November ushers in shorter days, cooler temperatures and a spirit of gratitude. Trees shed their last leaves, kitchens fill with the aroma of baking spices and families gather to celebrate togetherness. This month’s prompts capture that mix of reflection, coziness and anticipation for the holidays to come. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening by the fire or diving into festive preparations, these ideas will guide your drawings and keep your creativity flowing.
✏️ Tips Before Starting
Before you begin, make sure you have your materials ready and revisit the Drawing Prompt Guide and Choosing Your Artist Tools Guide if you need a refresher. Those resources can help you get the most out of daily prompts and make your creative sessions feel effortless. With your tools and inspiration at hand, you’re ready to dive into November’s palette of experiences!
Drawing Prompt #1 – Frosty Morning Walk (Day 1)
Imagine stepping outside on the first chilly morning of November. Frost clings to fallen leaves and outlines blades of grass like delicate lace. Capture your breath fogging in the air, the pale light of sunrise and the crunch beneath your boots.
Drawing Prompt #2 – Migrating Geese (Day 2)
Look up to see a V‑formation of geese gliding south. Their silhouettes stand out against a clear sky tinged with pink and gold. Show the motion of their wings and the sense of journey as they call out to one another.
Drawing Prompt #3 – Cozy Soup Night (Day 3)
Visualize a pot of hearty soup simmering on the stove while someone chops vegetables and stirs gently. A loaf of bread cools on a cutting board. Capture the steam rising, the warm colors of the ingredients and the comfort of home cooking.
Drawing Prompt #4 – Raking and Jumping Leaves (Day 4)
Picture a family raking piles of crunchy leaves into large mounds. Children run and leap, scattering leaves everywhere. Include the playfulness, the swirling leaves in the air and the satisfaction of clearing the yard.
Drawing Prompt #5 – Reading by the Fireplace (Day 5)
Envision a stone fireplace with logs crackling and sending sparks up the chimney. Someone sits nearby in a plush chair, a blanket draped across their lap, immersed in a novel. Show the warm glow of the flames and the serenity of the scene.
Drawing Prompt #6 – Baking Pumpkin Bread (Day 6)
Imagine mixing batter in a large bowl, folding in cinnamon and nutmeg. Later, golden loaves sit cooling on a wire rack, their tops cracked and fragrant. Capture the textures of the ingredients and the satisfaction of baking.
Drawing Prompt #7 – Morning Fog Over the Lake (Day 7)
Visualize a lake shrouded in thick morning fog. Trees on the far shore appear as ghostly outlines. Maybe a lone fisherman sits in a small boat, barely visible through the mist. Focus on the softness of the scene and the muted colors.
Drawing Prompt #8 – Family Game Night (Day 8)
Picture a group of friends or family members crowded around a table playing board games or cards. Snacks and drinks are scattered about, and everyone is laughing or arguing about strategy. Capture the expressions, gestures and camaraderie.
Drawing Prompt #9 – First Snowfall (Day 9)
Imagine the year’s first flurries drifting down, coating rooftops and branches with a thin layer of white. Children stick out their tongues to catch the flakes. Illustrate the wonder, the delicate flakes and the transformation of the landscape.
Drawing Prompt #10 – Lantern Festival (Day 10)
Visualize a row of lanterns or candles lighting up a dark November evening. Perhaps people carry them along a path or place them on a porch. Show the warm, flickering lights and the sense of community.
Drawing Prompt #11 – Harvest Basket Still Life (Day 11)
Arrange a still life of squash, gourds, nuts and dried corn tied with twine. Place them in a woven basket on a rustic table. Use this as an exercise in composition, texture and shading.
Drawing Prompt #12 – Writing Thank‑You Notes (Day 12)
Picture someone seated at a desk with stationery, writing heartfelt thank‑you notes. A cup of tea and a small vase of dried flowers sit nearby. Capture the intent look on their face and the intimacy of handwritten words.
Drawing Prompt #13 – Warm Knit Accessories (Day 13)
Draw a collection of knit hats, scarves and mittens piled together, perhaps with knitting needles and a ball of yarn tucked beside them. Focus on the patterns, stitches and soft folds of fabric.
Drawing Prompt #14 – Candle‑Making Afternoon (Day 14)
Visualize a table set up for making beeswax candles. Molds, wicks and melted wax are ready to pour. Someone ties ribbons around finished candles. Capture the golden hue of the wax and the satisfaction of crafting something by hand.
