How to paint a realistic pumpkin in watercolour

Achieving a really 3D looking pumpkin in watercolour requires getting your tonal balance right. If you do that, they make a seriously satisfying subject! So in this video I show you the process I go through to paint one:

So before you carve it, or perhaps even afterwards if you’re brave, do try painting your pumpkins this year.  If the video inspires you to, please let me know in the comments below!

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20 Comments

  1. Audrey Holmes on October 26, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    Thanks so much for this lesson!

  2. Katya on October 26, 2017 at 3:30 pm

    It’s perfect! It is a pity that I don’t know English, so I can’t listen to your explanations. I bought your book in Russian language!

  3. bruna on October 26, 2017 at 4:05 pm

    your pumpkin is wonderful and very inspiring: it looks even easy but only because you are an extra good painter!!! thank you!

  4. Gail Jones on October 26, 2017 at 7:27 pm

    Was hoping this was going to be an instruction video like the pear. Interesting… but would be more helpful if you said what colors you were using, what brush etc., so that those of us that are interested, can copy it if we wanted to. Very nice though…this kind of look is why I intend to join your class in the up coming months around Christmas or barely afterwards. Just saving up for supplies. Have to buy everything because I am just starting into WC.

  5. Kathryn Holden on October 26, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    Spectacular video! This is what I need to make my so-so pumpkins look real and beautiful so thank you !

  6. Willow on October 26, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    Anna, thank you for this little lesson. I am going to try the stippling method. It does make a difference in the pumpkin skin texture. I look forward to these little tip lessons. Do you have any on birds?
    Willow

    • Anna Mason on October 27, 2017 at 11:10 am

      I do Willow – go to my blog page and look under the ‘painting technique’ category and you will find about 4 on birds if you scroll through.

  7. Mary on October 26, 2017 at 10:07 pm

    Anna, this is one of my most favorite videos you’ve ever done. Thank you for taking the time to create it for us. It’s very helpful and I love the pumpkin you painted.

  8. Gwen Byars on October 27, 2017 at 1:48 am

    Would love to see a tutorial on this!

  9. Patsy Hood on October 27, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    Love the video

  10. Jean on October 27, 2017 at 5:57 pm

    Anna, thank you for the instruction on how to paint a pumpkin…I enjoy watching you, listening to you, and learning from you! Congratulations on your new little bundle of joy…I saw pictures and think he’s perfect in every way! I’m inspired once again…and grateful you take the time to share your expertise with us all! Jean

    • Anna Mason on October 30, 2017 at 12:15 pm

      Thanks Jean!

  11. Charu on October 27, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    Thank you so.much..tried it and it came out.so Beautiful! Wish I could send you the pictures

  12. Nan on October 27, 2017 at 10:32 pm

    Love the pumpkin,.. what is your “little 5 week old pumpkin’s” name?

  13. Louise Hughes on October 28, 2017 at 9:04 pm

    hello Anna
    Loved doing the pumpkin. So bright and cheery.
    My grandsons love my fun `small paintings.
    I really love your refined and precise style.
    I have your book and really learned a lot…still learning…….very much…..
    I am a retired health professional and educator. I have always loved art ….especially watercolor. Thank for what you do so well.

    Happy wishes to Ben

    Louise

  14. Fidan kol on October 29, 2017 at 10:42 am

    I like it.I watch to you from turkey..please you show the flowers.sorry my english.

  15. Jean Sikute on October 29, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    Anna that was very interesting how to paint a pumpkin. The stimpling helped make it realistic. Thank you, I enjoyed the Video very much.

  16. lisette on November 2, 2017 at 6:13 am

    très beau dommage qu’ont n’a pas les couleurs car pour une débutante très difficile de savoir les couleurs
    mais vos dessins sont sublime

  17. maysoon aldoori on December 2, 2017 at 1:18 am

    Hello Anna I loved this video. You really made the pumpkin pop out and the colors are vibrant. Many thanks for sharing and do keep th coming. Happy Halloween.

  18. Ruchi on October 24, 2023 at 6:51 pm

    That’s a nice painting of pumpkin. Love all your work. It would be great if you share the names of colors that has been used in the painting.
    Thanks!

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