This is a really simple method to paint a pumpkin for Fall. You can paint them on canvas, watercolor paper, wood, or fabric. It will work for all of them.
Basecoat the first layer with Orange. I started on one side, then painted next to it, then moved to the other side and finished in the middle.
You’ll probably need two basecoats. If you follow the original pattern of the other edges and move inward, you’ll keep the basic shape of your pumpkin.
Apply shading with Burnt Umber. Or any brown will do, actually. You just need one coat. Paint it on the outside of each curve.
Next, add highlighting with Yellow. Apply it on the inside edge of the curves – on the edge next to where you painted the shading.
Then take your basecoat color – Orange – and apply it all over the pumpkins. One coat should do it. The highlighting and shading will still peek through.
With Green, paint the stem. Add a little curve to the stem, just for fun.
Now take Yellow and add some lines. This highlighting will add the ridges that pumpkin stems have.
Finally, topcoat the stem with Green. You’ll still see the yellow ridges, but they’ll look blended.
There you go! Super simple pumpkins! You can turn them into jack-o-lanterns, if you want. Or just leave them as is. Maybe add some fall leaves to your painting, or grapes, apples . . . well, you get the idea.
Colleen






Great TUT sweetie!! So love that it’s getting close to “pumpkin” time.
Hugs,
Regi
Love pumpkins, they are just so colorful and lush, is that the word? A big pile o’ pumpkins in the fall always cheers me up. Thanks for the how tos, very good info.
I am already in the mood for fall. Thanks for the cute pumpkins.
Thanks for the tutorial. You always make it look so EASY!!!
very pretty! You’re a very talented painter!
Even with your easy tutorial, I lack the skills to paint like this! Skills and patience both. But I am interested in your feng shui. I’m a follower now so that I can hopefully learn a little more about that. And maybe gain some patience enough to try painting too. You’re a wonderful artist!
Happy Friday! Stopping by from New Friend Friday.
Lorene
just Lu
Great tutorial for you oh so cute pumpkins! And, BTW, that’s for the info on Zazzle – I have to check it out!
You are a very talented painter. The pumpkins are so cute. Well put together tutorial too.
Lovely painting! So cute for Halloween!
Thanks for linking up for Friday Favorites!
OOOOOooooo,.. I love this !
= ) I’ll make one for a Fall decor piece !
KAT love your blog !
Hi! Thank you for this tutorial . I can’t wait to try it . It’s the best one I’ve found and So cute! Did you let the paint dry in between the first and second coats of paint and in between adding the shade and highlights or is it all wet on wet painting? Also , what type of paint can I use ? Is acrylic ok? Can’t wait to get started but I have little money for buying canvases so I’m hoping I don’t mess up lol.