“Stone Soup” — A Halloween Tale of Sharing and Imagination

Halloween is always my favor holiday through the year. I do a Halloween theme painting every year. This year, the famous folk tale,“Stone Soup” came to my mind. The classic story where strangers make a delicious soup starting with just a stone, and everyone in the village contributes something small until it becomes a feast for all.

I wanted to reimagine that story with a Halloween twist — a cauldron in the moonlight, a whimsical witch, and her delightfully odd group of friends. Instead of villagers, we have a cast of charming misfits: a shy ghost, a vampire holding his “tomato juice,” a little mummy offering a pumpkin, and even a pumpkin-headed helper stirring the pot. Each brings their own quirky ingredient and a spark of character, reminding us that even in a spooky forest, community and kindness can turn something simple into something magical.

The piece began with pencil sketches to capture the playful dynamics between the characters. Then came layers of watercolor — rich blues for the night sky, warm oranges for autumn trees, and hints of purple and sparkle to create that mysterious, magical glow. The textures were built up slowly, like adding flavor to the soup itself.

“Stone Soup” is a celebration of togetherness — a reminder that when everyone adds a little, we create something wonderful. Whether it’s friendship, creativity, or a good story, sharing always makes it richer.