Here’s a fun and creative pumpkin craft perfect for Halloween or fall, inspired by the famous artist Yayoi Kusama!
Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist known for her use of polka dots and mirrored installations. Her work explores repetition, infinity, and mental health themes and spans various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installations.
Inspired by Kusama’s large, polka-dotted pumpkin sculptures, this project allows you to bring your own creativity and personal touch to the design.
What You’ll Need:
- A pumpkin (any size or shape, preferably without dents or scratches)
- Acrylic primer
- Paintbrush or sponge brush
- Acrylic paints in your chosen color (or spray paint)
- Black Sharpie markers in various tip sizes
Steps:
1. Prime Your Pumpkin: Start by applying an acrylic primer to your pumpkin, including the stem. This step helps the paint adhere better and reduces the number of coats you’ll need. I used a spray primer, but any type will do.
2. Paint Your Pumpkin: Once the primer is dry, paint your pumpkin using acrylic paint in the color of your choice. Depending on the color, you may need a few coats. Don’t forget the bottom of the pumpkin! It’s best to paint in stages—let the top dry before flipping it over. Be sure to plan ahead and allow time for drying.
For the stem, paint it solid black or choose a contrasting color to add a pop of interest. You could also opt for spray paint for the pumpkin and the stem.
3. Add Your Pattern: Now for the fun part! After your pumpkin is dry, it’s time to cover it in a repeating pattern. After some trial and error, I found that black Sharpie markers worked great. You could also try a paint pen or paint with a brush. However, after trying to paint with a brush first, I discovered I would again need several coats to get the solid black color I wanted in my version.
Kusama’s pumpkins have beautiful, perfectly shaped dots, which I found difficult to replicate on my pumpkin. But I let the idea of perfection go and enjoyed the process, which I found meditative and relaxing.
However, you can create any shape or repeating pattern. Don’t feel limited to polka dots. You could try stripes, zigzags, or even a unique design of your own. The possibilities are endless!
Finally add dots or pattern in your pumpkin color on the black stem.
4. Finishing Touches: Once you’re happy with your design, you can spray your pumpkin with a glossy varnish to give it a shiny, ceramic-like finish, just like Kusama’s iconic sculptures.
For an extra special display, create a group of pumpkins in different sizes or colors to add a unique and artistic touch to your fall or Halloween décor!
Have fun creating your own Kusama-inspired pumpkin!
If you would like to learn more about Yayoi Kusama and other great women artists; check out our Great Women Artists Coloring Book.
