47 Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas to Try This Year for Halloween and Fall

Geometric Painted Pumpkin

These neat and tidy ribbons of color are wonderfully at odds with the pumpkin's irregular contours. We traced the circle with a bowl and used electrical tape to block out the stripes. The tape's elasticity lends itself to working around curves.

Two-Toned Pumpkins

Who says you have to use orange and black for your Halloween decorations? Instead, try this minimalistic yet eye-catching pumpkin painting idea with whatever colors you desire.

For the dipping technique:

1. Put an inch of crafts paint in the bottom of a paper bowl, mixing in a little water, so paint is fluid but not watery.
2. Dip gourd and gently rotate.
3. Dry your first coat on a piece of waxed paper. When dry, repeat with another color to desired coverage.

Vibrant Cluster of Pumpkins

This colorful take on the traditional pumpkin incorporates faux gourds with real stems. Use as many faux gourds as you want. Cover them in vibrant metallic paint. When they're dry, replace the fake stems with real ones and arrange a few decorative spiders to add a spooky twist.

Bubble Painted Pumpkin

Bright colors and texture variations give a bubble-painted gourd a marbled effect. We used a white-painted paper-mache pumpkin so the delicate paint bubbles would stick.

1. In paper bowls, stir together paint solutions of 4 tablespoons paint, 4 tablespoons water, and 2 tablespoons dish soap.
2. Use a straw to blow lots of bubbles in the solution and gently dip your pumpkin into the foam, working around the pumpkin and between bowls of various colors. (We recommend sticking to a limited palette like this range of blues.)
3. Dry on waxed paper, then paint the stem or hot-glue on a natural stem.

Sugar Skull Pumpkins

Sugar skulls are known for their creative patterns, accented with bright colors. These Day of the Dead painted pumpkins are bold and striking. White skulls painted on black-painted pumpkins are a combination of spooky and fun. Choose bright accent colors to pop off of the black and white motif.

Stained Glass Pumpkin

Revisit your childhood with this tissue paper and Modge Podge pumpkin painting idea. Collect a few different colors of tissue paper and cut them into unique pieces. Next, simply swipe a little Modge Podge on your white painted pumpkin, place the tissue paper and seal with another layer of Modge Podge.

Rope Pumpkin

We gave a faux pumpkin an allover paint job with matte-finish crafts paint, then glued on amoeba-like rope "lines" for texture. Lightly pencil on your squiggles, then apply the fabric cording bit by bit with a hot-glue gun. To match the colors, dye a white cotton cord to match the paint color or mix the paint to approximate a colored cord or thick yarn.

Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas

Learn how to make three pretty no-carve Halloween pumpkins. We'll show you how to decorate festive pumpkins using paint, tape, paper, and straws!

Pour Paint Pumpkin

This painted pumpkin idea is easy, and you'll have it done in minutes. Pour crafts paint ($13 for 16, Michaels) onto a faux pumpkin and let it drip down the sides. That's it! We'll show you how to create gorgeous pour-paint pumpkin designs in any color scheme you like.

Splatter Paint Pumpkins

If you struggle to figure out what to paint on a pumpkin, this idea is fun and festive. Mix colorful paint with a few drops of water. Dip and flick paint brushes ($6, Michaels) to splatter gourds. For easier cleanup, place pumpkins in a big cardboard box before you tell your kids about Jackson Pollock. Let dry on waxed paper and, if desired, dip the bottom in a solid color.

Chalk Paint Pumpkin

We'll show you how to paint a pumpkin that's sure to scare! The key to the raised letters on this pumpkin painting idea is a script written in hot glue. After the glue is dry, paint your pumpkin in black paint. Next, apply the chalkboard paint with a dry brush from the bottom of the pumpkin. The dry brush technique gives the pumpkin a rustic look. What Halloween words will you spell out on your Halloween pumpkin decorations?

Galaxy Pumpkin

Your Halloween pumpkin decorations are going to be out of this world. This painted pumpkin starts with a plain black coat. Sponge-brushed purple and blue hues bring the galaxy to mind. "Flicks" of white paint (made with the bristles of a toothbrush) are stars.

Spray Painted Pumpkins

Eye-popping ombre pumpkins star as a simple fall centerpiece. The key is to spray from above and move your arm in a fluid circular motion, letting the paint drift down to lighter coverage. If necessary, add more paint only on top. Make a mistake? Spray the pumpkin white and start again!

Pattern Play Pumpkins

These black-and-white painted pumpkins are bold and beautiful. To create, mix patterns and word art incorporating one or two colors. Use a paint pen ($6, The Home Depot) to get fine details and clean lines. Invite friends over to create their own patterned Halloween pumpkins. Get them started by having the base layer painted and dried before the guests arrive.

