The History of Paint by Numbers

What is Paint by Numbers?

You take an empty canvas and you turn it into a masterpiece while offering no experience with painting. This is the magic of Paint by Numbers. Millions of people have been enchanted by this creative pursuit, which blends artistry and pleasure.
Today we are going to look at the fascinating history of Paint by Numbers and why it became a favorite hobby for so many people.

Origins of Paint by Numbers

The concept of Paint by Numbers isn’t entirely new. It can be traced back to the early practices of artists using numbered frames to organize their paintings. This approach helped them visualize the final artwork and ensure proper color placement.
However, the numbered canvas that we know today was the result of some modern innovations.

The Beginning of The History of Paint by Numbers

Cultural Impact in the 1950s

March of 1951, the USA. It was the period of the post-war boom and industrial development.

People were gradually attaining confidence and tranquility. Customers of all ages came to Macy’s store in the central square of New-York. The holidays were over and there was no reason to have a queue at the store. People were attracted by demonstration of a new creative activity.

People amazed at the new extraordinary invention started buying the paintings massively. The word about painting by numbers spread across the streets, cities and then throughout America and retail orders started coming from all over the country.

However, Macy’s offer was not that simple.

Dan Robbins Is Creator The First Paint by Numbers

Let us go back to a year before. Dan Robbins, an employee at Palmer Paint Co. in Detroit learned that Leonardo da Vinci had taught painting basics to his apprentices using numbered patterns on canvas and had an idea that the concept could become very popular. This is how the new product appeared to make beginning artists of all ages happy.

However, Dan could not get shopkeepers interested in selling paintings by numbers. S.S. Kerge, a store owner, was the first one to agree: he took rather a big lot of two paintings for sale.
But there was a thing that bungled the job. A mistake was made during packaging and paint colors for the pictures were confused. People coloring The Bullfighter were surprised at the toreador wearing a blue cape and fighting a green bull, and so were those having a brown “fisher”. The owners returned the goods at once and canceled all the orders.

The Role of Max S. Klein

Dan was frustrated but unexpected aid came from Max Klein, the owner of Palmer Paint Co. First of all, he asked Macy’s toy store to showcase their painting kits and promised that any unsold goods could be returned free of charge. Then, Klein bribed two representatives. In his memoirs entitled “Whatever Happened to Paint-By-Numbers” written in 1998, Robbins recalls:

Max gave each of the reps $250, telling them to hand it out to friends, relatives, neighbors, anyone that would be willing to go to Macy’s and buy one of our Craft Master sets for $2.50.” Those $500 were enough to buy all the products in the store.

The First Sales of Paint by Numbers Kits

Of course, the trick worked and “customers” flowed in. But Klein and Robbins forgot one little thing: they did not keep track of whom they had given their money to. They actually had no idea how many kits were sold for their own money and how many went to ordinary customers who got in a real bind. Nevertheless, the news about the sale spread among customers at the fair and orders skyrocketed. Fake sales led to real ones and painting by numbers turned into a full-scale boom.

By 1954, Palmer Paint had sold 20 million paint by numbers kits, they had 1200 employees and dozens of competitors. But their main achievement was initiating a new creative hobby for common people.

A Typical Paint by Numbers Kit

A typical Paint by Numbers kit includes pre-painted canvas, divided into numbered sections. Each number corresponds to a specific paint color. The kits also come with a set of paints and brushes.
The process is simple: match the numbered parts to the appropriate color and watch the image come to life on the canvas.

Evolution Over the Decades

Over the years, paint by numbers has evolved significantly. The first kits had simple landscapes and still life. As the hobby grew, so did the variety of themes. The complex and different of designs spanned from whimsical portraits to detailed cityscapes, matching a wide range of interests and skill levels.

Technological Advancements

In the digital age, Paint by Numbers has embraced technology. There are now digital versions and apps for “Windows Version” or “Mac Version” that allow users to “paint” on their devices. Online platforms offer a vast array of designs, and some even let users upload their own photos to create custom Paint by Numbers from photo.

Popularity in Different Countries

The Paint by Numbers that were created in the United States, it quickly gained an international reputation. Countries have embraced the concept, and often adding their own cultural twists to the designs.
Today, Paint by Numbers has a worldwide following, and they have kits available in countless themes and styles.

Paint by Numbers in Modern Times

In recent years, Paint by Numbers has seen a resurgence, partly fueled by social media. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are filled with completed Paint by Numbers designs, inspiring a new generation of hobbyists. The accessibility and inexpensive of kits continue to attract people of all ages.

Criticism and Controversy

Despite its popularity, Paint by Numbers has faced criticism. Some say it lacks artistic merit, reducing creativity to paint the numbered sections on the canvas. But supporters believe it democratizes art and provides a stepping stone for beginners and those who don’t feel confident in their abilities a foothold.
The debate goes on, but the broad appeal of the hobby is undeniable.

Future of Paint by Numbers

What is next Paint by Numbers is nowhere near stopping in its evolutionary journey. Trends expected to be seen are custom made kits and incorporating enhanced materials as well as bringing in Augmented reality straight inside. The future of creative activities will make sure that the ways people interact with this beloved hobby will continue to grow as technology progresses.

History of Paint by Numbers – Conclusion

This is the history of Paint by Numbers, proving that reinvention and democratization in art transcend generations. Since it was first created until it became worldwide sensation, Paint by Numbers has entertained life scores of people and given them an outlet to be creative. For relaxation, artistic exploration or just for plain fun, it is a cherished pastime for people across all ages.

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