Turn a simple pumpkin into a colorful work of art! This fall painting project is inspired by famous artist, Yayoi Kusama and her love of pumpkins. A totally do-able pumpkin art activity that is great for kids of all ages. Learn why Kusama chose to use pumpkins for her artwork, as you create your own pumpkin masterpiece!
Who Is Yayoi Kusama?
Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist who is talented in SO many areas of art! She works in sculpture, painting, performance, video, fashion, poetry, and writing!
Born in 1929 in rural Japan, Kusama had a difficult childhood and says that making art has saved her life. Learn from Kusama how art can help people overcome adversity.
Kusama is known in the art world as the “Princess of Polka Dots”. Her polka dot themed art began when she was young, when Kusama would see dots in her dreams.
Kusama lived in New York City in the late 50’s and 60’s, during the Pop Art movement. But she became increasingly frustrated with male artists receiving fame for her ideas. In the 1970’s she moved back to Japan.
It is only recently that her work has received recognition through the rise of social media. Later in life, Kusama is now one of the best selling female artists of all time.
Also check out this tulip art project and butterfly painting inspired by Yayoi Kusama!
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkins
What does the pumpkin mean to Kusama? Kusama has a deep and joyful affection for pumpkins, which is vividly reflected in her artwork. She began sketching pumpkins as a child in Japan because her parents had a seed-farm.
Pumpkins, with their round and friendly forms, hold a special place in her creative heart. Through her use of vibrant colors and repetitive patterns, Kusama transforms these ordinary gourds into
extraordinary symbols of happiness and positivity.
It has been said that Kusama favors using pumpkins because they have an appealing color and shape, but also a gentle and tactile quality.
Find out how to turn a simple pumpkin into a work of art inspired by Yayoi Kusama below. Make sure to grab the free printable art project!
Why Study Famous Artists?
Studying the artwork of the masters not only influences your artistic style but even improves your skills and decisions when creating your own original work.
It is great for kids to be exposed to different styles of art, experiment with different mediums, and techniques through our famous artist art projects.
Kids may even find an artist or artists whose work they really like and will inspire them to do more of their own artwork.
Why is learning about art from the past important?
- Kids who are exposed to art have an appreciation for beauty!
- Kids who study art history feel a connection to the past!
- Art discussions develop critical thinking skills!
- Kids who study art learn about diversity at a young age!
- Art history can inspire curiosity!
Helpful Art Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources to help you introduce art more effectively to your kids or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Free Color Mixing Mini Pack
- Getting Started with Process Art
- Preschool Art Projects
- How to Make Paint
- Easy Painting Ideas For Kids
- Free Art Challenges
- Pop Art Ideas
- What Are The 7 Elements Of Art?
- STEAM Activities (Science + Art)
Get your FREE printable Kusama art project!
Kusama Pumpkin Art
Don’t want to use a real pumpkin or need to set this up as a large group project instead? Grab our paper pumpkin outline to use instead.
Supplies:
- Pumpkin
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
Instructions:
STEP 1: Grab a small pumpkin of any color or shape.
STEP 2: Use acrylic paint to cover your pumpkin.
STEP 3: Once dry, use the tips of paintbrushes to add a dotted design to your pumpkin in the style of Kusama.
TIP: Painting dots with Q-tips or toothpicks is also fun to try like our turtle dot painting! Check out more dot activities for kids.
STEP 4: You can use different colors or sizes of dots.
STEP 5: Let your design dry and you have a cool table centerpiece for fall!
More Fun Pumpkin Art Projects To Try
Click on each link below to enjoy pumpkin art and craft projects this season. Each pumpkin activity includes a free printable too!
- Try mess-free pumpkin painting in a bag.
- Make pumpkin bubble wrap prints.
- Create texture art with yarn wrapped pumpkins.
- Enjoy mindful fall art with zentangle pumpkins.
- Make pumpkin dot art.
- Create 3D paper pumpkins.
Printable Fall Art Project Pack
Everything you need is included in this Fall Art Project Pack. Just add art supplies! Perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy with a variety of techniques. Whether in the classroom, at home, or with groups, there is a fantastic variety of art activities to try!
Find all the instructions and templates necessary for over 40 art projects this Fall.
Apples, pumpkins, leaves, Halloween, and Thanksgiving!
Explore process art, STEAM, and even famous artists with these very doable art activities that won’t break the budget or the time you have available!
