A line of five children in Halloween costumes, among them pointed witch hats, a white ghost sheet, a red hooded cloak and a starry black robe, walks left to right along a picket-fenced path, each carrying an orange jack-o'-lantern pail. Behind them stands a symmetrical New England-style cottage with a steep dark roof, three glowing dormer windows and a wreath on its black front door.

Warm amber light from the windows and doorway contrasts with a cool grey-lavender sky, a pale full moon and a few small bats. Pumpkins rest near the porch steps and rust-toned bare trees flank the house. Loose impasto brushstrokes and soft haze keep the dusk scene gentle and storybook-like.