When Dan Robbins invented Paint-By-Numbers, he couldn’t have known that he was creating a cultural phenomenon.
Dan’s innovation was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, who used numbered patterns to teach art to his students. Paint-by-number kits have since allowed millions of people to enjoy painting with no training or skills required.
In fact, when paint-by-numbers kits launched in the 1950s, they were marketed with the slogan, “Every man a Rembrandt!” Dan wrote about this movement in his autobiography, saying,
“I never claim that painting by number is art. But it is the experience of art, and it brings that experience to the individual who would normally not pick up a brush, not dip it in paint. That’s what it does.” – Dan Robbins
If you’re intrigued by the concept of paint-by-numbers, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to uncover more about this fascinating art form, the man who invented it, and how you too can be part of this colorful world.
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Table of Contents
What is Paint-By-Number? Definition and How It Works
Paint-by-number is an artistic technique where an image, such as a famous artwork or photo, is broken down into numbered sections. Each number corresponds to a specific color, all of which are provided with each paint-by-number kit.
With a little patience and attention to detail, you fill out the sections with their respective colors to recreate the image, one brushstroke at a time.
It’s easy and fun, just like the coloring books we enjoyed as kids. The difference is, with paint by numbers, you end up with a beautifully detailed piece of art that you can proudly display.
Paint by numbers is perfect for all ages. It’s a great way to relax and unwind and an excellent method for improving your painting skills.
How Does Paint-By-Numbers Work?
When you buy a paint-by-numbers kit, you get everything you need to create a beautiful piece of art. Typically, a kit includes:
- A pre-printed canvas with numbered sections: This canvas acts as your guide, showing you exactly where to apply each color.
- A set of acrylic paints: Each color is labeled with a corresponding number to match the sections on the canvas.
- A variety of brushes: These brushes come in different sizes to help you paint large areas and fine details with precision.
- An instruction sheet: This often includes tips and techniques to help you achieve the best results.
- A reference image: A picture of the completed artwork to give you an idea of what your finished piece will look like.
With these, you can enjoy the relaxing and rewarding experience of bringing a painting to life, one numbered section at a time.
The painting process is just as easy. Here’s what I do:
- Unpack the kit: Organize the paints by number, prepare the canvas, and get the brushes ready.
- Choose a color: Start by choosing a color to work with. I usually like to start with the darkest color and work my way up to the lightest because it helps to create depth in the painting.
- Find the corresponding number: Look for the sections on the canvas that have the same number as your chosen paint pot.
- Start painting: I dip my brush into the paint and start filling in the sections. I try to stay within the lines as much as possible, but I don’t need to be super accurate. That’s what gives the painting character! I can always paint over any major errors.
- Clean the brushes: Once I’ve filled in all the sections for that color, I clean my brush thoroughly before moving on to the next color. This prevents the colors from mixing and keeps the painting looking crisp and clean.
- Repeat: This process continues for each color until all the sections on the canvas are filled in.
- Drying: Once done, I typically let the painting dry for a few hours or overnight.
Paint-by-numbers is incredibly relaxing and engaging. You can spend hours lost in the art, engrossed by the process of bringing a masterpiece to life.
See for yourself how fun paint by numbers is in the video below.
Paint Vibe makes all this even easier for beginners. Our paint-by-numbers kits come with a pre-stretched canvas rather than a rolled canvas. That way, you don’t need to assemble your own frame, remove wrinkles, or buy any of the tools needed for stretching a canvas.
Action: As we explore the rich history of paint-by-number, why not grab your own kit right now and discover for yourself why the experience is so relaxing and addictive?
Who Invented Paint-by-Numbers?
Dan Robbins invented the paint-by-numbers technique for commercial reasons. His employer, Max Klein and owner of the Palmer Show Card Paint Company of Detroit, Michigan, asked him to find a way to sell more paint.
Klein’s idea was to create a coloring book for adults. Robbins remembered how Leonardo Da Vinci would create outlines and number sections for his students and apprentices. The two concepts birthed the paint-by-numbers technique we have today.
The First Paint-By-Numbers Picture: Abstract No. 1
Robbins created the very first paint-by-numbers picture in 1950. It was an abstract painting in the cubist style pioneered by Pablo Picasso and titled “Abstract No. 1.” He thought the simple planes and figures common in cubism would appeal to consumers, but he was wrong.
As it turned out, people preferred more realistic landscapes and portraits. Klein asked Robbins to paint something more “representational,” and the result was Fishermen, followed in quick succession by Marine Fantasy, Mt Matterhorn, and many more.
Check out all these at the Paint By Numbers Museum; it’s a real trip back in time as you discover the history of paint-by-numbers.
Abstract No. 1 was the first paint-by-numbers kit produced by the Palmer Paint Company. Introduced to the public in 1951 under the name “Craft Master,” it was a game-changer in the art world. Although it wasn’t very popular, it was a trailblazer and game-changer in the art world.
Why Paint-By-Numbers Became So Popular
It was just after World War II, and Americans now had more time and income. It was the perfect time for Paint-by-Numbers to become a household staple.
The paint-by-numbers kits quickly became a sensation, and Palmer Paint could hardly meet demand despite producing 50,000 a day. By 1955, the company had sold 20 million kits
There are several reasons that contributed to the widespread popularity of paint-by-number kits.
