Pumpkin Painting

Instructions

1. Choose a pumpkin with a smooth, flat, ridge free surface. Look the pumpkin over carefully for any bruises, discoloration or soft spots. Pick one that has a good color for the work of art you want to create. Make sure the pumpkin can stand on its own without falling.
2. Preparing the pumpkin. Fresh pumpkins should be thoroughly washed and dried before painting or transferring patterns on to them. Most often a pumpkin will be painted with a design and the background will be left as the unpainted surface of the pumpkin. In some cases, the pattern requires the pumpkin surface be painted. Spray the front of the pumpkin in a well ventilated area and allow to dry.
3. Choosing a pattern. Take your inspiration from story books, TV programs, emblems, logos, coloring books, CD covers, magazines etc. The list is endless. Once you find a picture you would like seen painted on your pumpkin, you can either paint freehand, or transfer the image onto your pumpkin with a stencil
4. The pattern must first be adapted to a size that will work with the size of pumpkin being used. A photo copy, enlarged or reduced appropriately, is the easiest way to assure the design will be in proportion to the size of your pumpkin. To allow the pattern to lie snugly around the surface of the pumpkin, make cuts from the corners of the pattern toward the center and tape into position.
5. The pattern you choose can be traced on to tracing paper and then transferred onto the pumpkin using graphite paper. Place the graphite paper between the pattern and the pumpkin with the graphite side facing the pumpkin. Tape the Graphite paper and the pattern into position on the pumpkin.
6. Carefully, and firmly trace the pattern with a pencil, or dull object. Lift the corner slightly to ensure the pattern is transferring nicely on to the pumpkin. Once the pattern is complete, remove the pattern and graphite paper.
7. Painting the image. Begin with a fine paint brush and black paint. Slowly outline the image. If you make a mistake, the paint can be wiped off with a damp paper towel or rag, and you can begin again. Once you are satisfied with your outline, allow the paint to dry completely before adding the colors.
8. Once the black outline and all the black areas are painted and dry, you can move on to the next color. Paint inside the black lines with a larger brush if necessary. Wait for each color to dry completely before adding the next.
9. If you are painting a funny face, once the paints are completely dry, try different hair and hats on the pumpkin and secure with straight pins. Add a silk flower to the hat and secure with glue. When finished, spray the image with a sealer in a well ventilated area. Another fun idea is to place the pumpkin head on clothing filled with leaves for a goofy pumpkin person!