Paint by numbers – what is that exactly?

Often heard of, but never quite understood? Paint by numbers is enjoying increasing popularity, especially among adults. In today's hectic and stressful world, painting offers a calming respite.

Of course, not everyone is a born artist or has the time and patience to paint. But even beginners and those with little artistic talent can create pictures without prior knowledge using paint by numbers – just like with diamond painting .

What exactly is paint by numbers?

You purchase a commercially available set that includes a canvas, several brushes, and various paints. The canvas shows the outline of the motif by having several colored areas pre-printed on it.

Each colored area is labeled with a number that corresponds to a color. For example, you paint all the areas marked with the number "2" with a light blue shade. Gradually, details of the motif become visible. Paint-by-number kits are available in various levels of difficulty.

The designs range from simple to impressively detailed paintings. Depending on the level of difficulty and size, a painting can take up to 35 hours to complete.

Requirements for this hobby

create a paint-by-numbers photo artistic hobby . No special artistic talent is required. Over time, you'll find that you significantly improve your painting skills and become quite adept with brushes and paint. Ultimately, you'll have painted a colorful work of art that is guaranteed to adorn your living space.

The advantages of paint by numbers

• Can be practiced without artistic experience
• For beginners to gain initial experience with painting
• Painting can be interrupted at any time and then resumed
• Various difficulty levels of the motifs
• Material included
• Painting requires little space

Paint by numbers in 4 steps

Step 1: Preparation

Basically, you can do paint-by-numbers anywhere. A dining table covered with plastic sheeting, for example, is ideal. After you've taken all the materials out of the package, position the canvas in the center in front of you and arrange the opened paint pots around it, numbered from left to right. This is very helpful for painting the numbered areas later.

Depending on the painting material, it is advisable to have a small container with some water on hand to dilute the paints if necessary or to put the brushes in it.

Step 2: The painting begins

The coloring page shows many squares. Each square is numbered. Focus on the squares with the same number. Take the appropriate color and carefully color in the squares. Then color in all the squares numbered 2. The picture will gradually become clearer.

Step 3: Seal the finished artwork

Once all the paints are completely dry, you must seal the picture with a final varnish to protect it from external influences such as sunlight. Only then will the colors not fade.

Step 4: Finished image

You can hang your finished paint-by-numbers photo at home or give it as a gift to someone special. Be proud of having created a beautiful work of art with your own hands.

Popular motifs

When buying a paint-by-numbers kit, always pay attention to customer reviews and, if in doubt, opt for kits from well-known manufacturers. The selection of designs is vast, and there's always a suitable motif and difficulty level for both children and adults.

Very popular motifs, especially among adults, are the world map, as well as nature and landscapes, animals, flowers and buildings.

A selection of our favorite motifs:

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Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de