Drawing Prompt #15 – Watching Seasonal Movies (Day 15)
Imagine friends curled up on a couch watching a holiday movie marathon. Popcorn bowls and blankets abound, and the light from the screen reflects on their faces. Show the shared smiles and the cozy atmosphere.
Drawing Prompt #16 – Hot Chocolate Bar (Day 16)
Picture a table set with mugs, marshmallows, chocolate shavings and cinnamon sticks. Friends ladle steaming cocoa from a pot and customize their drinks. Highlight the rich browns, creamy whites and the joy of indulging.
Drawing Prompt #17 – Preparing the Thanksgiving Meal (Day 17)
Visualize several generations working together in the kitchen. Someone chops vegetables, another bastes a turkey, and a child sneaks a taste of pie filling. Capture the bustle, the teamwork and the warmth of pre‑holiday preparations.
Drawing Prompt #18 – Forest Walk with Bare Trees (Day 18)
Envision a late‑autumn walk through a forest of tall, leafless trees. Fallen leaves carpet the path, and birds flit between branches. Show the stark elegance of the tree trunks and the play of light and shadow.
Drawing Prompt #19 – Hand‑Gathered Centerpiece (Day 19)
Imagine collecting branches, pinecones and berries to create a table centerpiece. Place them in a wooden box or vase. Focus on arranging textures and colors harmoniously.
Drawing Prompt #20 – Watching the Sunset Early (Day 20)
Picture the sun setting earlier each day, casting long shadows over a quiet neighborhood. People stroll with their dogs, wrapped in coats. Capture the orange and purple hues of the sky and the reflective mood.
Drawing Prompt #21 – Thanksgiving Parade (Day 21)
Visualize a parade with giant balloons floating down a city street, marching bands playing and spectators bundled up along the sidewalks. Show the scale of the balloons, the excited children on shoulders and the festive buzz.
Drawing Prompt #22 – Evening of Gratitude (Day 22)
Imagine a small group seated around a table sharing what they’re thankful for. Candles burn low, and plates are pushed aside. Capture the emotions on faces—thoughtfulness, joy, perhaps a tear—against a warm, intimate setting.
Drawing Prompt #23 – Pumpkin Pie Perfection (Day 23)
Draw a perfectly baked pumpkin pie cooling on a windowsill, whipped cream at the ready. A slice has been cut and placed on a plate. Focus on the contrast between the golden crust and the rich filling.
Drawing Prompt #24 – Touch Football in the Yard (Day 24)
Visualize family members playing a casual game of football in the backyard. Leaves fly up with each step, and laughter fills the air. Capture the movement, the playful competitiveness and the informality of the game.
Drawing Prompt #25 – Black Friday Window Shopping (Day 25)
Picture people bundled up and peering into brightly lit store windows decorated for the holidays. They carry shopping bags and sip coffee. Show the excitement, the twinkling lights and the beginning of the festive retail season.
Drawing Prompt #26 – Pomegranate Still Life (Day 26)
Arrange opened pomegranates, with seeds spilling out, alongside dried flowers and linens. Use this as a study of deep reds, intricate textures and contrast against muted backgrounds.
Drawing Prompt #27 – Bonfire Under Stars (Day 27)
Imagine friends gathered around a large bonfire in late November. They wear sweaters and beanies, roasting marshmallows and singing softly. Sparks rise into a clear night sky filled with stars. Capture the contrast of glowing faces against the dark.
Drawing Prompt #28 – Early Holiday Decorating (Day 28)
Visualize someone hanging a wreath or stringing lights on a front porch, stepping back to admire their work. Fallen leaves still linger on the ground. Show the blend of autumn and winter decorations and the excitement of the season beginning.
Drawing Prompt #29 – Writing to Santa or Winter Wish List (Day 29)
Imagine children writing letters to Santa or creating wish lists. They sit at a table with colored pencils and stickers, occasionally whispering ideas to each other. Capture the innocence and anticipation.
Drawing Prompt #30 – Reflecting on the Year (Day 30)
To close the month, picture someone journaling or sketching memories from the past year. Photos, tickets and mementos lie scattered across the table. Perhaps a candle burns nearby. Show the contemplative mood and the sense of closure as November ends.
Conclusion
November invites us to slow down, appreciate what we have and prepare for the festivities ahead. Whether you draw every prompt or choose a handful that resonate with you, let these scenes remind you to enjoy the season’s simple pleasures. Embrace your creativity, tell your own stories through art, and savor the warmth of these late autumn days. Happy drawing!
