painting by numbers
Fill prescribed sections
Painting by numbers is a method of creating pictures by filling in pre-outlined sections with colors indicated by numbers, each number corresponding to a specific paint.
The kits, popular as a hobby since the 1950s, allow people without artistic training to produce recognizable images.
Figuratively, painting by numbers describes any mechanical, formulaic approach that requires no creativity or original thought: The director's latest film feels like painting by numbers.
Heavy woven cloth
- acrylicsSynthetic quick-dry paints
- brushesBristled implements for grooming
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
- outlineSummary of key elements
segmented · fill-in · pattern · design · instructions · guidebook · pigments · color chart
Accuracy of measurement
- fillingMaterial placed within
- systematicFollowing ordered procedures
- step-by-stepIn sequential stages
- layeringForming successive strata
blending · edges · drying time · coverage · touch-up · shading · highlights · smooth strokes
Easy for newcomers
- noviceInexperienced newcomer to field
- amateurNonprofessional participant
- learnerOne gaining knowledge
- guidedLed with assistance
structured · foolproof · approachable · confidence-building · skill-building · gateway · low barrier · forgiving
State of being unwound
- pastimeRecreational pursuit
- leisureFree time for relaxation
- craftSkilled manual art
- recreationRefreshment through leisure
therapeutic · meditative · mindfulness · stress relief · creativity · satisfaction · accomplishment · display
canvas
Heavy woven cloth
- acrylicsSynthetic quick-dry paints
- brushesBristled implements for grooming
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
outline · segmented · fill-in · pattern · design · instructions · guidebook · pigments · color chart · starter set
precision
Accuracy of measurement
- fillingMaterial placed within
- systematicFollowing ordered procedures
- step-by-stepIn sequential stages
layering · blending · edges · drying time · coverage · touch-up · shading · highlights · smooth strokes · color matching
beginner-friendly
Easy for newcomers
guided · structured · foolproof · approachable · confidence-building · skill-building · gateway · low barrier · forgiving · achievable
relaxation
State of being unwound
recreation · therapeutic · meditative · mindfulness · stress relief · creativity · satisfaction · accomplishment · display · gifting
landscape
Visible features of terrain
- portraitArtistic depiction of someone
- still lifeArt of inanimate objects
- animalsMulticellular mobile organisms
flowers · seascape · cityscape · wildlife · pets · abstract · cottages · sunsets · horses · dogs
painting by numbersoriginal artwork
First authentic creative work
abstract expressionism · action painting · spontaneous creation · artistic interpretation · free expression
painting by numbersmasterwork
Supreme creative achievement
fine art · technical mastery · Renaissance painting · trompe-l'oeil · photorealism
painting by numbersoriginal composition
Freshly created artistic piece
personal expression · self-expression · signature style · oeuvre
paint, painting, paintings, painted, painter, painters, paints, painterly, repaint