Paint by Number is such a relaxing artistic hobby. It allows you to create a really beautiful painting without years of art classes and too much talent. I have enjoyed painting by numbers as hobby for years and I have picked up a few great tips that help me produce a really pretty painting that I’m proud of.

Here are my top 5 tips:

1. Choose the Right Kit: There is a huge range of Paint by Number (PBN) kits available and some are more difficult than others. If you are experienced and looking for a real challenge, then you can go for that complex landscape with lots of detail or even that Oil PBN kit. On the other hand, if you are at a more beginner level and you really want to produce a nice-looking result, stick to the standard acrylic kits. These are cheaper and come in lots of simple designs: still-lifes; colorful fantasy paintings; dogs, cats, horses and other animal portraits.

2. Have the Right Supplies: Good PBN kits contain almost everything you need to complete your masterpiece. That’s why it’s such an easy and affordable artistic hobby. However, you will also need a few extra items that you probably have lying around the house: a palette (a smooth plastic plate works great), a clear cup for washing your brush between colors, and a rag for wiping your brush gently after you wash it. This keeps your paints clean and pure.

3. Take your Time: A single PBN kit can provide you with many hours of relaxation and entertainment, so enjoy it! Put on your favorite music (nothing too energetic), make yourself a hot drink, and sit down in a calm place. Then begin painting, color by color. Sometimes I get bored of painting a particular color or area, so I switch to a whole different section. It is very satisfying to watch the picture take shape over the hours and week. There is no rush.

4. Stay Inside Lines: Your kindergarten teacher was right about this one – it definitely makes for the best results. With the more detailed Paint by Numbers designs it can actually be quite hard. I bought a special fine artists brush to help me do this. It only cost a few dollars and it lasts a very long time.

5. Get Creative with the Colors: You don’t have to stick exactly to the colors listed on the numbering sheet. Often your picture just looks better if you add a bit of white or yellow to the color listed. This is true especially if you want your painting to look very similar to the original. I enjoy experimenting with the colors, and I do it more as I get more experienced with PBN.

The most important thing is definitely to relax and let your creative juices flow. Enjoy this time that you’ve taken for yourself!

Article originally published at Source by Naomi Elb