Edition #31: Paint-by-Numbers
Professional artist or rule follower?
It’s not often that I would say the easy way out is better than working hard to hone your craft, but these paint by numbers kits that were prevalent in the mid-century are an exception. Not all of us were gifted with the talent to paint but most of us can follow directions, which is exactly what made these kits so popular. And they’re genuinely great pieces of art, with unique, blocky brush strokes and refined designs. The first kits were created in the early ‘50s, with over 20 million sets being sold by 1955, by Max S. Klein and Dan Robbins inspired by Da Vinci’s habit of numbering canvases for his apprentices. Subjects ranged from still lives of fruit to landscapes and even pet portraits. Examples of incredible finished products are hanging in the Smithsonian and there’s even a Paint By Number Museum that was created after compiling thousands of completed works from all over the US.
Vintage Clown Paint by Numbers PBN 2 Available Sold Separately Framed Paint by Numbers of Emmett Kelly the Hobo Clown on Etsy: Look, clowns are not for everyone, but this one feels less scary and sad than other depictions I’ve seen from the midcentury. (See: Pierrot)
Vintage Paint By Number Fierce Tiger Jungle 12 x 16 Wood Frame 1950s Animal Art on eBay: I love a good tiger painting and this one feels like something I want in my basement with a shag carpet and worn in velvet couch. Just me?
Vintage Paint by Number Metal Toleware Collection, Midcentury Toleware Trays and Container, Farmhouse Shabby Chic Decor on Etsy: Not all paint by numbers were done as canvases! This is like the original Color Me Mine.
The Peacocks Have Come To Show Off Vintage 1950s Framed Paint By Number Painting on Etsy: To no one’s surprise, peacocks were a big motif in the midcentury.
Vintage Large (21” X 27”) Framed Paint By Numbers Painting Memories Music Violin on Etsy: A lot of these paint by numbers were simplistic scenes or animals, but the still life options were also incredible. How melancholic of a piece.
Large Vintage Kitchen Utensil Jar & Canister Framed Paint By Number PBN Painting on Etsy: Someone with a cottage core kitchen put this on their wall.
Group of four vintage paint by number pictures; Framed French scenes on Etsy: Each of these mini painting features a different scene from the streets of France.
Two Vintage Tropical Paint By Number Pictures on Etsy: Like I said, simplistic scenes.
Vintage Paint By Number, Avalon Paint On Wood Folk Art on Etsy: This one leans more Pennsylvania Dutch but it’s so crisp and would be great for above a coffee bar.
Set 3 Vtg Paris Street Framed Paint by Number Eiffel Tower Arc de Triomphe Cafe on eBay: Another set of scenes from France except a little more subdued.
Honorable Mentions:
What terms were searched:
Paint by numbers
Still life paint by numbers kit
Framed paint by numbers
Welcome to Finder’s Keepers
This is the newsletter dedicated to leaving no vintage stone unturned. Each edition will cater to a rabbit hole that I fell down one night and include an assortment of vintage finds that make you question “Why did anyone own this?” followed quickly by “Should I own this?”
My method is simple: I attach a keyword or phrase to the item and go digging, spending hours each week combing through hundreds of pages of Etsy and Ebay bric-a-brac. It’s chaotic but satisfactory, like looking through every rack and bin at a thrift store for those that partake in the more visceral act of going in person. I like to sit on my couch.
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