Image by Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto from Pixabay
Drawing a pumpkin may seem simple at first, but many people find it challenging. If you’re one of them, don’t worry! In this tutorial, we will guide you through easy steps to draw a pumpkin realistically. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a basic pumpkin drawing that still looks lifelike.
Use a Reference Photo of a Pumpkin
To begin, let’s gather the materials you’ll need for this drawing. You can find them at your local art store or use the links provided below:
- Sheet of drawing paper
- Sheet of folded paper to prevent smudging
- HB and 4B graphite pencils
- Kneaded eraser
- Plastic eraser
- Dusting brush
Before we start, it’s helpful to have a reference photo of a pumpkin. This will assist you in capturing the unique traits of the pumpkin, such as the length and texture of the stem and the spots on the shell. You can use the reference photo provided above or find one that suits your preference.
Draw the Outline of the Pumpkin’s Left Side
Begin by sketching the basic shapes of the pumpkin. Use an HB pencil to draw the right side shape, then draw the outline of the left side slightly larger. Outline the stem as well.
Next, start drawing the ribs of the pumpkin. Follow the guidelines from the previous step to draw the first rib directly below the stem. Keep in mind that the ribs may not be perfectly straight and should have a slight bend.
Continue drawing the ribs by adding curved lines that bulge upward from the first rib. Connect these lines at the bottom to complete each section. Pay attention to the curvature of the pumpkin’s outer edge and the previous rib as you draw each new rib.
Add more ribs, varying the positioning of each end. Remember that there’s a deep dip at the top of the pumpkin where the stem sits, so the ribs should take a downward dip before reaching the stem.
Draw the Outline of the Pumpkin’s Right Side
Repeat the same process on the right side of the pumpkin. Draw five more ribs, keeping in mind that some may be deep while others are shallow. Add lines that curve up and over the dip near the stem.
Focus on the stem itself by erasing any guidelines and sharpening up the outline. Begin to establish the shape at the end of the stem as well. If needed, you can try different methods like the transfer, grid, or plot-point method for more accurate line drawing.
Shade the Stem and Pumpkin’s Skin
Start by drawing lines close together on the stem, following its curvature. Create a few bumpy lines near the tip to add texture. Use an HB and 4B pencil to shade the stem, leaving more highlights on the upper left side and adding darker shadow tones on the right and underside.
Now, make the outer edge of the stem look bumpier to match the surface texture. Use a kneaded eraser to erase the outline and redraw it with a few bumps.
Next, it’s time to shade the pumpkin’s skin. Remember that the strongest light source is coming from the upper left. Lightly sketch highlights on the upper part of the left side and outline shadows along the ribs.
Use an HB pencil to lightly shade midtone values on the first section of the pumpkin’s skin. Shade around the highlights to preserve them. Use a 4B pencil to shade along the ribs, following the guidelines for value changes.
Continue shading the remaining sections of the pumpkin’s skin, always considering the position of the light source. Gradually add darker tones using an HB and 4B pencil, and leave thin strips of reflected light along the edges to create depth.
Draw the Cast Shadow and the Stump
Outline the bottom edge of the pumpkin with a 4B pencil to create a cast shadow. Shade under the pumpkin using a sideways motion, adding layers for a crosshatch pattern. Place your darkest tones where the pumpkin meets the table.
To draw the stump, sketch curved lines on both sides, curving downward on the right. Leave space for the shadow on top of the stump. Extend the pumpkin’s shadow towards the edges of the stump and shade the visible parts.
Add Details to the Stump
Draw cracks in the surface of the stump using mostly straight, wiggly lines. Make some cracks branch apart and vary their thickness. Sketch circular rings on the top surface of the stump, following its curvature.
Finish up by adding more cracks and circular rings with loose, light lines. Shade the sides of the stump that are visible and make final value adjustments. Erase any stray marks to complete the drawing.
Tutorial Recap and Tips to Remember
For a quick visual recap of the tutorial steps, refer to the image below. It shows the progression of how to draw a pumpkin, from the basic shapes to the detailed shading.
Here are a few tips to remember for your next pumpkin drawing:
- Always work from a reference photo to make your drawing more realistic.
- Vary the pressure of your pencil to convey the depth of the pumpkin’s ribs.
- Consider using both a color and black-and-white reference photo to understand light and shadow values.
- Experiment with drawing different types of pumpkins and squash to expand your skills.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a realistic pumpkin. Remember to practice and have fun with your drawings. Happy creating!
