a lighter value in the distance.

• If details feel messy, save your crispest brushwork for the final highlights and focal area.

Save this tutorial for your next cozy painting session—future you will be so glad you did.