Let’s find out what giant paint by numbers kits are, and how large do they go?
Have you ever wanted to pick up a paintbrush, buy some of that fancy oil paint you always hear about, and just get painting? Then, you find yourself doubting your abilities as an artist. An artist who has never actually painted anything besides maybe a little family portrait when you were five.
Don’t despair! There is a very efficient way to discover your possible hidden talent. In addition, you would still be guaranteed a great outcome.
Contents
What Is Painting By Numbers?
Painting By Numbers is a coloring/painting technique. A single picture is divided into several shapes. Every shape is denoted by a number, and this number corresponds with a certain color. So, you paint within a shape, using the numbered color it corresponds to.
What Is A Painting By Numbers Kit?
Painting by numbers kits aren’t very different from coloring books. Like these books, painting by numbers kits provide the picture to color, and the required supplies to color it with.
All the colors needed are present, in the quantity required to finish the picture. A painting by numbers kit also comes with a paintbrush, usually a small one to utilize in small painting areas/shapes.
Giant Paint by Numbers: How Big Can They Get?
Painting by numbers kits come in almost all sizes. Most common is 16 x 20 inches.
There are smaller sizes, mainly for kids, such as 6 x 8 inches, up to 20 x 40 inches. Then much bigger sizes such as 30 x 40 and 36 x 48 inches, but how big can they really go?
Some painting by numbers kits go as far as 24 x 70 or 54 x 28 inches and more!
Take into consideration that larger painting kits will, obviously, take up more space, and a lot more time to finish. A 30 x 40 inches painting can take hours, depending on how detailed it is supposed to be.
While smaller painting by numbers kits are more suitable for a nice nightstand picture frame, or several hanging, side-to-side paintings, larger painting by numbers kits can take up whole walls. They can turn a plain four-walled room into a work of art!
They’re suitable for hallways, dining rooms, or bedrooms, just above the bed’s headboard. They can greatly brighten up the living room, or an office all by themselves!
A large painting by numbers can make an impact wherever it is placed, all on its own. It will; however, require quite a bit of patience and energy to complete. The bigger the painting, the more details it has, and the more shapes you need to fill. It can take days, but will definitely be worth it.
A Peek Behind The Curtains
This ingenious idea was first introduced in the 1940s by Dan Robbins, a package designer at Palmer Paint Co. He was inspired by Leonardo Di Vinci, who used a similar technique to teach his students.
With the owner on board, the two launched Craft Masters, who soon became the original inventors of the painting by numbers system.
Around the end of the 1950s, the concept grew very popular, and many other brands flooded the markets with their own versions of painting by numbers kits.
Painting By Numbers Is For Beginners & Experts
Many say that painting by numbers is for children, or that it is offensively simple compared to ‘real’ art, but the truth is painting by numbers is a unique art on its own.
Painting by numbers introduces the concept that paintings are made by combining several shapes and colors, things that wouldn’t add up individually, but together as a whole. Together, these shapes and colors create a complete image.
Engaging in a painting by numbers project teaches you to analyze and observe colors. It helps you remove your focus from the eventual result, and look at the parts that build up to that result.
“’Painting by numbers’ may not be as egregious a pursuit as one might imagine. Leonardo himself invented a form of it, assigning assistants to paint areas on a work that he had already sketched out and numbered,” says Bülent Atalay in his book Math and the Mona Lisa: The Art and Science of Leonardo da Vinci.
Furthermore, painting by numbers is an excellent brush-control exercise; therefore, it helps you improve your painting abilities.
- Atalay, Bulent (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages - 07/29/2014 (Publication Date) - Smithsonian Books (Publisher)
How To Use Painting By Numbers Kits
Below are several easy-to-follow steps to help you recognize how using a painting by numbers kit works.
- Choose a painting by numbers kit, based on the image and size you want.
- Choose an area to paint in, one that is well-lit and comfortable.
- Clear this area of things that are at risk of getting smudged by paint or water.
- Read the instructions of your kit.
- Prepare a cup of water, and paper towels.
- Unpack your kit, and lay the canvas out on a flat surface.
- Fill in the shape with the numbered paint pot it indicates.
- Go over your work, then leave it to dry.
Giant Paint by Numbers Tips
Here are some tips to help you paint better with painting by numbers kits:
Note the Paint
When buying a painting by numbers kit, opt for acrylic rather than oil paint. Acrylic dries faster. In addition, it is also easier to clean off brushes.
The Paper
You may find your picture wrinkly after unpacking your kit. Iron it to straighten any creases.
The Paintbrush
- FINE TIP MINIATURE PAINT BRUSH SET includes all your pointed liners, rounds, flats, and spot brushes. Perfect oil paint brush set for detailed...
- PERFECTLY WEIGHTED AND BALANCED ergonomic design provides absolute control, comfort, and precision. Well balanced, steady control with precision...
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Dip the brush in water, and dry off any excess with a paper towel before using it with a color. After using a color, be sure to thoroughly clean the brush before using another.
The Tip of the Brush
You want to dip just the tip of the paintbrush into the paint pot. This will increase stroke precision, keeping you within the lines.
Number to Number
Work per number/color. When you focus on one color, and paint all the areas that need it, this means that the other colors are still sealed. This technique ensures that only one color is exposed and in use. If you open and use all at once, a lot of them may dry out.
Top to Bottom
Start up, then work your way down the canvas.
Darker to Lighter to Mixed
Start with the darker colors first, then lighter ones. Keep mixed colors (shapes that have two numbers) till the end.
Mixed Colors
Some shapes will have two numbers in them. This means you need to mix two colors, and the result is what you will paint that area with. Mix the two colors in a separate container, as going from one pot into the second will contaminate both colors.
Paint Pots
Make sure all the paint pots are closed properly before packing up, to avoid them drying up.
Giant Paint by Numbers: Wrap Up
Painting by numbers kits are a great technique to introduce you to painting, if you are a beginner. They are also a way to improve your skills if you are familiar with painting, or are even an advanced painter.
Painting by numbers kits come in many sizes, suitable for any space or surface to decorate.
Painting by numbers kits are for children and adults alike. To children, they are educational and enjoyable. To adults, they are the same, as well as very relaxing and practical!
CLICK HERE for a complete gallery of all of our paint by number kits!
