Paint by numbers was invented with this concept in mind and marketed as a way for everyone to become artists. The original slogan for the brand that started it all promised they could make “every man a Rembrandt." And that’s precisely what it achieved. Now almost 70 years since its original invention,paint by numbers has evolved greatly. Millions of people around the globe can say they’vemade their own paintings . They've also experienced the many benefits that art has to offer us.
This guide looks at history ofpaint by numbers to find out how it got where it is today. We’ll show you how this methodical approach to creating art became so popular. We will also discuss exactly what you need to become a Rembrandt yourself.Paint by numbers has revolutionized the way we create art, and there’s a lot to learn about this process.
Ultimate Paint by Numbers Guide - What Exactly is Paint by Numbers?
Paint by numbers has a pretty self-explanatory title, but there’s a bit more to it than simplypainting in order of a numerical system.Paint by numbers is a form of art kit or design that has a blank page or canvas with an outline of a picture in it. Within the page and picture are many different shapes of varying sizes, and each has been categorized with a number.Thesenumbers represent different colors , and when looking at the page as a whole, it will show you an entire unfinished picture. It’s thepainter’s job to paint those shapes according to their numbers, with the end result being a complete and colorful work of art. Once complete, you’ll see a range of colors, shades, and tints that you helped to create, and it will all come together to look like a professional masterpiece.
People often describe thepaint by numbers approach as methodical or simple, and while it certainly can be, that doesn’t mean it’s all that it has to offer. This uniquestyle of painting has helped so many learn the basics of the art form, as well as many other benefits, including improved mental health and a satisfying and educational way to pass the time.
The end result of apaint by numbers kit can astound people as it looks as though amasterful painter has created the entire thing. People often hang their work at home or the office or even gift them as friends. When compared to a traditionalpainting done by scratch, itreally is difficult to tell the difference.
The History of This Unique Art System - Paint By Numbers
Dan Robbins was working as a package designer at Palmer Paint Co. in Detroit when he came up with a genius idea that would change the world of art as we know it. Remembering that he had heard about famed artist Leonardo Di Vinci and a method he used to teach his students, Robbins realized that he could get others to learn how to paint just by making the process easier to follow.Just as Di Vinci used to draw shapes and numbered patterns to help his apprentices follow along and learn, so too would Robbinscreate a painting kit that allowed others to do the same. He made a prototype and shared it with his boss who loved the idea, but thought the picture should be replaced with something other than his own face.
The duo launched Craft Masters who would become the original creators of thepaint by number system. After some trial and error, the idea spread through the United States like wildfire and by the end of the 1950s, everybody had one of these art pieces of their own creation hanging in their home.
Craft Masters didn’t hold a patent on the design and so many other brands flooded the market. Although it was wildly popular for everyday hobbyists and art lovers, critics in the art scene blasted it for being too simple and taking thecreativity out of the whole process. These criticisms bothered nobody though, and today it’s a much-loved pastime for people of all ages and its popularity has spread around the world.
Paint By Numbers in the Modern Age
Today,paint by numbers follows much the same approach as it did when those very first Craft Master sets were launched. The difference is the wider range that’s now available with many different images and challenging styles to paint, as well as how many benefits we now realize it to have.Paint by numbers is a great tool for anyone learning how to paint or studying art in general, and it’s the first step towards creating your own masterpieces. For hobbyist painters, spending some time each day on one of thesekits can reduce stress levels, give you something satisfying and rewarding to do, and offer a major boost of self-confidence.
Today, there are even online formats ofpaint by numbers and many famous tutorials and website dedicated to this special art process. The digital age has once again changed the landscape forpaint by numbers and other art forms, and it’s gettinganother wave of popularity with the younger generations.
In addition to the new changes to these painting kits,paint by numbers also remains a huge collector’s item. People collectvintage paint by numbers sets from the 1950s and forward, and there have been numerous historical displays and even a dedicated Paint By Numbers online museum for people to visit.
