Art has a unique power to unlock hidden aspects of ourselves. While it might seem like a child's hobby or a simple pastime, painting by numbers has profoundly and lastingly changed my life.
It's given me a creative outlet, a meditative escape from daily stress, and, surprisingly, a deeper understanding of patience, mindfulness, and self-worth.
In this article, I'll share how I stumbled upon painting by numbers, how it has transformed my outlook on life in unexpected ways, the common mistakes I make (and how to avoid them), and why this activity means so much more than just adding a pretty image to your wall.
How Did I Find Paint-by-Numbers?
It was a long winter. I was battling work burnout and personal stress and needed something to distract myself. I wasn't looking for a new hobby. In fact, that evening, I was just aimlessly scrolling through my phone, looking for something fun. That's when I saw an ad: "Relax with an Adult Paint by Numbers Kit."
Intrigued, I clicked on it. The product images showed stunningly beautiful canvases—majestic animals, dreamy landscapes, famous works of art—all created by someone like me with virtually no painting experience.
The idea of creating beautiful works without formal training captivated me. Within minutes, I had ordered a small paint-by-numbers kit.
A week later, the kit arrived: a rolled-up canvas with numbered sections, a set of brushes, and several individually numbered cans of acrylic paint. At first glance, it looked daunting.
How could I, who hadn't touched a paintbrush since elementary school, possibly complete this?
How Paint-by-Numbers Change My Life?
What started as a way to kill time quickly became something much more meaningful. Each night, I sat down at my kitchen table, turned on some soft music, and started painting.
The act of matching colors to numbers was simple—but that simplicity was the secret. For the first time in months, I wasn’t overthinking. I wasn’t checking emails, scrolling through notifications, or planning tomorrow’s to-do list. I was present.
Here’s how paint-by-numbers gradually transformed my life:
1. It Brought Me Mental Clarity and Calm
Digital painting is like meditation. When I focus on those tiny digital spaces, my anxious thoughts quiet down. The repetitive, rhythmic brushstrokes help me calm down. It's become my form of therapy, a daily ritual I've come to crave.
I've noticed that my sleep quality has improved and my stress level has decreased. In this world where we're constantly on the go, this activity provides me with a sense of peace.
2. It Reconnected Me With Creativity
I'd always told myself I wasn't creative. I couldn't draw or sketch, so I thought art wasn't for me. But digital painting has allowed me to tap into my creativity. With each completed piece, my confidence grows.
I begin to experiment—slightly blending colors, using different brushstroke techniques, and even deviating from the guidelines for subsequent projects. I'm learning to observe and think like an artist.
3. It Helped Me Cultivate Patience
We live in a world that demands instant gratification. But digital painting requires time and focus. A single canvas can take days or even weeks to complete. At first, I was impatient and wanted to see the final result immediately.
Over time, I've learned to enjoy the process instead of rushing it. This mindset permeated other aspects of my life—work, relationships, and even my fitness goals. I began to appreciate incremental progress.
4. It Gave Me a Sense of Accomplishment
Completing my first digital painting was incredibly satisfying. I framed it not because it was perfect, but because I had completed it. This tangible sense of accomplishment and the feeling of seeing my progress in real time, gave me a renewed sense of self-worth.
It reminded me that I could start something and finish it—which was exactly what I desperately needed at the time.
5. It Opened the Door to New Interests
An unexpected result of painting regularly was that it led me to explore other creative hobbies. I began dabbling in watercolor. I visited art galleries with a newfound appreciation. I even started drawing in my journal—unskilled but with great joy. Digital painting is a gateway to a richer, more imaginative self.
Popular Paint-by-Numbers Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Of course, like any activity, paint-by-numbers comes with its own learning curve. Along the way, I made some classic beginner mistakes—but each one taught me something useful.
If you’re just starting out, here are some tips to avoid frustration:
1. Using Too Much Paint
In the beginning, I tended to glob on the paint, thinking thicker was better. But this led to smudges, uneven textures, and even torn canvas in some areas. A little goes a long way. Use small, smooth strokes and let the layers build naturally.
2. Not Letting Areas Dry
I was impatient and painted adjacent sections too quickly. The colors bled into each other, especially if they were heavily pigmented. Always allow drying time between close-by areas, especially when using darker tones.
3. Starting in the Middle
It’s tempting to jump into the part of the image you’re most excited about. But starting in the center and working outward increases the risk of smudging the wet paint with your hand or arm. It’s better to start from the top corner and work your way down.
4. Skipping Numbered Areas
Tiny sections are easy to miss, especially when the numbers are faint or partially covered. I learned to take photos of the blank canvas before I started, so I had a reference in case numbers got painted over by mistake.
5. Not Cleaning Brushes Properly
Leaving brushes in water for too long or failing to clean them between colors can muddy your entire painting. Wash brushes gently, dry them properly, and don’t let paint dry on them.
6. Ignoring Lighting
I initially painted under dim lighting, which strained my eyes and made it hard to distinguish similar colors. A good desk lamp with natural white light made all the difference.
7. Giving Up Too Soon
The middle stages of a paint-by-numbers project can look messy and discouraging. Trust the process. Once the final colors come together, you’ll see how every small detail fits into the big picture.
Conclusion
I never imagined that a simple paint-by-numbers kit would transform the way I see myself and the world around me. What started as a pastime has become a passion, a meditative practice, and a powerful reminder that creativity isn't about striving for perfection, but about being present in the moment.
Painting by numbers has given me more than just beautiful paintings on my wall. It has helped me find peace amidst chaos, patience in the face of pressure, and restored confidence where I once felt doubt. I've now completed more than a dozen paint-by-numbers kits, and each one feels like a milestone on a journey I didn't even know I was on.
So, if you've ever told yourself you're "uncreative" or "not an artist," I encourage you to pick up a paintbrush and give it a try. Start small. You might find, as I did, that the simplest things can sometimes make the biggest difference.
