How to Paint a Cat-o-lantern Cuties Duo

Quick answer

Paint the Cat-o-lantern Cuties Junior Artist Duo with a partner: one painter works on each canvas, following the included sample tutorial. This guide walks you through the key steps and common pitfalls.

Step-by-step painting guide

1. Set up your workspace: Lay out the two canvases side by side on a flat, covered surface. Each painter should have their own brushes, paint palette, and a cup of water. Review the sample tutorial together so both of you know which canvas is left and which is right. A common mistake is mixing up the canvases. Label them "left" and "right" with a sticky note before starting.
2. Paint the background: Start with the large background areas—the night sky and the pumpkin patch. Use broad strokes and don't worry about staying inside the lines yet. Let this layer dry completely before moving on. If the paint feels too thick, dip your brush in water and blot it on a paper towel. This keeps the acrylic smooth.
3. Add the jack-o-lantern and cats: Now paint the pumpkin and the cat peeking out. Use the reference image from the tutorial to match the colors and shapes. Work from large shapes to small details: first the pumpkin body, then the cat's face, then the eyes and whiskers. Watch for smudging: if the background is still wet, the colors will bleed. Wait until the background is dry to the touch.
4. Detail the faces and features: Use a fine brush for the cat's eyes, nose, and whiskers, and for the jack-o-lantern's carved grin. Take your time—small details make the painting pop. If you make a mistake, let it dry and paint over it with the background color. A shaky hand is normal. Rest your painting hand on your other hand or a folded towel to steady it.
5. Finish with highlights and outlines: Add white highlights to the cats' eyes and the pumpkin's shiny spots. Outline the cat and pumpkin edges with a darker shade to make them stand out. Let the painting dry completely before displaying. Highlights should be subtle. A tiny dot of white on each eye is enough—too much will look unnatural.

Product details

• Cat-o-lantern Cuties: This dynamic diptych is especially designed for two painters, so grab your painting partner and create art AND memories together as you paint these purr-fect pals popping out of a jack-o-lantern. You don't need to plan how to split the work—each canvas is a complete half of the scene, making coordination easy.