I have been looking for unique or unusual bucket list ideas since staying home from traveling because of COVID19. After the initial shock wore off of social distancing, I started redecorating my home. But after a few months, I was done with that and was looking for more fun things to do at home in the evenings. Of course, no traveling was required until things start to open up in travel again.
Oddly enough, I found an adult paint by numbers kits on Amazon and ordered it for fun. That was the one thing that still piqued my creative interest: the paint-by-number picture. What I figured out is that I am NOT an artist, but I can paint a masterpiece like the Gaudi, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt using the adult paint by numbers kits! LOL!
Painting by numbers gives me something to do and includes a kit with a canvas. So what do I do? I just follow along as every color has its own number and I follow the pattern on the instructions. I was pretty shocked how cool my artwork eventually turned out!
For me, I found it to be relaxing and to discover the ultimate way to unwind – sometimes with a cocktail in hand, no less. In fact, pain by numbers has swept the nation this year, since everyone is staying home and embracing time with their friends and family. I believe paint-by-numbers should be everyone’s next relaxing self-care.
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Adult Paint by Numbers Kits
(+ Tips to Complete Them)
Amazon’s list of the best adult paint by numbers kits
In case you weren’t aware, Amazon has made a list of the best adult paint by numbers kits for you to peruse. I have this month’s lists, but be aware that the list can and does change. Remember, over time Amazon’s list changes, so after you finish a few of these paint by numbers kits, then re-google the article for new paintings.
#1 Colorful Giraffe (for me!)
So the first recommended adult painting by numbers piece I ordered was this one—this colorful giraffe! Remember how I went to Tanzania, Africa for my birthday? Well, ever since, I have been fascinated by the neck of a giraffe! So for me, this is the perfect quarantine craft! So what do you think? How did it turn out!? Now to hang it!
#2. Magic Cat
#3. Colorful Owl
#4. Colorful Cats Adult Paint by Numbers
#5. Dandelion dots
#6. Paintwork with Paintbrushes
#7. Hummingbird Collecting Nectar
#8. Painting Lovers Eiffel Tower Paint by Numbers
#9. Embroidery Cross Stitch
#10. Beach Sunset
Things I Learned While Painting by Numbers:
#1 Let the Damn Paint Dry
When I start to paint, I typically always start from the top. I hate it when I smudge a piece of undried paint. Smudges are no fun and can be an unfortunate problem while painting by numbers. Another thing I do is try to let the paint dry before starting to move on to another color or section. Since I start at the top, many times I may use more than one brush since I am using more colors, but it works out eventually. I do have to clean up a bit more, but I think it is worth it.
#2 Keep the Lids Tight on the Paint When Done
After laying down old newspaper or the back of old wrapping paper, be sure to close the paint lids after you finish. More than once, I have inadvertently not done this and some of my paint dried up, so I had to use another color! So keep your area clean and your brushes clean too. It makes for a more peaceful and beautiful painting with numbers, I think.
#3 Try to Keep Distractions Away
I am easily distracted, so I try to concentrate on what I am doing for at least 30 minutes. If I find that I want to “go for my iPhone” or “go for Instagram” a few times, then I will cover up my workspace. Meaning I close those paint lids and clean those brushes. I stop for a while to take a break and to see what my “friends” are doing!
#4 Always Buy a Kit With a Frame
For me, this frame keeps the canvas tight or stretched out. This makes the painting not slip. That way, when I am painting, I can put the correct paint color on the number where it belongs. Also, by the time I am finished with the painting, it already has a canvas frame on it and is ready for hanging.
#5 Don’t Worry about Perfectionism
Believe me, I have used the wrong color on the wrong number, smudged my painting, and had the paint cross into some areas where it should not have been! This is not about perfectionism, it is about relaxing, enjoying time alone, or simply learning to paint.
#6 Be Present and Enjoy Yourself
For me, the biggest thing I avoid is boredom. So when I have to stay home from travel, I try to be present in what I am doing. So I can enjoy it more. I enjoy putting my brush into the paint and trying to get just the right amount for the number that I am painting.
So there you have my 6 tips on how to make a new painting enjoyable.
The allure of losing yourself in Methodical Tasks
This is something new that I have learned about myself. I remember as a child learning how to paint and what fun I had when I went to art school in the summer. But what I forgot was what it is like to immerse myself in a mundane task. The task of painting little numbers with colorful colors that creates artwork. I would say that painting by numbers has been a lot of fun for me, plus it opens me up to new possibilities. I never knew how therapeutic painting could be!
I love the art world and creativity and this clean canvas has made me feel like I can pretty much accomplish anything. Plus, with soothing music and the tranquil atmosphere that I create, I feel like I can conquer the world. – And soon enough, I will be back to traveling, so I might as well enjoy myself at home with my family for a while!
Plus, if you want to see what people are painting, be sure and follow this Twitter #hashtag, where people are painting by numbers from all over the world and posting them on Twitter.
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