Pumpkin Painting Contest Ideas

How about a whole bunch of pumpkins, each showcasing a different art style or character? This example really captures the imagination, from a cute Care Bear, to monsters from ‘Monsters Inc’ and even a very sad looking fellow! Maybe one person in your contest can handle scary, one cute, one abstract – that’d be a fun twist, right? Seeing all these lined up together makes for a super impressive display, and it’s easy to see how different techniques can totally change the vibe. I mean, imagine all the awesome entries you could get!

If you’re looking for something easy but recognizable, how about a cute cartoon character like Patrick Star from Spongebob, or Plankton also from Spongebob? These pumpkins are simple to make with a few paint colors, and just look at the detail using craft paper as the characters details. They’re a hit with almost anyone, no crazy artistic skill required! Also this ladybug pumpkin is just so cute and easy to paint as well. You could totally do this!

How about letting your imagination run wild? You could always go for the classic cartoon characters or movie monster style if you’re feeling creative and want a slightly spookier vibe. Or, if you want something adorable, try transforming your pumpkin into a charming elephant or a cute hedgehog covered in candy corn “quills”. The monster with a single eye is kind of cool, using the top and other small gourds as crazy tentacles! Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials and colors for a truly unique pumpkin.

I thought these were super cute! The artists used craft materials like felt, fake cotton fluff, and of course, paint. I really loved how they created a whole scene with the different pumpkins; it would be so fun to theme it after a child’s favourite thing. I also love how the one Pumpkin has real popcorn on top; that seems very creative! The Minion is a great idea for something simple to paint.

Okay, how about this super easy one? Just grab a pumpkin and some pom poms. Cover the whole pumpkin in pom poms with craft glue, that is one easy and effective design. What a fun and colorful way to decorate a pumpkin for your contest!

Here’s an idea, how about an “E.T.” pumpkin? Seriously, picture this: You paint the pumpkin a smooth brown and add those big, soulful blue eyes. Then, wrap it in a white sheet and pop it in a plastic crate with some old white wash clothes and what about holding a Reese’s Pieces for that extra movie magic. Seriously cute and easy, right?

Stuck for ideas? How about creating a cute pumpkin that looks like a unicorn, or a burger? Or maybe you can always rely on an all-time favorite like Spiderman! I especially love the little fox, how adorable is that? And the best thing is that all these ideas are very easy to paint.

If you want a mix of different styles, I’m really digging this set of pumpkins! You could go for simple polka dots, a cute ghost scene, or even a little Frankenstein’s monster. And how adorable is that little white pumpkin with the simple face? It’s a super quick and easy idea, perfect if you’re short on time but still want to participate. This is also a great way to get the kids involved!

Hey, ever thought of turning your pumpkin into your favorite cartoon or movie character? This is a fun one that uses pumpkins of different colors and shapes to create a lot of well-loved characters. You could go with a classic like Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse, or get creative with a Minion or even an Angry Bird! Maybe even try something epic like Spiderman, so your skills are really tested. The best part is you could even attach craft store pieces like ears or hair to make your pumpkin extra special and unique!

How about something cute and decorative? Painting tiny pumpkins with simple, charming designs like polka dots, flowers, or other delicate patterns could be really fun. They’re all done in a limited color pallet which really brings them all together. This approach would be perfect for a contest where you want to see creativity and detail without going too spooky or complicated. Imagine a whole collection of these little pretties displayed together.

How about a series of mini-monsters this year? I really like the idea of taking familiar Halloween characters and giving them a super cute, less spooky, makeover, you know? A tiny Frankenstein with a sweet smile would be so adorable. Or even a zombie pumpkin with brains showing, but still with that friendly face! It’s a fun twist on the classics and perfect for a bit of lighthearted Halloween fun.

Looking for something simple and sweet? Try a cute cat face or a friendly Frankenstein! The cat one is super easy to do with just a bit of black paint, and the Frankenstein is just some green paint with some black stitches. I think kids, especially, will love how happy and not-scary these are. Maybe you can make it a theme – friendly monsters only!

Ok, if you’re looking for something different, why not consider turning your pumpkin into something entirely unexpected, like a friendly farm animal? This cow design is so cute, with its soft, curly “hair” and sweet expression, and you could even paint a little baby pumpkin to look like a spice latte. Alternatively, embrace spooky season, why not paint your pumpkin green, give it a long, pointy nose, add a classic witch’s hat? If you wanted something easier and less involved there is always painting some ghosts around the pumpkin. Lastly, there’s always taking another small one and making it into Kool-aid man.

If you’re looking for something cute and a little silly, you could always paint a pumpkin like it’s at the spa with a towel wrapped around its head and a face mask. Or how about turning your pumpkin into a giant strawberry? If you’re a fan of Snoopy, maybe you could give painting that beloved beagle a try, too, and for some spookier ideas how about one with a ghost that looks like they are a barista. Of course, if you’re going for maximum impact, a “Spooky” themed pumpkin can really make a statement. Another idea is to paint your pumpkin to look like a night out on the town, where all the little ghosts gather on the way to a costume party.

Okay, so if you are looking for fun, whimsical ideas, how about taking inspiration from beloved characters? I’m kinda digging those *Monsters, Inc.* inspired pumpkins – Mike Wazowski is just adorable! And Sully looks like he’s ready to get up to all sorts of mischief. Then there’s the classic orange and black striped pumpkin for that traditional spooky vibe. Or, if you are looking for something a little more subdued, I think the “Fall” pumpkin with the leaves is really cute.

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