Painting by numbers: everything you need to know about it 😊

What is Paint by Numbers?

Painting by numbers  is a creative hobby to create art, consisting of painting on a pre-printed canvas. The canvas is divided into a large number of numbered areas.

The goal is to paint each numbered area (the number corresponds to a certain color) with the provided paint. When you have painted all the numbers, a beautiful painting is created.

There are over 2000 designs available. These are complete packages with all the materials you need to start painting by numbers.

 

YES, you too can paint a masterpiece from home! We like to make it easy for you!

 

Painting by numbers emphasizes the fact that a painting is made up of different colors and shapes. Separated they seem abstract, but together they give a new meaning.

Painting by numbers allows you to identify different areas, the variation in color and the change of tones (of a photo). This is part of a learning method to gradually create new works of art from a blank canvas. With experience, you will make smoother brushstrokes and you will be able to visualize the different areas of each photo more easily.

So how exactly does Paint by Number work? Check out the numbered design below.

Photo showing the numbered areas of a simplified 8-color design.

 

Result after painting (simplified 8 color design, for illustrative purposes only).

 

Why is this phenomenon so popular now? How can you explain such a success?

 

In today's society everything has to be fast. Painting by numbers relaxes people and lets them concentrate on creating art.

Some people choose to relax with sports or meditation, and others relax by creating art. Painting by numbers is one of the best ways to relax.

Make your artwork step by step for a good quality result. When you are finished you can show the artwork to friends or hang it at home.

Take control of your life with paint by numbers: relax through art

 

The History of Paint by Numbers:

 

Painting by numbers originated a long time ago. This fun activity was popularized in the United States in the 1950s by Dan Robbins, an artist employed by the American company Palmer Show Card Point Co. of Max S. Klein.

On the other hand, Leonardo da Vinci was certainly the forerunner and the first to use this painting technique. He is known for teaching his students to number a blank canvas and guided his students in choosing the different colors of paint.

Dan Robbins borrowed this idea and made painting accessible to everyone, by creating different designs.

It was an instant success and Palmer Show Card Co. has since developed many painting kits for adults.

Dan Robbins: the creator of the first paint by numbers.

The message of that time was very artistic: everyone can become a famous painter, maybe you are the new Rembrandt!

Millions of Americans, including then-President Dwight Eisenhower, took up paint-by-numbers, matching small pots of paint with the numbers on the canvas.

Many artists of that time used the technique of painting by numbers in preparation for copying photographs.

This is also where the Pop Art effect began in the 1960s. Andrew Warhol marketed half-finished Pop Art paintings. These were called DIY (Do It Yourself). 

A DIY painting movement is born!

 

What is a paint by number package?

 

A paint by number kit contains everything you need to get started:

• Various brushes, suitable for painting areas of different sizes.
• A linen canvas. The size may vary depending on the model chosen. The canvas is numbered, these numbers refer to the areas to be painted.
• Small pots of numbered paint, based on acrylic (to be diluted and cleaned with water) and specially adapted to the package you have chosen. Each color refers to a specific number. You use this paint to paint the areas with the same numbers on the printed canvas (mixing colors is not necessary).
• A small image of the expected result, to guide you while painting.
• Accessories to hang the canvas, including 2 screws and 2 hooks.

 

How to paint a Paint by Number canvas?

 

Once the canvas is rolled out and the paint pots are nearby, what do you do next? This is a frequently asked question. It can be tempting to start with one area and paint the surrounding areas immediately so you can get the job done quickly. Unfortunately, you have to deal with opening/closing the paint pots and cleaning the brushes when you change colors.

 

 

Therefore, we recommend painting one colour at a time. Start with the largest areas, preferably from top to bottom. This will prevent you from wiping your hands through the painted area. After the first colour, you can continue painting colour by colour. Make sure that a painted area is dry before painting the adjacent areas. This will prevent smudging. Clean the brush when you have finished with one colour. Do not leave any white areas between the areas, everything should be painted adjacent to each other. If you are in doubt about which colour to use, take a look at the enclosed thumbnail photo of the expected result.

 

What kind of packages are there?

 

Nowadays, print quality is better and techniques have evolved, making it possible to offer many different packages.

AtVickie'Art, there is a wide range of packages for adults. There is certainly one that meets your expectations. Whether you like Japanese paintings, parties, flowers, Provencal landscapes, animals or even teddy bears, there is something for you. We also have options for those who want to start with Pop Art, nude painting or copying masterpieces such as Van Gogh's Starry Night.

For children we also have dozens of packages in the assortment, with a whole range of simple, fun and colorful canvases.

A beautiful masterpiece mounted on a wooden frame!

In addition, at Vickie'Art you can also order custom packages from your own personal photos. This is how it works: once we receive your photo, we use a technique to analyze the different areas and colors and define the marking of an area. Then we print it on canvas and make the paint pots that correspond to the colors needed.

Whether you want to relax alone or with your children, or brighten up the walls of your home with homemade decorations: enjoy the experience of Painting by Numbers and this wonderful moment of relaxation.

Take your time and enjoy the moment.. you are an artist now!