History of Paint by Numbers

Paint by numbers is a popular painting technique that has been around for nearly a century. This unique style of painting allows individuals to create a beautiful work of art, even if they have little or no artistic ability. The concept of paint by numbers began in the 1920s and has since become a household name.

Classic art of painting by numbers is, in fact, the invention of the greatest Michelangelo. So, while you might not have grown as an artist, you are being one of his students if you are painting by numbers for whatever reason.

While Michelangelo, of course, did not end up with making a kit of paint by number, it was Dan Robbin who liked the idea so much that in 1949, he introduced paint by numbers. 

The first paint by numbers kit was created by the Palmer Paint Company in 1950. It was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's technique of numbering the sections of his sketches. The company created a kit that included a canvas with pre-printed outlines and numbers, along with a set of paints and brushes. Each number represented a particular color, making it easy for anyone to create a beautiful painting.

The paint by numbers technique became an instant success and quickly spread throughout the world. The kits were not only used by beginners but also by professional artists who saw the potential of the technique. In the 1950s, the kits were so popular that they were used in schools to teach children how to paint.

Throughout the years, paint by numbers has continued to evolve. The kits have become more sophisticated, and the designs more intricate. The technique has also expanded into other areas, such as embroidery, cross-stitch, and even digital painting.

Today, paint by numbers is still a popular pastime for people of all ages. It is a fun and relaxing way to express creativity and create beautiful works of art. Paint by numbers kits can be found in many stores and online retailers, and there are even paint by numbers apps that allow individuals to create digital paintings.