My Favorite Hobby: Painting by Numbers
I've been hooked on painting by numbers for years, and it's a hobby that never fails to bring me joy. There have been times when I've taken breaks from it, but I always come back. I've tried other activities, like diamond mosaics, but they just don't compare to the satisfaction of bringing a painting to life with numbers.
I've worked with several manufacturers over the years, and I've got to say that Fix Price's Lori brand has been a consistent favorite. Their paintings are well-made, and the quality has been consistently high. Of course, like any hobby, there are always going to be some duds, but Lori's been a reliable choice for me.
One of my all-time favorite paintings is a little cabin in the mountains. I did it as one of my first projects, and it's still hanging proudly on my wall. I love the way the colors blend together to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It's a really beautiful piece, and it's a great reminder of why I love painting by numbers so much.
Lately, I've been buying more of Lori's prints from Fix Price, and I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed with the quality of the canvases. They're a bit flimsy, and the paint can chip and run if you're not careful. The colors are also a bit faint, which makes it hard to get a good look at what you're drawing. But despite these issues, I still love browsing through their paintings because they're just so gorgeous.
I've also found some really nice prints on marketplaces for around 350-500 rubles. Some manufacturers offer better quality than others, but overall, I've been really happy with the paintings I've gotten. Of course, there are always going to be some minor issues, but that's just part of the hobby. I've learned to work around the problems and focus on the fun of creating something beautiful.
One thing I've found is that the material quality can make a big difference. I mean, if the canvas is flimsy or the paint is poor quality, it can really ruin the experience. But when everything is up to par, it's just magic. I've been really happy with the quality of the paintings I've gotten, and I've learned to appreciate the little things that make a big difference.
I've also been using products from Artemania and Pigments, and I have to say that I really love the picture I've got up from Artemania - it's become a favorite that's taken pride of place next to my bed. The funny title 'Band of Cats' always makes me smile. The image is a colorful, playful take on cats, and it's a great picture. But there were a few quirks with the production process - the numbers were a bit pale, the black paint had some texture to it, and a few other minor issues. However, what I did appreciate was the level of complexity involved in creating this piece.
Each painting comes with a brush, and the brushes are usually top-notch. Sometimes I get just one, like with Lori's piece, but other times I get three or even four. Most of the paintings come with practice sheets - these are usually A4-sized drafts with the painting's layout. I rarely use them, but I do keep a lot of them handy, just in case I want to paint something and the actual painting isn't around.
I definitely need a water cup. Standard cups are perfect, but other containers will work too. You'll need to wash your brushes, regardless of whether you're mixing paint with water or not, to change the color. It's also a good idea to have some paper towels handy to wipe your brush, as there might be paint residue that won't come off with water, and you don't want to get messy.
Not all pictures are created equal, and even if you love coloring by numbers, some might not be as fun as others. I mean, the most basic thing is to choose a picture that speaks to you, one that you really love, that matters, and you'd actually want to see every day. For me, I usually gauge it by whether I'd want to hang it on the wall and look at it daily. If I genuinely want to, then that's the one for me. Sometimes I enjoy just sitting and browsing through the available artwork, taking my time to pick something.
I've also found that it's essential to have a good workspace. A clean and well-lit area is perfect for painting by numbers. I like to have a dedicated space for my paints, brushes, and canvases, so I can easily access everything I need. It's also a good idea to have some storage for your finished paintings, so you can keep them organized and easily display them.
Another thing I've learned is that it's okay to make mistakes. Painting by numbers can be a bit intimidating, especially if you're new to it. But the thing is, mistakes are an opportunity to learn and improve. Don't be afraid to try again, and don't worry if your painting doesn't turn out exactly as you envisioned it. It's all part of the process, and it's what makes painting by numbers so rewarding.
Lastly, I want to say that painting by numbers is a great way to relax and unwind. It's a hobby that requires focus and concentration, but it's also incredibly therapeutic. I find that it helps me clear my mind and reduce stress. So, if you're looking for a new hobby that's fun, creative, and relaxing, I highly recommend giving painting by numbers a try.
Overall, I'm so glad I discovered painting by numbers. It's a hobby that's brought me so much joy and fulfillment, and I'm grateful to have it in my life. If you're new to painting by numbers, I hope this review has been helpful in giving you a better understanding of what to expect. Happy painting!