paint by numbers kit Pablo Picasso - Seated woman

Paint by numbers is a creative hobby where a picture is divided into shapes, each marked with a number that corresponds to a specific color. You paint in each shape and ultimately the picture emerges as a finished painting.

A typical paint by numbers kit includes a pre-printed canvas marked with numbers, small pots of paint in the required colors, and one or more paintbrushes. You might also want a cup of water for rinsing brushes and a cloth for wiping.

Start by setting up a comfortable workspace with good lighting. Lay out your canvas and organize your paints. It's often recommended to start painting from the top of the canvas and work your way down to avoid smudging.

It's generally easier to start with either the darkest colors or the largest areas. This can help provide a framework for the rest of your painting.

Keep the paint pots closed when not in use. If the paint does start to dry, adding a tiny amount of water can sometimes help revive it.

Yes, you can mix colors if you feel comfortable doing so. It allows for more creativity but is not necessary for most kits.