paint-by-numbers
Preset art kit
Paint-by-numbers refers to a painting kit where numbered sections on a canvas correspond to specific paint colors, allowing anyone to complete a picture by matching numbers to colors.
The term has become figurative for anything formulaic or requiring no creativity: a paint-by-numbers approach to filmmaking, The plot felt paint-by-numbers.
As an adjective, it suggests mechanical execution over artistic judgment.
Heavy woven cloth
- brushesBristled implements for grooming
- acrylicsSynthetic quick-dry paints
- numberedAssigned figures for order
- sectionsDivided portions of something
outline · palette · easel · pigments · watercolor · oil · frame · instructions
In sequential stages
- instructionsGuidance on how to proceed
- outlineSummary of key elements
- followGo behind another
- numberedAssigned figures for order
tutorial · directions · handholding · systematic · methodical · structured · assistance · supervision
Able to be foreseen
- unoriginalNot new or novel
- clichéOverused, unoriginal expression
- derivativeFunction's rate of change
- uncreativeLacking originality or invention
mechanical · rote · simplistic · cookie-cutter · uninspired · by-the-book · prescriptive · rigid
Supreme artistic achievement
- gallerySpace for displaying artwork
- impressionismStyle prioritizing perception
- landscapeVisible features of terrain
- portraitArtistic depiction of someone
Mona Lisa · Van Gogh · reproduction · museum · classic · fine art · amateur · technique
State of being unwound
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- meditationFocused attention practice
- stress-reliefReduction of mental tension
- calmingInducing a settled state
soothing · focus · patience · hobby · pastime · leisure · satisfying · completion
canvas
Heavy woven cloth
- brushesBristled implements for grooming
- acrylicsSynthetic quick-dry paints
- numberedAssigned figures for order
sections · outline · palette · easel · pigments · watercolor · oil · frame · instructions · design
step-by-step
In sequential stages
- instructionsGuidance on how to proceed
- outlineSummary of key elements
- followGo behind another
numbered · tutorial · directions · handholding · systematic · methodical · structured · assistance · supervision · facilitation
predictable
Able to be foreseen
- unoriginalNot new or novel
- clichéOverused, unoriginal expression
- derivativeFunction's rate of change
uncreative · mechanical · rote · simplistic · cookie-cutter · uninspired · by-the-book · prescriptive · rigid · constraining
masterpiece
Supreme artistic achievement
- gallerySpace for displaying artwork
- impressionismStyle prioritizing perception
- landscapeVisible features of terrain
portrait · Mona Lisa · Van Gogh · reproduction · museum · classic · fine art · amateur · technique · composition
relaxation
State of being unwound
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- meditationFocused attention practice
- stress-reliefReduction of mental tension
calming · soothing · focus · patience · hobby · pastime · leisure · satisfying · completion · achievement
paint-by-numbersfreehand
Drawn without mechanical aids
original composition · freestyle · creative · imaginative · original
paint-by-numbersmasterwork
Supreme creative achievement
virtuosic · high art · fine art · sophisticated · complex
paint-by-numbersimprovisational
Without prior preparation
improvised · spontaneous · freeform · off-the-cuff · extemporaneous
paint, painting, painted, painter, numbers, unpainted, paintings, repaint, painters