In this blog I want to share how easy it is to Halloween pumpkin paint with acrylic paint outside. This year, my kids and I decided to paint our pumpkins using acrylic paint and some fun accents instead of carving them like we usually do. We had such a great time painting at the beach with friends! Living in San Diego means we can still enjoy the beach in October without worrying about bad weather. It was the perfect activity for us SoCal sunset lovers.
Since I often set up painting activities for kids and art classes, I was in charge of bringing the supplies. Here’s what I gathered for this fun Halloween project. If you’re interested in learning more about painting with kids and setting up art activities, check out my book, Kids Painting.
Choosing the right pumpkin
You can use pumpkins of any size for your painting endeavor – from the grandest to the tiniest, like the charming Jack-be-little variety. When selecting your Halloween pumpkin at the store, ensure you choose one without any blemishes. A pumpkin with minimal blemishes or bruising will stay intact throughout the entire fall season, preventing premature rotting.
If you want to work specifically with young kids, check out this blog post, pumpkin painting for kids nontoxic art project
Wash Pumpkin
-Wash the Pumpkin: Before you begin painting your pumpkin, gently wash it with soap and water. Ensure the pumpkin is completely dry before applying paint.
Painting Supplies:
- Smock
- Paints
- Paintbrushes
- Water Jar
- Paper Towels
- Palette
- Newsprint
- Extra fun accents – White glitter and adult-grade gold paint
Wear a smock or apron to keep paint off your clothes. Acrylic paint is the best choice for painting pumpkins because it lasts long and dries well, but tempera paint can work if that’s all you have. Use different sizes of paintbrushes for variety.
Keep a jar of water nearby to rinse brushes, and have paper towels, napkins, or rags ready for quick clean-ups. A palette is great for holding paint, but a paper plate works just as well. Finally, use newsprint or a drop cloth to protect your work area and prevent paint stains.
Let me know if this works for you!
Set-up Tips:
- Arrange supplies so everyone can reach them comfortably.
Here are some links to more detailed blog post I’ve made for pumpkin painting if you need more directions.
Pumpkin Painting For Young Kids, Click Here!
Pumpkin Painting Non Toxic Art Project, Click Here!
Fall Pumpkin Painting, Click Here!
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