Winter tends to slow things down, which can be a nice change of pace. When it’s cold and gray out, we often turn to cozy indoor activities that help us stay relaxed and creative. That’s usually when we find ourselves reaching for a paint by numbers kit. It’s easy to pick up, calming to work on, and truly satisfying to complete. Our adult kits come with a pre-printed, numbered canvas, vacuum sealed pre-mixed acrylic paints, and multiple brushes, so you can focus on painting rather than gathering supplies.
But once the painting is done, it might feel a little flat. If you’re looking to take your next piece a step further, adding texture and depth can make a big difference. A few small tweaks can turn a simple painting into something that feels more finished and much more personal.
Choosing the Right Surface or Canvas
The surface you paint on can change more than you might expect. While most paint by numbers kits come printed on smooth canvas, you can still adjust the feel of your project by choosing something with a little more texture. That choice sets the stage for how your paint spreads, how colors look, and where shadows naturally appear.
Thicker, rougher canvases can catch just enough paint to give your brushstrokes a visible lift. Smooth surfaces can give cleaner lines but might feel flatter when finished. Either is fine depending on the look you’re going for, but it’s worth considering ahead of time. We offer canvas sizes from 12" x 16" up to 18" x 24", which gives you room for smaller detailed pieces or larger scenes with more texture.
To help the painting feel more layered and rich from the start, we suggest thinking about these things before you begin:
• Choose a canvas with a bit of weave if you like a softer, more textured finish
• Avoid shiny or slick surfaces, as they can make it harder for paint to settle naturally
• Make sure the canvas is thick enough to handle extra paint layers if you plan to add highlights or detail later
A slightly textured canvas won’t do all the work, but it sets you up with a stronger base.
Playing With Shadows and Color Variations
Creating depth isn’t just about what you paint but how you use color. Using shading and slight color changes can help a flat image start to show more shape and energy. This part doesn’t need to be complicated. In most cases, simply darkening or lightening nearby areas can help certain elements stand out or fade into the background.
If you’re in the middle of painting and want to add something extra, here’s where you can begin:
• Lighten spots that would naturally catch sun or light
• Darken areas where forms would overlap or curve away from light
• Blend the edges between colors slowly so they don’t look too sharp unless you want contrast
Contrast works wonders when used purposefully. For example, deep shadows under leaves or behind objects can give the scene some breathing room. Soft blending in sky or water areas helps it feel calm and steady. Choosing when to sharpen or soften colors helps the eye move across the painting more smoothly.
Using color to show contrast is one of the easiest ways to give your paint by numbers project a more finished, natural look.
Using Brushstroke Techniques
How you move the brush matters just as much as the tools and colors you pick. Brushing the same way across the entire canvas can leave the finished piece feeling too simple or flat. Switching things up with brush size and movement helps different parts catch the eye or quietly fade to the background.
Some techniques to try include:
• Dab gently with the tip of the brush to add bumpy texture, like on flowers or stone
• Use small, swirling strokes in backgrounds to create a soft, cloudy effect
• Paint with short, broken strokes in layered areas like fur, branches, or grass
Changing brush direction can also help. For example, using upward strokes on trees and sideways on the ground underneath adds a natural split between the two. These small switches help different parts of the painting feel more real, without needing any extra colors or tricky supplies.
The goal isn’t to make every spot complex. It’s to let each section have a job in the bigger picture.
Finishing Touches That Add Personality
When the painting is mostly done, a few finishing touches can help it feel unique. These may not be part of the original plan, but they’re what bring personality into the work. By now, you might be familiar with how the colors flow and which parts could use something extra.
Try one or two of these ideas:
• Lightly outline key shapes to help them pop without overpowering the rest
• Add tiny highlights with a thinner brush on edges that would catch light, like leaves or clouds
• Soften parts of the background by gently brushing over sharp lines or faded color borders
Think of this step as a final pass. You’re not changing the whole picture, just helping it feel more complete. A few focused tweaks can make the difference between a fun project and a piece you’re proud to show off.
Make Your Artwork Stand Out This Season
Adding texture and depth doesn’t mean redoing your whole painting. Small steps like changing brush direction, darkening corners, or brightening a highlight can take a basic paint by numbers image and give it something fresh. Layering color, paying attention to surface lines, and spacing out final details helps everything sit better together.
This time of year is the perfect moment to slow down, pick up something creative, and enjoy the little ways you can shape a project to feel like your own. Whether it’s one new brushstroke or a clever use of color, those details add up to something you’ll want to keep.
Give your next piece extra detail and personality. We offer plenty of ways to help you get started. Whether you want framed or unframed options, bold patterns or soft landscapes, there is something to match your style. Our wide selection of paint by numbers kits makes it easy to find one that feels right for you. At Ledgebay, we are always here to help you enjoy the process as much as the finished piece. Reach out anytime if you have questions or need help picking the right fit.