Disco Pumpkin

Squares of silver paint shine on this disco-inspired pumpkin. Add even more sparkle by using sheets of silver leaf. Painting the silver color in a grid pattern gives your Halloween pumpkin decoration the disco ball look. Place this creative pumpkin painting idea somewhere on your stoop that gets some fun lighting. Turn Halloween into disco night!

Nail Polish Painted Pumpkins

Swirls of shiny nail polish are a great way to decorate pint-sized painted pumpkins. You don't need to go out and buy any special supplies for these Halloween pumpkin decorations. Instead, sift through your beauty drawer. Coloring pumpkins with nail polish creates beautiful marbleized designs.

Sports Pumpkins

Are you a football family? Or maybe baseball is more your thing? Let your friends and neighbors know with fun painted pumpkins. Transform regular orange pumpkins into the ball for your favorite sport. Basketball fans will have the easiest paint job!

Constellation Pumpkin

Don't let the drill holes intimidate you, this painted galaxy pumpkin is easy to DIY. This Halloween pumpkin decoration starts like all painted pumpkins, with a coat of paint. A very fancy technique involving flicking a paint-covered toothbrush creates stars. The lights on the inside of the pumpkin mean that this can be Halloween decor indoors or out.

"Gather" Pumpkin

Is your home the holiday hot spot? Invite your guests in with a painted fall pumpkin that welcomes them. This elegant invitation isn't necessarily a Halloween pumpkin decorating idea, but it's perfect for the entire fall. To make this farmhouse-painted pumpkin last longer, use a faux white pumpkin.

Donut Painted Pumpkins

These painted pumpkin decorations are so sweet that you'll want to eat! A ring of pastry-colored paint, with some sprinkles of paint, make precious painted donut pumpkins. Maybe this year's Halloween decorations will be dessert-themed? If white pumpkins are hard to find, just add a coat of white paint before your pastry pastels.

Mood Ring Pumpkin

Who knew painted pumpkins could tell your mood? A coat of thermal paint (on top of a black coat) is the key to the changing hues. Then, after your pumpkin is painted and dry, have your family take turns creating Halloween "paintings" on the pumpkin with their body temperatures.

Dracula Pumpkin

This pumpkin painting idea is "spooktacular"! Spray-paint a pumpkin lime green. Craft card stock features and glue in place. We used black tape to create the hair and eyes.

Candy Corn Pumpkins

This spray-painted pumpkin idea looks so sweet! Too big to pop in your mouth, these candy corn-inspired painted pumpkins still look good enough to eat. Choose cone-shaped pumpkins, and spray paint with white and yellow to create these Halloween pumpkin decorations.

Ice Cream Pumpkins

Painted pumpkins are just the start of this Halloween pumpkin decoration. Colorful card stock (as sundae sprinkles) tops the painted pumpkin "ice cream" scoops. Ceramic (or plastic) ice cream cones can be found at dollar stores or crafts stores.

Black and White Striped Pumpkin

Take your Halloween pumpkin decorating inspiration from a Halloween classic: Beetlejuice! The natural lines of the pumpkin serve as guides for your paintbrush. Hope you have a steady hand! If Halloween pumpkin painting isn't your forte, painter's tape can help you get crisp lines.

Witch's Shoes Pumpkins

Tall pumpkins set the stage for this witchy shoe scenario. All you need to keep in step are stencils for the painted pumpkins, black paint, ribbon, and shallow carving. If you love this Halloween pumpkin decorating idea but don't want to get any knives involved, use painter's tape and yellow paint for the striped stockings.

Caterpillar Painted Pumpkins

These cute painted pumpkins go to great lengths to form a caterpillar. Paint pumpkins melon green, and paint their stems black. Decorate the body with adhesive-felt dots, and design the head with a pair of googly eyes and curled pipe cleaner antennae. Arrange the painted pumpkins in a creepy, crawling S shape.

Princess Pumpkins

Painted pumpkins fit for a princess! If the goopy hands that result from carving pumpkins aren't your style, maybe these princess Halloween pumpkin decorating ideas are for you. Pastel pink will pop on your doorstep. Letter stencils allow each princess to customize a message to her subjects (or neighbors).

Pineapple Pumpkin

Is pumpkin a fruit? There's no debate it is, especially after this sweet makeover. To make this pumpkin-turned-pineapple, spray-paint a pumpkin yellow and add accents using a black marker. Finish with purchased eye stickers and a glittery foam topper.

Painted Owl Pumpkin

Do you find owls cool or creepy? Either way, they're perfect for Halloween pumpkin decorations. An owl on your doorstep adds a dramatic flair to the haunting holiday. Perfectly round eyes, comprised of even smaller patterns, are the key to a Halloween owl. Using a paint pen is the key to doing the designs by hand.

House Number Pumpkin

This pumpkin painting idea gives your home a touch of farmhouse Halloween decor. To make, use stencils to paint your house number on a plain white pumpkin. Display it with seasonal favorites like gourds and mums.

