by Carolyn Hanson
Remember Paint by Numbers? I loved those kits as a child. Well, they exist for adult artists, too, and they are fabulous! Today your choices go way beyond horses, ballerinas, and covered bridges, and you do not need private painting lessons to enjoy them since each color placement is printed right on the canvas; you just follow the lines. I came across a group of Paint by Number enthusiasts while on vacation in Florida. Their canvases were enticing and I was captivated by the designs and colors. I had no idea this was a thing. So, onto the internet.
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There are many companies offering canvases (Search Paint by Number). There are reproductions of famous paintings, as well as, whimsical prints, landscapes, animals, flowers, even ballerinas … really just about any subject. The kits come with everything you need: printed canvas, blushes of various sizes, all the necessary numbered acrylic paint colors, and paper instructions with a copy of the numbered design for reference. You can choose the canvas size and whether or not to have it arrive pre-stretched and nailed to the wooden frame or assemble, stretch and nail the canvas to the fame yourself. Feel free to paint within the lines or outside the lines and blend the adjacent colors while the paint is wet.
According to Wikipedia and Tech-crafty.com, Paint by Numbers was conceived in the ’50s by Max S. Klein, owner, and Dan Robbins, a commercial artist for Palmer Paint Company. Dan was charged with developing a new idea to bring in sales. Initially, the idea to make everyone an artist was too daunting, however, Dan persevered. Two successful marketing ideas included:
- Negotiating with Macy’s to sell the kits during the holiday season with the promise to buy back any unsold items. They also awarded $250 to employees to sell the kits to friends and family. Kits sold for $2.50.
- Posting a huge billboard of a Paint by Number picture and adding one new color each day. Folks watched the painting progress and bought the kits to try for themselves.
By 1954, the kits were bringing in $20 million/year.
What is new since the ’50s? You can have a custom canvas created from a photo! I did this as a gift for a friend and it was terrific. I sent a pdf of the photo and selected the canvas size. The company printed the canvas and selected the colors matching the photo. It was easy and took about 5 weeks to receive. Would definitely do it again.
Another painting idea is using Mandala painting tools to create geometric dot designs on any surface, e.g., paper, rocks, canvas, or glass. Mandala is Sanskrit for “circle”. Mandalas hold spiritual and meditative meanings in Asian cultures. Mandalas are created around a central dot with the design radiating outward with dots of various sizes and colors. Using craft paints, available in endless color choices, you dip a tool that looks like a ball bearing on the end of a pen into paint and then make a dot onto the work surface. Straws and brushes are also used. Once dry, layering can be added. The designs are beautiful and colorful. The designs are beautiful and colorful. Grab a smooth stone and give it a try. Tools can be found at Michaels and Amazon.
Painting is relaxing. It allows for free expression using color. It improves motor skills and relieves stress. Sounds like a great hobby to try. Add an audiobook and relax.
Carolyn Hanson is a local knitting and crochet designer, teacher, and fiber artist. She can be contacted at cchanson3@gmail.com.