Autumn Pages: How the Season Can Inspire Your Sketchbook
Autumn has a way of stopping us in our tracks—the fiery maples, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the golden light that lingers just a little earlier each evening. Here in Wisconsin, where I’m experiencing my first full turn of seasons, I’ve been struck by how much this time of year begs to be noticed. And perhaps you’ve felt it too—that nudge to pause, to savor, to capture a fleeting moment before it’s gone.
One of the most meaningful ways to do that is through a sketchbook. You don’t need to be an artist to start. A quick pencil line of the leaf that caught your eye, a simple outline of your favorite mug, or even a page filled with color swatches that mirror the world outside your window can become an act of presence. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s noticing.
As you flip through the pages later, you’ll find yourself not just remembering what you saw but reconnecting with how you felt: the crispness of the air, the quiet of a walk, the gratitude for God’s artistry in creation. Sketching can become a gentle spiritual practice, a way of weaving the ordinary beauty of the season into your rhythms of prayer and reflection.
This fall, I invite you to try it: keep a sketchbook nearby, and let the natural world guide your pencil or pen. You may be surprised at how these small, simple drawings become reminders of joy, gratitude, and the holy presence in everyday life.
If this idea stirs something in you, I’d love to share more. Over on our Substack, I often post additional creative practices, reflections, and prompts to help you weave art and faith into everyday life. You’ll even find bonus content like audio reflections and extended inspiration for your own sketchbook journey. Subscribe to keep the ideas flowing and join a community of others who are exploring creativity as a spiritual practice.
