'Autumn trees put on a spectacular show as the greens gradually turn to scarlet, ochre, russet, orange and burgundy,' says Tessa Spanton.

'On a clear day the light becomes golden as the days shorten and the sun is lower in the sky. The show lasts a few weeks and I often collect falling leaves for their colours and shapes.

'Unless I am quick to paint them they soon become like brown crisps. To make a quick record I scan them on both sides and save the digital images.'

Demonstration - Autumn Leaves

The finished painting. Autumn Leaves, watercolour, (20.5x25.5cm)