Painting by Numbers - The perfect introduction for young artists

I consider myself an artist but I'm a writer not a painter and I can't draw to save my life! The only thing I can do is to copy and I can do this extremely well. However, I don't have faith in my own abilities so rarely practice.

I've been painting by numbers, now, for over 10 years and I love it! My only wish is that I kept some of my older paintings to show you.

To most people, Painting by Numbers, is thought to be for children. Yes, I agree. It is! But, it's also for the inexperienced and the age range for these arts is 8 to 88!

One good thing about Painting by Numbers is the sheer variety of pictures and methods you can use. You don't have to stick with watercolours. I have one at home that I'm waiting to try: Pencil Crayon by Numbers.

There is also an Oil Painting by Numbers and I will talk about some of the other PbN in the series as I go on.

I've been searching around for Painting by Numbers kits to add to my collection and have found that many now are not available in the run up to Christmas. This proves that PbN are perfect Christmas Gifts for children and adults alike.

The Isle of Squid

The good thing about Painting by Numbers is that the important things are provided for you!



You receive in each kit:
A pre-numbered printed board
A brush
Paints
A paint holder
Full instructions
Of course, the contents will differ for each type of Art by Numbers that you do.

For example, in the Pencil Crayon by Numbers it contains:
A pre-numbered printed board
10 Pencil Crayons
1 pencil sharpener
Full instructions

Additional materials you will need are:
1 - Clean water for rinsing off the brush.
2 - A mixing pallette for mixing colours. The instructions on the board will tell you what colours you need to mix together like this: 43 over 56. So you will need to mix those two colours together to achieve the correct colour for the painting.
3 - A clean cloth just in case you make a mistake.

One thing I have bought recently is a small table top easel to make it easier for me to paint. The easel was in a sale and I managed to pick it up for £5, a saving of £10.

Well worth the purchase!

Here I will list all the different types of Painting by Numbers that are currently available. All you have to do is choose which one you would like to do!

All of these kits will include step by step instructions. I have included more information about each variety and purchasing details where possible :)

This list is an ongoing project :)

1. Scraper Foil/Copper Foil - Scrape away the foil with the tool provided to reveal the stunning picture underneath.
2. Reeves - Senior Painting by Numbers. - Slightly more complicated pictures for the experienced and/or older artist.
3. Felt Tip by Numbers - Contains washable felt tip pens for easier correction.
4. Painting by Numbers 3D frame - Step by step instructions provided plus photographic images.
5. Acrylic Painting by Numbers - This is a new addition to the series so there may not be many of these available just yet. Acrylic paints are provided.
6. Oil Painting by Numbers - These painting by numbers are slightly more difficult to do and are not recommended for the complete beginner. It uses oil paints that are dissolvable in water which allows for correction. However, there is a certain amount of skill needed. In this collection, I have the Horse and Kittens Painting by Numbers and Vase of Flowers.
7. Pencil Crayon by Numbers - These kits contain ten pencil crayons and one pencil sharpener. It also provides instructions as to how to create the different ways of shading. The kit I have is Cats which is not listed on this website.

The prices for these kits can vary especially if you purchase them in Arts and Craft stores. However, the smaller Painting by Numbers are often in the sale reduced from £4.99 to £2.99. It does pay to have a good look around though you may have to be willing to pay £10+ for the bigger kits.

Paint by Numbers, Puppy No. 1 Art Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

Painting by Numbers gives you a pre-numbered printed board with the subject of art you have chosen i.e. Cats, landscape, underwater life etc.

Within the printed lines are printed numbers which coincide with the paints that are provided and here are my tips to start Painting by Numbers:

A) Take your time! There is no rush. As you become more experienced at Painting by Numbers, you will make less mistakes and the finished painting will be hard to distinguish as a Painting by Numbers!
B) Choose one number first and complete all these numbers that coincide with a colour first. E.g. On one of my paintings the number 5 on the board should be painted a light blue colour.
C) Wait for one section to dry before moving on to the next. Or just be careful not to smudge what you've already painted.
D) Move from the top of the painting to the bottom.
E) Rinse off the brush between each colour.

Your local Art & Craft store.
HobbyCraft - Find your local UK store.
E-Pastimes
Reeves Art
Art By Numbers - Contemporary Painting by Numbers
Mini Scribblers
Hastings Hobbies - Hobbies and Gifts for people of all ages.
Quick Draw Supplies

Argos.co.uk currently stocks Painting by Numbers at a terrific price.

I've recently purchased one item from them for just under £10!

You have to be very quick, though, if you would like to buy these kits before Christmas. Argos, unfortunately, runs out of stock very quickly and is not the best store for replenishing once those stocks run low.

Other worthwhile bargains at Argos.co.uk are:

4 Adult Canvas Paint By Number Set.
Pack of 4 Adult Scenery Paint by Numbers.