Halloween pumpkins, or Jack-o'-lanterns, are the ultimate symbol of the spooky season and make for a fantastic drawing project. Drawing your own pumpkin is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, and because they have bold shapes and expressive faces, they make perfect black-and-white line drawings for coloring pages.

What is halloween pumpkin?

A Halloween pumpkin is a carved squash traditionally known as a Jack-o'-lantern, a staple of autumn festivities. This tradition originated from Irish folklore about a man named Stingy Jack, though originally turnips and beets were used before pumpkins became the preferred choice in North America. Today, families carve various faces into these orange gourds and place candles inside to create a glowing, festive decoration for their doorsteps.

Materials You'll Need

  • Pencil (HB or #2 for sketching)
  • Eraser (for cleaning up guidelines)
  • Black fine-tip marker or pen (for final outlines)
  • Drawing paper or printer paper
  • Colored pencils, markers, or crayons (for coloring!)
Step 1: Draw a Large Oval

Step 1: Draw a Large Oval

Start by sketching a large, slightly flattened oval in the center of your paper using light pencil strokes. This shape will serve as the main body of your pumpkin, so make it as wide or as tall as you want your final drawing to be.

Step 2: Add Vertical Ridges

Step 2: Add Vertical Ridges

Draw several curved vertical lines starting from the top center and moving down to the bottom of the oval. These lines should bow outward toward the sides of the pumpkin to give it a realistic, ribbed three-dimensional appearance.

Step 3: Sketch the Stem

Step 3: Sketch the Stem

At the very top where the ridges meet, draw a short, thick cylinder that curves slightly to one side. Add a small oval at the very top of this shape to show the cut end of the vine, and add a few vertical texture lines to make it look woody.

Step 4: Outline the Eyes

Step 4: Outline the Eyes

Draw two large triangles in the upper half of the pumpkin to create the eyes. For a classic look, keep the triangles sharp and even, ensuring there is enough space between them for the nose.

Step 5: Add Nose and Mouth

Step 5: Add Nose and Mouth

Draw a smaller triangle in the center for the nose and a wide, grinning crescent shape below it for the mouth. To give it a 'carved' look, add a few square gaps in the mouth to represent missing teeth.

Step 6: Refine the Outlines

Step 6: Refine the Outlines

Go over your final lines with a dark marker or pen to create a bold black-and-white line drawing. Erase any overlapping pencil marks to ensure your pumpkin is clean and ready to be filled in with your favorite colors.

Pro Tips

  • Vary the width of the pumpkin ridges to make your drawing look more organic and natural rather than perfectly symmetrical.
  • When coloring your drawing, use a bright yellow or pale orange inside the eyes and mouth to mimic the glow of a candle flickering inside.
  • Try experimenting with different shapes for the eyes, such as circles or slanted rectangles, to give your pumpkin a unique personality or expression.

Get the Finished Coloring Page

Don't want to draw it yourself? Grab the ready-to-print halloween pumpkin coloring page!

View Coloring Page

Congratulations on finishing your Halloween pumpkin! Now that you have a clean line drawing, it is time to grab your crayons or markers and bring your Jack-o'-lantern to life. Don't forget to share your spooky creation with your friends and family to help spread the Halloween cheer!