How Hard Is It to Paint By Numbers?
For those completely new to the process, you might be concerned about whether or not you’ll actually be able to paint. This common fear is what puts most people off from ever trying their hand at art, and they end up missing out on the lifetime of benefits it offers to create your own masterpieces. The Ultimate Guide ToPaint By Numbers was created to simplify the learning curve for everyone.Paint by numbers was built to quash these very fears and make art and painting accessible for everyone. Even if you know nothing about art and have never even picked up a paintbrush, you will be able to make your very own picture. Just as the original brand promised, these kits really do make everyone a Rembrandt.
The entire process of a paint by numbers kit is laid out easy to understand , with everything from detailed instructions to the paint pots included. It’s near impossible to get it wrong, and there’s also room to get creative with what you make, so the process doesn’t have to be as systematic as critics would have you think.
One of the bestthings about these paintings is that they can vary so much in difficulty. You might start off with something easy and then work your way up to a more challenging image, or even try the same painting but with adifferent color scheme . There are no rules in place for how you have to finish them and you can go at your own pace as long as you feel comfortable.
Ultimate Paint by Numbers Guide - The Steps to Paint by Numbers
There are now so many brands who makepaint by numbers kits but most of them follow the same basic approach. If you’ve been wondering about how exactly this process works, this is a step by step look at how you cancreate your very own masterpiece using this art system.1. Choose a painting
The key to finishing apainting is choosing one with an image that you actually like. There are thousands of images available and in varying degrees of difficulty, so take some time to pick one that stands out to you.2. Make your own artist’s space
All good artists have their own space to work in, and now that you havepaint by numbers you should too. Look for a flat surface that is hopefully away from others, and place done a plastic sheet or something that will prevent it from getting dirty. Set up all of the supplies you’ll need including a glass of water for washing the brush, thepaint from the kit , and somewhere to place your canvas.3. Read the instructions
Check the instruction on the box and make sure you understand them before you begin. Some may vary in how they code the colors and each kit will come with its own palette to work with.4. Paint by numbers
Decide what approach you want to take with painting each shape. Some recommend starting from the bottom left corner and working your way up, others suggest beginning with the largest shapes first. Whatever you do, be careful not to smudge and avoid from dragging your hand on wet paint.5. Finish your piece
Check the entirecanvas and make sure you can’t see any blank spaces or read any numbers through the paint . Do a double coat of paint where needed and tidy up any final lines. Mount or hang your canvas, or gift it to a friend, but wait until it has completely dried.What Kind of Paint Is Used in Paint By Numbers?
Everypaint by numbers kit comes with a selected amount of paints, each in their own separate tubs. These tubs have enoughpaint within the complete the picture, and usually, more to account for any mistakes.The paints are separated into the most used colors, but there may be a direction to mix them together to make others. If this is the case, the instructions will show you exactly how much is required of each. Beginners might prefer to only use pre-mixed colors so they know they’re correct, but if you’re unsure about mixing you can just try a little on the side to get the combination right.
One way that people take creative control ofpaint by numbers is to choose their own colors . You can be experimental in what you put where and change the correspondingcolors and numbers , but this won’t always turn out looking the best. You might also use other art supplies like glitter or material to add to the final piece, but again it’s simply a matter of experimentation.
The most common type ofpaint used in a paint by numbers kit is acrylic . This is the preferred type because it’s easier to keep the brushes clean, goes onto the canvas with ease, and dries quickly. There are some oil-basedpaints but for beginners ,acrylic kits are the best place to start.
Paint by numbers kits also come in other formats, like watercolors or pastels. These obviously aren’t “painting” by definition but they follow the same approach, and for people who want to mix things up and try something new, it can be interesting to try another art form.
What Canvas Do You Paint On?
