How to draw a pumpkin
Quick answer
Draw a wide, slightly flattened oval, add a short stem on top, then draw curved lines from the stem down to the bottom to make the ribs. Add more ribs on each side that follow the outer curve, then shade the edges of each section so the pumpkin looks round.
Step by step
- Draw the bodyLightly sketch a wide oval that’s a little flatter on the top and bottom. Pumpkins are usually wider than they are tall.
- Add the stemAt the top center, draw a short, slightly bent rectangle that’s wider at the bottom. Add a few vertical lines on it for texture.
- Draw the middle ribsFrom the base of the stem, draw two curved lines down to the bottom center, bowing outward like parentheses.
- Add the outer ribsDraw two or three more curved lines on each side, each one following the curve of the outer edge more closely.
- Clean up and shadeErase the original oval where it crosses the ribs. Darken the creases between ribs and the edges of the pumpkin, leaving the middle of each section lighter.
A pumpkin is one of the best first drawings to try, because it’s just one shape repeated: a set of curved segments squeezed together. If you can draw a curved line, you can draw this.
The secret is the curve
Every rib follows the roundness of the pumpkin. Lines near the middle are almost straight; lines near the edges bend much more. If your pumpkin looks flat, the side ribs probably aren’t curved enough.
Turn it into a jack-o’-lantern
- Sketch the face lightly across the middle two or three ribs.
- Classic features: triangle eyes, a triangle nose and a wide zigzag mouth with a few square teeth.
- Make the face follow the curve: features on the sides should look slightly squashed.
- Fill the cut-outs with yellow or orange and darken the surrounding skin to look like it’s glowing.
Coloring tips
| Area | Color |
|---|---|
| Body | Orange, darker toward the edges and creases |
| Highlights | Light orange or yellow on the middle of each rib |
| Stem | Green-brown or tan |
| Shadow | A soft gray oval under the pumpkin |
Carved the real thing? Don’t throw away the insides: here’s how to roast pumpkin seeds. New to drawing? Start with how to draw for beginners.
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