The Crafter's Workshop BlogThe Prussian Pumpkin

When I attended art classes at the university, one of the basic drawing classes included drawing random objects… including pumpkins. For six weeks, forty hours a week we draw pumpkins. Needless to say, I’ve avoided pumpkins and orange objects for a long time BUT blue pumpkins on the other hand… they’re simply magical.

The Crafter’s Workshop provided me with some product to create this project. The opinions I share are solely my own.

Colored pencil through 12x12 TCW878 Jack-O-Lantern Stencil — Colored pencil through 12×12 TCW878 Jack-O-Lantern Stencil

First, I drew through very very lightly with a light blue colored pencil. I didn’t want there to be any harsh edges when I started blending with the chalk pastels.

Blue chalk pastels through 12x12 TCW878 Jack-O-Lantern Stencil — Blue chalk pastels through 12×12 TCW878 Jack-O-Lantern Stencil

To color in the pumpkin, I laid down a layer of different color blues as well as some black for shading. If you wish to try this with chalk pastels, make sure you have a smooth but soft surface. Drawing on a hard surface, like I usually would on my glass mat, can produce harsh lines if you press down too much with the edge of the chalk. A cutting mat and few pieces of paper on top worked just fine for this little pumpkin.

Blue chalk pastels through 12x12 TCW878 Jack-O-Lantern Stencil; details with black and white charcoal pencils — Blue chalk pastels through 12×12 TCW878 Jack-O-Lantern Stencil; details with black and white charcoal pencils

Blending time! I’m a finger blender- I don’t like to use any blending tools if I don’t have to. I made sure I washed my hands thoroughly to get rid of any excess oil before I attempted this. In between blending colors, I added a few layers of more color where needed. Once the colors were blended, I went back on top with both a black charcoal and a white charcoal pencil to add details.

I sprayed the pumpkin with generic hairspray (an alternative to workable fixative) to prevent the drawing from smudging too much (it will still smudge if pushed but there won’t be any loose particles) before I cut it out.

Extra chalk pastel dust on scrap watercolor paper

Tip: Save that extra chalk dust! Tap it onto some scrap watercolor paper and smudge it in the background. It’s an easy way to add in layers and texture at the same time!

Background: Cloud outline drawn and blended with white chalk

For the background, I drew and blended cloud outlines with plain white chalk onto black card stock. I then added a layer of diluted white acrylic “stardust” on top with a toothbrush in a flicking motion.