Paint by numbers kits come in two main styles, either printed on a heavy weight paper or on canvas. The most popular surface iscanvas because of the many benefits it offers the artists . For instance, smoothness, workability with the paintbrush, and a complete finished product that you can easily hang on your wall.The quality of the canvas and what materials it’s made from will depend on each kit. The more expensive brands use high-quality canvas-like cotton and linen, but there are cheaper alternatives available. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s wrinkle-free and can be mounted or framed when you’re done.
These canvases range in size depending on how large you want the finished product to be. They can be as small as a mini canvas measuring 6” x 8” or up to around 20” x 40”. Consider the placement of your canvas when it’s done. Also, consider how much space you’ll need, and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to making the painting.
Included in yourpaint by numbers kit should be tools and equipment to hang the painting for yourself when it’s done. It’s not common to include a frame. It should also have a mounting kit so you can hang it on the wall. Because it’s already on a canvas border there’s nothing else to do.
What Do You Need For Paint By Numbers?
Making a painting is pretty straightforward once you have all of the supplies. But collecting each individual piece can be time consuming and expensive. This is another benefit thatpaint by numbers has over other art forms. It equips with you everything to need from start to finish, including stuff to hang it on the wall.Brushes
Apaint by numbers image has many different shapes and sizes, so you need the right brush to correspond. Depending on the size and difficulty of the painting, it’s standard to have at least three brush options. Some with a finer brush and wide brush included. Take some time to learn the brushes before you get started and maybe do some practice strokes.Canvas
Thecanvas will be sized in accordance with the painting . It might also come with a paper sheet of the picture for reference. These might be already mounted and stretched on wooden bars. It could also be a single roll of canvas that you can choose how to present when you’re done.Paint
Instructions
Allpaint by numbers kits come with detailed instructions about how to complete the piece. You need to study these before you begin and make sure you understand each step. Otherwise, it will be hard to fix a mistake once you’ve started.Wall mounting kit
Depending on the size of the canvas, your kit might come with various bits and pieces allowing you to mount it. These include screws and bolts, as well as recommendations for how to hang it.Most Used Paint By Numbers Motives
There have been too manypaint by numbers kits sold around the world to keep track of. Knowing exactly what the most popular is isn’t easy to do. Throughout the history of this art form, various styles and motives have been more popular than others. It seems to change as the years do and taste in art develops.During the initial release ofpaint by numbers in the 1950s and 1960s, there were some common themes. When they were first made, Dan Robbins and Max Klein focused on simple pieces like landscapes and animals. As popular culture would dictate, other themes started to emerge like from popular TV shows or actors of the time.
Religious motives still remain apopular choice for paint by numbers . Palmer still makes just twopaint by numbers kits , and one is a depiction of the Last Suppper. Even today, the vintage pieces that are up for grabs feature a large number of religious images. They’re definitely still a popular choice.
Today’spaint by numbers are far more detailed and many more options. The most popular sales are those recreating famous artworks from Monet, Picasso, andVan Gogh , to name a few. These offer a way to get arealistic looking painting to hang on the wall. But you won't have to spend thousands of dollars just for the pleasure.
Ultimate Paint by Numbers Guide - Tips for Beginners
The best thing aboutpaint by numbers is that you don’t have to feel worried about making a mistake. The process was made with the beginner in mind so it’s very hard to get wrong. Here are sometips you can follow if you’re nervous about starting your first paint by numbers.- Give yourself an adequate workspace that’s well lit and has everything you need. This will help get you in an artistic mood.
- Try to give each newly painted area 10 minutes to dry. Acrylic paints will dry faster and make for a quicker process.
- Start with the smallest area of canvas with the finest details and work your way to larger shapes.
- To give a really professional finish, consider spraying the canvas with a clear acrylic sealer. This will prevent it from running or fading over time as well.
- Keep a magnifying glass or reading glasses on hand so you can look closely at the finer details. It might not seem important, but the larger picture requires these fine details to be correct.
