Pumpkins are one of the easiest fall themes to use for art. Kids can explore painting, printmaking, collage, texture, pattern, and 3D art with simple supplies you probably already have.
These pumpkin art projects work well for preschool through elementary ages and include a mix of process art, famous artist-inspired ideas, and easy paper projects.
Grades: Preschool–Grade 5
Art Concepts: Color, texture, line, shape, pattern, printmaking, collage
Start Here: Grab Your Free Pumpkin Templates!
Use our free pumpkin templates for painting, collage, drawing, and mixed-media projects all fall long.
Grab the Free Pumpkin Templates
Easy Pumpkin Art Projects
Start with these simple pumpkin projects that work especially well for younger kids and mixed-age groups.
Fabric Scrap Pumpkin Art
Turn leftover fabric pieces into a colorful pumpkin collage while exploring texture, pattern, and color.
👉 Try Fabric Scrap Pumpkin Art
Pumpkin Painting in a Bag
Try a mess-friendly painting activity that lets younger kids squish and move paint around without a big cleanup.
👉 Try Pumpkin Painting in a Bag
Bubble Wrap Pumpkin Prints
Use bubble wrap as a simple printmaking tool to create textured pumpkin art.
👉 Make Pumpkin Bubble Wrap Prints
Yarn Pumpkins
Combine cardboard and yarn for an easy textured pumpkin craft that also gives little hands plenty of fine-motor practice.
Pumpkin Drawing and Famous Artist Projects
These pumpkin art ideas are a great fit for older elementary students or anytime you want to explore line, pattern, shape, and famous artists with a seasonal theme.
Picasso Jack-o’-Lantern
Create a playful pumpkin face inspired by Pablo Picasso. Kids can experiment with unusual shapes, mismatched features, and unexpected colors to make a one-of-a-kind jack-o’-lantern.
👉 Try a Picasso Jack-o’-Lantern
Lichtenstein Boo Pumpkin
Explore pop art with a pumpkin project inspired by Roy Lichtenstein. Use bold outlines, bright colors, dots, and comic-style details to create a fun fall artwork.
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin Art
Decorate a pumpkin with colorful dots and repeating patterns inspired by artist Yayoi Kusama.
Zentangle Pumpkin Art
Fill a pumpkin outline with repeating lines, shapes, and patterns for an easy drawing activity that encourages creativity and attention to detail.
3D Paper Pumpkins
Turn simple paper pieces into a three-dimensional pumpkin. Kids can add doodles, patterns, or fall colors to make each one unique.
Pumpkin Painting and Printmaking
Painting pumpkins doesn’t have to mean using only a paintbrush. Try different tools, textures, and techniques to make each project unique.
Black Glue Pumpkin Art
Create bold raised outlines with black glue, then fill the sections with colorful paint for a stained-glass-inspired look.
Pumpkin Dot Art
Explore dots, color, and pattern with a pumpkin project inspired by pointillism.
Fizzy Pumpkin Art
Make baking soda paint, decorate a pumpkin, and add vinegar to create a fizzy art experience that mixes creativity with a little STEAM.
Pumpkin Skittles Painting
Turn colorful candy into paint for a different way to create pumpkin artwork.
👉 Try Pumpkin Skittles Painting
Pumpkin Art Ideas by Age
Preschool: Pumpkin painting in a bag, bubble wrap printing, yarn pumpkins, and simple coloring activities are easy places to start.
Kindergarten–Grade 2: Try black glue pumpkins, dot art, 3D paper pumpkins, and simple collage projects.
Grades 3–5: Zentangle pumpkins, Kusama-inspired art, fabric collage, and mixed-media projects give older kids more opportunities to explore pattern, texture, and design.
You can simplify or extend most of these ideas depending on your group’s age.
What Kids Can Explore With Pumpkin Art
Pumpkin art is an easy way to introduce or reinforce several basic art concepts. Learn more about the 7 Elements of Art here.
Kids can explore color through painting, texture with yarn and fabric, line and pattern with drawing projects, shape and form with 2D and 3D pumpkins, and printmaking with materials like bubble wrap.
🔎 You can also place a real pumpkin nearby and encourage kids to observe its shape, ribs, stem, colors, and surface texture before beginning. This is a great opportunity to practice scientific drawing with scientist Maria Merian
Printable Fall Art Project Pack
Want more fall art already organized and ready to use?
The Fall Art Project Pack includes instructions and templates for more than 40 fall art projects featuring apples, pumpkins, leaves, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
Explore painting, drawing, collage, process art, famous artists, and STEAM-inspired projects using approachable supplies.
More to Explore: Fall Art Projects | Halloween Art Projects | 7 Elements of Art | Process Art
Hi Sarah,
I too am having an issue with getting a free download for an awesome activity but a different one. I sent 2 request and haven’t received the download for the Kadinsky tree. I love doing Kadinsky and this activity looks stunning and perfect for my age group. By the way if you don’t know the picture book The Noisy Paint Box: The Colours and Sound of aKandinsky’s Abstract Art it’s great to pair with this lesson.
Good morning! I have attempted to download the free art project printable and it hasn’t shown up in my inbox yet (approx 30 minutes). It looks great – I’m anxious to check it out. Is there somewhere else i can find it? Thanks!
Please email sarah@littlebinsforlittlehands.com