Draw a large oval for the pumpkin’s body
Add a slightly curved top stem area
Draw a short stem at the top, with a small curve and taper
Sketch vertical ribs by drawing several curved lines from the top to the bottom
Connect the ribs smoothly so the pumpkin looks rounded
Add a scalloped edge along the outside where the ribs meet the outer shape
Draw the face guide lines (eyes and nose) if you want a jack-o’-lantern
Sketch two eye shapes (almond or triangles)
Sketch a nose shape (triangle, curved, or jagged)
Sketch a jagged mouth line and add triangular teeth if desired
Thicken the outline of the pumpkin and erase unnecessary guide lines
Add shading by darkening the sides of each rib slightly
Add highlight areas on the opposite side of the shading
Shade the stem with a darker edge and a lighter top highlight
Outline the face features more firmly and shade inside them for depth
Optional: Add a leaf at the top by drawing a curved leaf shape with a center vein