2026 Pumpkin Patch

Days at the pumpkin patch have been filled with happiness. laughter, and wonder. Walking into Gilcrease Orchards is a stimulating experience for the senses. The staff greets everyone with such joy and that sets the mood for a fun filled day! The smell of apple cider doughnuts wafts through the air pulling our noses directly to breakfast. A band is usually playing music enticing our ears to listen and bodies to sway with movement. This year actors posed, and sang, as the characters from Hocus Pocus which was delightful.

After breakfast, we meander through corn and hay mazes figuring out twists and turns along the pathways. Then, we walk the long road to the pumpkins and choose a wheelbarrow to collect our treasures which brings a smile to our faces. From the moment we enter to the moment we leave the Patch is full of possibilities. I love watching our daughter run her fingers through the dirt, collect it, and watch it float in the air through her fingertips. Treasures through a toddler’s eyes are bountiful. Children truly are fascinating. These years of wonder are filled with whimsy and a sparkling personality is being formed. We have personally added one more pumpkin to our patch this season and could not be more delighted. So excited to live in all new experiences this year and the coming years.

The pumpkin painting series holds so many meanings for me. Each one is wrapped in my memories of where we picked the pumpkin, the weather during the day as it has been vastly different, and the people we were with upon choosing the pumpkin. We think of what delicious meals or treats we will create when I finish a painting and the pumpkin is ready to carve. We have made soup, gnocchi, bread, and scones so far. In previous years, we attempted chocolate chip pumpkin cookies which came out nice but way different than the recipe. Every painting I create holds a special moment in our lives, since most are from nature or an experience in my personal life that I wish to treasure, or share with the world. The memories of going to the Pumpkin Patch with sisters, nieces, friends, cousins, and our loved ones will live in these paintings for all time. Now, in the new era of motherhood, and 2026, these paintings hold an even deeper connection. I hope these pumpkins bring you joy and a bit of whimsy. What a wonderful world we live in. Thank you for reading and have a marvelous Friday!

-Karen Hilliard

Also, if you would like another way to show support, I have a few options. “Buy me a coffee” which is a way for anyone to contribute to the creative process behind the paintings. Fuel the artist so to speak. Here is the link if you are interested. The funds go to supplies and gas to get out to the trails. I truly appreciate the support and the fact that you are liking these blogs, as well as my art posts. I am working hard to bring you all fresh content! Here is the link to my Instagram where I try to post daily. You can also find me on Facebook at my art page Karen Hilliard Art.

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