Halloween Art Lesson Jack O Lantern Art Project Autumn Art Activity Pumpkin Art

This Jack-O'-Lantern Halloween Art Project has students explore oil pastel blending, bold color contrast and expressive pumpkin design. Students can make their jack-o'-lanterns spooky, silly or mischievous, and the finished pieces make a bright Halloween display.

Students layer oil pastels for rich, glowing color, then add paint to make their jack-o'-lanterns stand out. It is written for art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families teaching Grades 3 to 7, with visual and text-based instructions, a finished example and a rubric.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “In the past I've dreaded art as I love it but am not talented in teaching it. This (and other lessons I bought) help me feel much more confident in creating art with my students. I appreciate how explicit the lesson plan is. I think I might show the children other pumpkin shapes to give a variety and let them make some of their own artistic choices. Thank you!” Tanya P.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Complete Lesson Plan with materials list, learning outcomes, teacher instructions and student actions
• Step-by-Step Drawing Handout
• Art Demonstration Slides (20 Slides), a visual and text-supported walkthrough of the full project
• Example Artwork to inspire students and set expectations
• Rubric for Assessment focusing on creativity, craftsmanship and technique

MATERIALS

Pencil and eraser, oil pastels, watercolor paint or tempera paint cakes, watercolor paper or cardstock, and copies of the step-by-step handout and rubric for each student.

HOW TO USE IT

Review the lesson plan and gather the materials in advance. Show the color example as a hook, then project the step-by-step slides from the PDF or use them as a guide for your own demonstration. Students can follow along at their own pace with the printed handouts.

Use the rubric for assessment and reflection, and display the finished jack-o'-lanterns on a Halloween bulletin board. The lesson works on its own or as part of a fall art unit, and also suits sub plans and art clubs.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families teaching Grades 3 to 7, and substitute teachers who need a low-prep Halloween art activity.

How long does it take?

Usually 2 to 3 class periods, depending on student age, ability level and class length.

How are the slides provided?

The 20 demonstration slides are in the PDF, ready to project.

Is it editable?

No. The resource is non-editable.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. Additional licenses are available for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: use this on OutSchool, put it on your blog, share it with other teachers, administration or districts (admin can buy additional licenses), sell it, give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (12)

★★★★ “This project was a lot of fun for my junior high art class. It was easy for them to understand and they enjoyed the final project!” Izzy's C.

★★★★ “I was a little nervous trying this out…we used oil pastels and I couldn’t believe how beautiful the pumpkins looked! The colors are so vibrant and the students loved making them. Thank you!” Sandy C.

★★★★ “The children loved this art lesson and lots of people, commented on their lovely work. Thank you!” Ruth C.

★★★★ “I like the step by step instruction. I was able to print the directions off and hand them out to the students and then they could add their own twist to it. The pumpkins turned out great!” TallTeachinInFlatsChic

★★★★ “Great art project for my 6th graders! Grade appropriate and my students really enjoyed this.” Solum in Sixth

★★★★ “I love pumpkins and fall so I love doing lessons like these...more importantly my students also love pumpkins and Halloween so they are always excited and engaged. Very cute!” Adrianna V.

★★★★ “Great resource! Great directions and the result was amazing! My students loved this project!” Nathalie G.

★★★★★ “My students loved this project.” Cori H.

★★★★★ “Very cool project. Thank you!” Veronika L.

★★★★★ “Kids had fun!” Janice J.

★★★★★ “Thanks!” Sara T.

★★★★★ “I will be doing this activity again this year as all went well last Halloween” Debra R.