Democratized Art
Firstly, paint-by-numbers democratized art and made it accessible to everyone. Before its invention, painting was often seen as a skill reserved for the talented or those who had the time and resources to learn.
It didn’t matter if you had never held a paintbrush before; with a paint-by-numbers kit, you could create a beautiful piece of art.
Incredibly Satisfying
Secondly, paint-by-numbers offered a sense of accomplishment. Completing a painting, no matter how simple, can be incredibly satisfying.
With each filled shape, you could see the picture coming to life, and by the end, you had a tangible result of your efforts. Common people could produce finished paintings that they could hang on the wall or give as gifts.
In fact, some finished paintings found a place on the walls of the White House. President Eisenhower’s Appointments Secretary, Thomas Edwin Stephens, collected finished paint-by-numbers paintings made by White House officials and curated them into a gallery.
Relaxing and Therapeutic
Thirdly, paint-by-numbers was (and still is) immensely therapeutic. Many people found the process of painting by numbers to be relaxing and calming. It was a way to unwind, focus, and forget about the stresses of the day.
Even today, paint-by-numbers is often recommended as a form of art therapy. It is particularly helpful to seniors and individuals with cognitive impairments, as it can improve hand-eye coordination and stimulate mental activity.
The repetitive and calming process of painting fosters mindfulness and relaxation and provides a sense of achievement and purpose.
Fun and Entertainment for the Whole Family
Lastly, Paint-by-Numbers was fun! It was a novel and entertaining way to spend time. Whether you were doing it alone or with friends and family, Paint-by-Numbers provided hours of enjoyment.
It’s no wonder that paint-by-numbers continues to be loved by many even today!
| Fact: Not everybody loved the new trend. Critics thought paint-by-number takes the creative process out of painting. One critic wrote, “When thousands of people, many of them adults, are willing to be regimented into brushing paint on a jig-saw miscellany of dictated shapes and all by rote. Can’t you rescue some of these souls-or should I say “morons?”” |
Paint-By-Numbers Today
Today, the world of paint-by-numbers is more diverse and exciting than ever before. There’s a kit out there for everyone, no matter your age, skill level, or personal taste.
Firstly, there’s a wide range of themes to choose from. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll find kits featuring beautiful landscapes, from serene beaches to majestic mountains.
Animal lovers can paint everything from playful puppies to exotic wildlife. For those who appreciate fine art, we have kits that allow you to recreate famous paintings, like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” or Monet’s “Water Lilies.”
You can choose vintage paint-by-number sets with oil paint, diamond paintings, or even kits based on popular movies and TV shows!
Paint By Numbers for Beginners and Experts
Since the days of Max Klein and his Craft Master kits, the industry has grown to embrace all levels. Beginners might prefer kits with larger, simpler shapes and fewer colors.
As you gain confidence, you can move on to more complex designs with intricate details and a wider color palette.
Some kits even include mixed media elements, like glitter or metallic paints, for an extra challenge. A good example is the Paint Vibe Diamond Painting collection.
The size of the canvas also varies. Smaller kits are great for beginners or younger painters, as they can be completed more quickly. Larger canvases can offer more detail and complexity, making them a good choice for more experienced painters or those looking for a longer project.
| Fun Fact: Even though paint-by-numbers enjoyed immediate success, Craft Master soon went bankrupt in 1955 because it couldn’t handle the resulting demand, competition, and pricing issues. The company was purchased by D’Onofrio Brothers, then General Mills, Hasbro, Tonka, and various others. |
Paint Vibe Special: Custom Paint-by-Numbers
Today, you aren’t limited to recreating old masterpieces. With Paint Vibe’s custom paint-by-numbers kits, you can turn your cherished photos into personalized works of art.
Whether it’s a family portrait, a beloved pet, or a memorable vacation scene, these kits provide everything you need to create a unique and meaningful painting. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a Photo: Select a high-resolution photo that you’d like to turn into a custom paint-by-numbers design. This could be a personal photo, a landscape, a picture of your pet, or anything else you’d like to paint.
- Submit Your Photo: Simply upload your photo by clicking “drag files or browse.” Then, choose the size of the canvas you want, select the orientation, and we’ll do the rest.
- Receive Your Custom Kit: Paint Vibe will print your canvas, frame it, and assemble the necessary paints and brushes within a day or two, then ship it in 7–14 business days.
- Start Painting: Now comes the fun part! Just like with a regular paint-by-numbers kit, you’ll fill in each numbered area with the corresponding color.
Paint Vibe’s custom kits are the perfect way to blend personal memories with artistic expression.
Remember, the quality of your custom paint-by-numbers design will depend on the resolution of the photo you submit. Also, keep in mind that complex images with many colors and details might be more challenging to paint, but they can also result in a more impressive final product.
Summary
We’ve journeyed through the fascinating world of Paint-by-Numbers, from its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its enduring popularity today.
We’ve learned about its inventor, Dan Robbins, and how his simple idea revolutionized the art world by making painting accessible to everyone.
We’ve also explored the variety of Paint-by-Numbers kits available today, and how they cater to artists of all ages and skill levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, Paint-by-Numbers offers a fun and relaxing way to create beautiful artwork.
So why not pick up a kit and start painting? Who knows, you might just discover a new hobby.
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