What Is Paint By Numbers? Are you aware of what paint by numbers is and how it can be beneficial for you?
So many people shy away from creative endeavors such as painting and sketching because they feel they wouldn’t be good at it. It is important to remember that you don’t have to be exceptional at an activity to enjoy it. You’re not trying to make a living out of these paintings, are you?
Nevertheless, sometimes, you need a little assistance to get started. That is where paint-by-numbers come into the picture.
What Is Paint By Numbers? Here We Go
When you buy a paint-by-numbers kit, you get a lined picture that is divided into small and large shapes. Each shape would be marked with a number corresponding to a particular color. The process then depends on the kit you bought. In some cases, you get a paint palette with the kit. Each color comes in a small pot that is marked with a number, and you can start painting the picture right away.
If your kit doesn’t come with a palette box, it would have a chart that shows each number with a color next to it. In this case, you can buy the corresponding paint colors from your local stationery store and start working on your project.
Does Painting By Numbers Have Any Benefits?
Paint-by-numbers takes a somewhat simplistic approach to painting. Oftentimes, it is criticized for being too formulaic and simplistic. All you’re doing is filling in the boxes, after all. But the benefits of painting by numbers go deeper than what they may seem on the surface. It helps you understand the concept of creating a larger picture through the use of small shapes.
On their own, the shapes may not make much sense. But once you start filling them with color, you start creating something. The images created for paint-by-numbers aren’t like your typical coloring book pictures. More often than not, it isn’t easy to make out what the image would look like once you finish painting. This keeps you engaged as you continue painting, eager to see the finished product.
Following are some amazing benefits you will experience if you make this activity a habit.
1. Enhance Hand-Eye Coordination
There are a lot of reasons to work on improving your hand-eye coordination. According to LIVESTRONG, better hand-eye coordination can help you improve reaction times. It also aids in enhanced agility and athleticism. Besides this, you can use it to improve your typing skills and become more productive at work.
Painting by numbers is an easy yet effective way to enhance your hand-eye coordination. This is because the activity forces you to pay more attention to the numbers and paints while your hand is constantly in motion.
2. Encourages Creative Activities
As discussed earlier, a lot of people avoid participating in creative activities due to the fear that they might be bad at it. However, once you start participating in even minor creative activities, it can help build confidence to pursue other activities as well. You never know; painting by numbers could help improve your overall painting skills. And one day, you will actually be creating your own masterpieces.
But it doesn’t have to be limited to that either. It is possible that painting by numbers could help reveal a previously unknown passion you have for playing the piano or dancing. Once you open yourself to new opportunities, you’ll be amazed by the possibilities in front of you.
3. Meditative
The meaning of meditation isn’t just sitting in silence and taking deep breaths. While that is one form of meditation – and a very effective one – there are so many ways you can reap the benefits of this therapeutic activity.
Paint-by-numbers can also be a form of meditation. As opposed to traditional methods of meditation that can take years to learn, paint-by-numbers is much easier to approach. You don’t need any experience or skill to start painting by numbers. All you need is a paint-by-numbers kit, and you’re good to go. As you participate in this activity, you’d notice how it will improve your focus and enable you to be in better control of your thoughts.
4. Improves Organizational Skills and Patience
When you’re working on a paint-by-numbers project, you are required to take your time and focus on every tiny detail until you finish your painting. And once you do, the result is very rewarding. This activity helps improve your patience and organizational skills by activating the reward center of your brain.
We have all collectively become more impatient and restless. An activity that helps you stay grounded and rewards you for your patience can help rewire your brain. As a result, you may start seeing the benefits of this activity in other aspects of your life.
5. Fun Group Activity for The Family
Looking for a group activity that can be fun for you as well as your children? Paint-by-numbers is perfect for you. There are so many different types of kits available for paint-by-numbers. You can get a large enough canvas for the whole family to participate together to paint one big picture. Or you could get separate kits for each family member in accordance with their age.
Either way, it gives you the opportunity to come together as a family and enjoy an activity that is fun for everyone. It can also be a great way to encourage your kids to take on creative endeavors. Make sure to appreciate their paintings once they’re done.
6. Inexpensive
Lastly, you don’t have to spend an exuberant amount of money on this activity. You can get paint-by-numbers kits at affordable prices at your local stationery or bookstore. With all the benefits you can get from doing paint-by-numbers, the money you spend on it would be totally worth it.
Tips for Painting By Numbers
So you’ve got your paint-by-numbers kit but are starting to feel a little overwhelmed? Here are a few tips that will get you going.
- Work in a brightly lit area. This will help you see the picture clearly. If possible, keep a magnifying glass with you to make painting the smaller shapes easier.
- While smaller shapes would require you to use a small paintbrush, trying to fill a large shape with the same brush can get frustrating. So make sure to buy multiple brushes of different sizes to make things more convenient.
- Fill in by following one number at a time. It can be tempting to work on one area to see how the picture is coming out, but this can result in the waste of a lot of paint. Filling in all the shapes with a specific number at once makes it more fun and convenient.
- If you have the time, allow each area to dry before moving on to the next number. Giving 5 to 10 minutes between each paint should be enough.
- Keep the paint pots closed when they’re not in use, or else you run the risk of them drying out.
- Take your time with the painting. Don’t rush yourself, as that would be counterproductive.
Remember, the important part is to have fun. Don’t fret even if you mess up a little. It will likely still be a beautiful piece of art. And you can just get a new kit and start over again.
What Is Paint By Numbers? FAQs
- Can Children Participate in Paint By Numbers?
Absolutely! Paint by numbers is suitable for children and can be an excellent way to introduce them to the world of art. - Do I Need to Be an Experienced Artist to Try Paint By Numbers?
Not at all! Paint by Numbers is perfect for beginners and requires no prior artistic experience. - What Types of Paints Are Used in Paint By Numbers Kits?
Most kits use acrylic paints, which are easy to work with and dry quickly. - Can I Create My Own Paint By Numbers Design?
While there are custom Paint By Numbers services available, designing your own kit can be challenging due to color matching and complexity. - Can Paint By Numbers Be a Stress-Relieving Activity for Adults?
Yes, many adults find Paint By Numbers to be a calming and stress-relieving hobby. - Are Paint By Numbers Kits Suitable as Gifts?
Definitely! Paint By Numbers kits make thoughtful and unique gifts for friends and family.