Jack O’Lantern, Trompe L’oeil Style

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I know my friend Todd because of my guy – they've been buddies for so long, they're pretty much brothers.

Todd's not only one of the nicest guys I've ever met, he's a talented artist. Which is totally cool. Except when you're over in your corner trying to create your jack o'lantern masterpiece, and he's over in his corner with his paints and his talent and his silent concentration, creating something that actually IS a masterpiece and not just a couple gourds toothpicked onto a pumpkin.

Show off.

Here are just a few of the sketched ideas Todd whipped out effortlessly, while I was over in my corner grunting and groaning, trying to hack through the top of my thick-skinned pumpkin so I could get to the guts.

Joker pumpkin?! A one-eye! An evil clock! My God, it took me a month to come up with one idea. He whips 12 out in five minutes.

Here Todd is beginning the process. He paints on the eyes with finesse while I'm attempting – unsuccessfully – to saw a gourd in half with a steak knife.

Check out this mouth! With the use of way more colors than is evident, he's created the effect of a carved pumpkin, without all the seeds and gunk.

Hey, my Owl O'Lantern's beak turned out pretty good! Take that, Mr. Artiste!

And the top of his creation – looks like it comes off, but no! It's all paint!

Jack O'Lantern trompe l'oeil. Who knew.

I have to admit, it's one impressive jack o'lantern masterpiece. I suppose.

Good job, Todd. :)