How To Draw a Pumpkin with Colored Pencils, by Gemma Chambers Art on YouTube. 13 min 29 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 29 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Sketch the pumpkin outline lightly in pencil. Draw a round body with curved ribs and a short thick stem, keeping the lines faint so they disappear under colour.
Pick your lightest orange and warm yellow pencils. Fill each rib with a thin, even layer, leaving the brightest highlight areas almost bare.
Add a mid orange over the shaded side of each rib. Use light pressure and small circular strokes so the paper texture stays smooth.
Layer a darker orange or light red-brown into the creases between ribs. These grooves are where the form turns away from the light.
Colour the stem with greens, ochres and browns. Build the ridges with a darker pencil and leave a light edge for the highlight.
Deepen the darkest shadows under the pumpkin and where ribs overlap. Keep edges soft by blending with a lighter pencil over the top.
Brighten the highlights with a pale yellow or white pencil. Press firmly only on the areas facing the light source.
Check the whole drawing from a distance. Push any dull areas with another layer of orange and sharpen the rib edges where needed.
Tips and common mistakes
Build colour in many light layers rather than pressing hard once, which keeps the paper from shining.
Keep your pencils sharp for the rib edges and use the flat side for broad areas.
Decide on one light direction before you start so every highlight and shadow agrees.
Questions
What paper works best for coloured pencil pumpkins?
Smooth Bristol board holds many layers without the texture showing through. Rough watercolour paper will make fine rib details harder.
Can I use cheaper coloured pencils?
Yes, but soft artist-grade pencils layer and blend more easily. Budget pencils may need more pressure and give flatter colour.
How do I fix a pumpkin that looks flat?
Darken the creases between ribs and lift the highlights with a pale yellow or white pencil. Stronger contrast makes the round form read better.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
