Fall Was Made for Artists

 

Picture it: The trees are ablaze with rich reds, gorgeous golds, and vibrant oranges. Autumn makes anyone with a creative streak want to grab their camera or pack up their canvases and paints and head outside to capture the natural beauty they see.

And some locales boast exceptionally stunning fall scenes. So hop in the car and drive to one of these cities to find your autumn inspiration.

Aspen, Colorado
If you’re going after fall colors, It’s hard to overlook a city named after trees. And while the town’s namesakes are demure-looking most of the year, in the fall they turn a glittering yellow hue, providing a perfect contrast to the Evergreens dotting the mountainous landscape. Go from mid to late September, while the leaves are still on the trees, rather than the ground.

Bar Harbor, Maine

 

The scenic Acadia National Park turns into a visual feast for artists by mid-October. And with 158 miles of rock-studded trails, quaint stone bridges, and serene coastline, you’ll have plenty of places to let nature inspire you.

Russellville, Arkansas

 

Southern-based photographers swear by the Ozark National Forest. With 1.2 million acres of mountains, springs, rivers, and parks, you’ll never fall short of photo-worthy scenery. The colors are in full glory through October, so plan your trip for then.

Windham, New York

The Catskill Mountains are synonymous with fall photography, and there are a variety of charming small towns from which to choose. But we favor peaceful Windham. It’s known as the “Gem of the Catskills,” and we can see why. You can photograph the historic town-owned Centre Presbyterian Church with sprawling mountains in the background, then head to cute country stores and dine at local French bistros.

Hood River, Oregon

 

If you like waterfalls with your fall colors, head to Columbia River Gorge, a National Scenic Area boasting 80 miles of beautiful canyon and over 50 waterfalls. The leaves stay vibrant through October and November, so you have plenty of time to create.

Taos, New Mexico

The Southwest isn’t necessarily an autumn-color desert. Artists there head to Taos, New Mexico to take in the Enchanted Circle, an 83-mile drive containing a symphony of splendid fall hues. Turning leaf timetables are unpredictable in the region, so ask your hotel for a suggested date range when you call to book.

Munising, Michigan

You don’t have to hit the desert to see dramatic, multicolored cliffs. You can just visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, home to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The area’s gorgeous sandstone formations are accentuated by picturesque lighthouses and white birch forests. Schedule your trip for October, when the trees are alight with color.

Logan, Ohio

 

Brilliant fall scenery can also be found closer to home. Ohio residents can head to Hocking Hills State Park for 2,000-plus acres of rich fall colors, hiking trails, and stunning rock formations.  Visits in late September to mid-October will yield the most colorful photographs.

After you take your photos or create your paintings, don’t forget to frame and display them through the season. Our print and frame services let you choose the perfect frame, and we’ll send you the ready-to-hang display.

Share your seasonal photos with us. Tweet a photo of your creation to @AmericanFrame using #AmericanFramed or email it to Customer.Service@AmericanFrame.com. For tips and exciting offers, sign up for our e-Tip newsletter.