People Stack Pumpkins

Channel your inner illustrator! Pumpkins painted with fun faces are a stack of personalities. Yarn hair and flat caps add character to these Halloween pumpkin decorations. Use the accessories that match your family.

Editor's Tip: A paint pen is often easier to navigate than a paintbrush.

Miniature Bat Pumpkins

Take miniature painted pumpkins to bewitching new heights with an aerial display:

1. Paint bats on white pumpkins with black paint, or try using a black permanent marker.
2. Cut a length of thick jute and knot one end to a large washer. Tie a loop in the other end.
3. Punch holes in the top and bottom of the pumpkin, and use wire to pull the twine through the holes. (The washer supports the pumpkin's weight, and the loop attaches to the shepherd's hook.)

Artistic Kid Pumpkins

With a paintbrush in hand, your kid will become a little pumpkin Picasso. Put down a dropcloth or plastic table cover; this Halloween pumpkin decorating idea can get a little messy. Make sure that your kiddo has all of their favorite colors on hand for creating. Who says that Halloween pumpkin paintings have to be orange and black?

Easy Monster Pumpkins

Use googly eyes and green paint to create a group of pumpkin monsters. Add smiles with a black paint pen. Group a trio of these gorgeous painted pumpkins in a black cauldron for an easy Halloween centerpiece.

Fall Centerpiece Pumpkins

For a stunning centerpiece, place a white-painted pumpkin stenciled with a letter on a cake stand, spelling out the season. Big, bold lettering will make the centerpiece the focal point of your dining room.

Eyelash Painted Pumpkin

We see you! These painted pumpkins make decorative use of their Halloween message. The double-"o" is accented with a set of lashes to create inquisitive eyes. Letter stencils are available at most craft stores.

Creepy Crow Pumpkin

Choose any number of eerie shapes to paint on your Halloween pumpkin decorations: think crow, black cat, bat, witch, or spider. Apply a coat of varnish after the paint dries to protect the pumpkin from the elements. Tufts of garden moss help keep the pumpkin stable on its birdbath perch.

Tiered Pastel Painted Pumpkins

Like any culinary confection, this tiered treat has all the right ingredients. For pumpkin-painting ideas fit for royalty, select two pumpkins and a Cinderella squash that stack easily. "Ice" the painted pumpkins and squash in pretty pastel hues, embellish with lacy trims and adhesive gems and stack for a precious painted pumpkin decoration.

Friendly Halloween Cat Pumpkins

Create a litter of kittens with painted pumpkins:

1. Coat each pumpkin with matte-finish sealant to dull the waxy surface.
2. To get the painted pumpkin faces, paint the pumpkins different colors, applying two or three coats of paint (let the paint dry between coats).
3. Draw a nose, mouth, and whiskers on each pumpkin with a black felt-tip marker. For the eyes, draw eye-shape outlines and eyelashes using the marker. Paint the inside of the eyes white, let dry, then paint green irises outlined in black.
4. Cut out ear shapes from crafts foam, and hot-glue them in place.

Cat and Mice Silhouette Pumpkins

A game of cat and mouse is the theme of these pumpkin decorations. Download our free templates, then trace the cat onto a large pumpkin and the mice onto three smaller pumpkins. Fill in the outlines with black paint, or use a paint pen for a quick and easy alternative.

Mad for Plaid Pumpkins

Go mad for plaid! Painted pumpkins get a rustic update when you use a plaid pattern for your design. Alternate overlapping thick and thin stripes in two colors to get the look. Painter's tape can help get crisp lines. Make sure the paint is dry before you peel the tape off.

Gold Painted Pumpkins

Metallic-painted pumpkins are guaranteed to be eye-catching pumpkin decorations. Placed on a pedestal, this bold gold-painted pumpkin decoration is perfect for a fall tablescape. If you spray paint faux pumpkins instead of real ones, they can last until your Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Non-Traditional Colored Pumpkins

Don't be limited to black and orange for your Halloween pumpkin decorations. Pick a color scheme that's more your style. We went with blue and tan for a down-home country quality that's homey and welcoming. Stripes, plaid, and buffalo check can all be done in any color you like.

Fall Foliage Pumpkins

Try a leaf motif for easy Halloween pumpkin painting ideas that can stay to Thanksgiving. Find different types of leaves, trace the shapes onto the pumpkin, and paint—fall leaf crafts don't get easier! For even more unique decor, paint your leaves onto a pumpkin that isn't orange. Gourds come in all hues. What colors go with your fall decorating this year?

Indoor Decor Pumpkins

Pumpkins aren't just for the front step; bring your Halloween pumpkin decorations inside. Simple black adornments upgrade these from doorstep additions to indoor gourd decor. A steady hand and a paint pen make these simple designs easy to create.

Chinoiserie Pumpkins

Add an elegant touch to your Halloween with painted chinoiserie pumpkins. The elaborate floral designs are easy to create with a few simple brushstrokes and acrylic paint. Make a few coordinating blue and white designs.