Ultimate Paint by Numbers Guide - Difficulty Levels Explained
When paint by numbers was first introduced, there were stock images that were designed for everyone to do. In today’s market where there are thousands of images to choose from. You can easily pick one that suits the difficulty level you’re after.There are ways you can add a challenge for yourself if you feel bored with the usual approach. You can add your own touches to a piece. You can make adjustments to the depth, and even come up with your own color combinations. Although paint by numbers was designed to be simple, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for creativity.
The amount of time spent completing one of these paintings can vary from a few hours to many full days. Some manufacturers will offer aguide on how much time you can expect to spend painting it. However, there’s no need to rush. The process is about having fun and learning basics of art, how much of a challenge is your choice.
Benefits of Paint by Numbers For Everyone
When we think aboutpaint by numbers , it’s usually to provide some entertainment and pass the time. This is certainly a great benefit and all the reason you need to get yourself a kit. But, there are many other benefits that you might not have even realized before.Art training
The first step to becoming anartist is to understand how shapes and colors play in with each other.Paint by numbers teaches this very concept. It lets you slow and methodically work your way through different colors to see how they react together.Reduces stress
Art forms like coloring and paint by numbers show huge declines in the stress levels of people who enjoy them. The simple act of focusing on a painting can give you an overall sense of relaxation.Boosts concentration and attention
Our brain canbenefit from being creative and paint by numbers has been shown to be a brain-boosting activity. Spending half an hour a day on your painting can give your attention and concentration abilities a boost as well.Pain relief
[amazon box="168373095X"]Art therapy has become a respected and recognized method of pain relief for people suffering through various illnesses. A study published by Michigan State University showed art therapy reduced the pain of adult cancer patients. It also showed a reduction in depression for patients with Parkinson’sdisease .
Form of mindfulness
Mindfulness is at the basis of meditation and what better way to focus on the now than with painting? Follow thesteps and shapes of paint by numbers. You will stay in thepresent moment and will be less likely to drift off with negative thoughts and emotions.Makes a great gift or décor
Paint by numbers is a unique way to show a loved one you care. Whether you gift them with an unused kit or a finished piece, it's sure to be a hit. You can fill your home with professional looking art pieces that cost a fraction of the price.Kids Vs Adult Paint By Numbers: Ultimate Guide To Paint By Numbers
Paint by numbers was originally for adults, but it became obvious quickly that kids would enjoy it as well. The first demonstration of these kits was done in Macy’s in New York. People of all ages lined up in amazement at how easy it was to make their very own masterpieces.One of the best things aboutpaint by numbers is that it’s accessible by everyone, and this includes children as well. There are many kits dedicated just for kids. Although, there's nothing stopping a child who wants to try and recreate the larger images for adults.
Children’spaint by number kits usually have a few defining features that make them more kid-friendly. They’re easier to complete, feature themes and images that are more appealing to children, and don’t require hours of work. Kids attention span is smaller than adults and need more instant gratification. For this reason, it’s better to shop forpaint by numbers kit made just for kids.
Ultimate Paint by Numbers Guide - Helping Anyone Become an Artist:
The original founder ofpaint by numbers launched these kits to American households. Soon, his promise that any man could be a Rembrandt turned out to be true. It is now coming close to its 70th anniversary. This approach is still loved by millionsaround the world with a range of images and styles only growing.The original intention of these art kits was to help everyday peoplebecome artists . However, it became obvious that they could give us so much more. Whether it’s your mental wellbeing, a fun way to bond, or making décor, painting has great things to offer.
The best place to start for beginners is to find an image that really speaks to you and begin there. You’ll likely find a lot of joy from the process. Being able to keep the finished piece will make it even more meaningful.
Paint by numbers gives many people the chance to try their hand at art, and not just be an adorer.Paint by numbers has received criticisms from serious art buffs over the years. But, anyone who’s triedpaint by numbers kit for themselves will tell you just how enjoyable he process can be.