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Yayoi Kusama Dotted Pumpkins for Kids

I love the results of this dotted pumpkin project inspired by the dotted pumpkins of Yayoi Kusama.  I did this art lesson with 3rd/4th grade. (Amazon Affiliate links have been used, at no extra cost to you.)

A collage of colorful, dotted pumpkin drawings on assorted vibrant backgrounds with the text "Dotted Pumpkins Inspired by Yayoi Kusama," ideal for kids.

I based our project after the lesson taught on the blog Plastiquem.  First, I read the book Yayoi Kusama, From Here to Infinity, which is an inspirational book about her artwork and life.  This is on my list of top 10 favorite books about artists.  Well, I don’t actually have a list yet, but if I did, this would be on it.  (Note to self: future blog post.)  I wrote a review of this book in a previous blog post, which you can read here.

A collage of dotted pumpkins inspired by Yayoi Kusama, showcasing various colors and patterns on dark backgrounds, perfect for kids.

To make the pumpkin pictures, students looked at pumpkins while drawing them on construction paper.  The students outlined the pumpkins and their lines with black Sharpies.  Then the pumpkins were cut out.  The next step was to use tempera paint and Q-tips to make dots on the pumpkins.  When the dots were dry, the pumpkins were glued to a solid background paper.  Finally, patterns were added with metallic markers.

Colorful abstract painting of a pumpkin with vibrant patterns and a black background, reminiscent of Yayoi Kusama's dotted pumpkins. A stylized yellow pumpkin with dots and lines on a colorful, patterned background, inspired by Yayoi Kusama. Vibrant drawing of two dotted pumpkins with patterns; one orange and one yellow with stripes on a swirly background, inspired by Yayoi Kusama's unique style. Colorful abstract pumpkin painting with dot patterns and a mosaic-style background, inspired by Yayoi Kusama's dotted pumpkins.

Here are some of Yayoi Kusama’s amazing pumpkins for reference:

Image result for yayoi kusama dotted pumpkinsImage result for yayoi kusama dotted pumpkins

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Image result for yayoi kusama dotted pumpkin painting

Have you ever taught about Yayoi Kusama?  Do you like her artwork?  Why or why not?


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About Marcia Beckett

Marcia is an elementary art teacher and loves painting, drawing, sculpture, art journaling and clay. Her blog, Art is Basic, features many exciting art projects for kids.

36 Responses to Yayoi Kusama Dotted Pumpkins for Kids

  1. mary kernan says:

    I find the artwork to be very exciting. I am encouraged to learn more about the artist. Thank you for your information and ideas.

  2. Sara Fletcher says:

    I totally LOVE these!!! I would definitely research this artist and her artwork now. Thank you for your inspiration!

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  8. Patti says:

    This would be a good, new way to teach pumpkins to students. I think they will enjoy this exciting format.

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  15. Kristi Murray says:

    I love Yayoi Kusama’s art and thanks to your website, I found her and taught this way of decorating pumpkins to my first graders. I am doing this again in 2nd grade this year.

    I bought this book:
    Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn’t Sorry.
    by Fausto Gilberti

    Thank you!

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  35. andi says:

    How many (45 min) class periods would this take? thanks.

  36. Andi says:

    How many class periods would this take?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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  • Banner with colorful artwork promoting an art shop featuring kindness coloring pages, artist activities, and resources for teachers.