Can You Learn to Paint From Paint by Numbers? My Honest Opinion

For Christmas, I received a paint-by-numbers kit featuring a beautiful peacock. Since I've been trying all kinds of different art supplies and creative projects lately, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to answer a question I've wondered about for years:

Can paint by numbers actually teach you how to paint?

After spending roughly 10 hours completing the kit, I finally have an answer.

The short version?

Probably not.

Here's why.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

This wasn't my first paint-by-numbers kit.

I remember doing one when I was around ten or twelve years old. It was a horse, and I was incredibly proud of the finished painting. At the time, it looked amazing to me.

But afterward...

Could I paint a horse on my own?

Not even close.

Back then, I assumed the problem was simply that I needed more practice.

Now, after completing another kit as an adult, I think the issue is something else entirely.

Paint by Numbers Isn't How Artists Actually Paint

The biggest realization I had while working on this project was that paint by numbers teaches a completely different process than traditional painting.

With paint by numbers, you're filling in hundreds—sometimes thousands—of tiny numbered spaces.

Real painting doesn't work that way.

When I paint with acrylics, I usually start by blocking in the largest shapes and colors first.

For example, if I were painting this peacock from scratch, I'd probably:

• Block in the large background shapes.
• Paint the major blue areas of the bird.
• Establish the dark shadows.
• Add the brighter highlights.
• Finish with the fine details.

That's how you build a painting.

Paint by numbers reverses that process by asking you to complete tiny isolated sections one at a time.

Maybe there are artists who genuinely work that way...

But I certainly don't.

It Took Forever

One thing that really surprised me was just how long this project took.

The completed painting required around 10 hours of work.

Ten.

Hours.

Watching the finished video, it doesn't seem that long.

Living through it?

That's another story.

The tiny sections slowed everything down.

At first, I thought I'd work color by color.

That sounded efficient...

Until I realized I kept dragging my arm through wet paint.

So then I tried opening multiple colors at once.

That meant constantly switching brushes.

Cleaning brushes.

Finding the correct paint.

Trying not to spill anything.

Eventually I realized there really wasn't a fast way to do it.

The process simply takes time.

Who Would Enjoy Paint by Numbers?

Just because I didn't enjoy it doesn't mean nobody will.

In fact, I think paint by numbers appeals to a very specific kind of creative person.

If you enjoy:

• Jigsaw puzzles
• Diamond painting
• Coloring books
• Slow, relaxing hobbies
• Methodical projects

You'll probably have a great time.

There's something satisfying about gradually watching an image appear as each numbered section disappears.

For many people, that's exactly the appeal.

Me? Not So Much.

Personally...

I discovered this type of project just isn't for me.

I like painting because I enjoy making artistic decisions.

Where should the shadows go?

Should this color be warmer?

Would another highlight improve the composition?

Paint by numbers removes almost all of those decisions.

Instead of creating, you're mostly following instructions.

There's nothing wrong with that—it just isn't the creative experience I'm looking for.

It Did Turn Out Beautiful

Despite my complaints...

The finished peacock actually looked really nice.

That's one of the strengths of paint-by-numbers kits.

They're designed so almost anyone can produce a finished artwork they're proud to display.

And honestly, that's pretty cool.

If your goal is simply to relax and end up with a beautiful painting, paint by numbers definitely delivers.

My Husband Had an Interesting Suggestion

Partway through the project, my husband jokingly suggested I should just cheat.

The problem was...

I'm not even sure how.

Because every section is numbered, you need those outlines to know where the next color belongs.

Sure, I suppose there are ways you could simplify parts of the painting by blocking in larger areas first, but at that point you'd basically be repainting the entire image yourself.

So I stuck with the instructions.

Every tiny section.

Every tiny number.

Every tiny brushstroke.

The Peacock Finally Appears

One of the funniest parts of the experience was how long it took before the subject became recognizable.

For quite a while it just looked like random patches of color.

Then, almost all at once...

A peacock appeared.

That was definitely satisfying.

Even if I was completely exhausted by that point.

What I Would Have Done Differently

As I worked, I kept thinking about how differently I'd approach the same painting if I were creating it myself.

Instead of filling in tiny numbered spaces, I would have:

• Painted the large light areas first.
• Blocked in the dark shadows.
• Added the vibrant blues.
• Built layers gradually.
• Finished with details like feathers and highlights.

Ironically, I think that approach would have taken much less time.

It also would have been far more enjoyable.

So... Can You Learn to Paint From Paint by Numbers?

After spending ten hours with this kit, my answer is still no.

Paint by numbers can teach you:

• Patience
• Brush control
• Following a color guide
• Finishing a long-term project

Those are all valuable skills.

But it doesn't really teach you how to create a painting from scratch.

It doesn't teach composition.

It doesn't teach color mixing.

It doesn't teach values.

It doesn't teach how to simplify complex subjects into shapes.

Those are the skills that artists develop through drawing, observation, and practice.

Final Thoughts

Even though I wouldn't choose to do another paint-by-numbers kit anytime soon, I'm still glad I completed this one.

Sometimes trying something new helps you appreciate the things you already love.

In this case, it reminded me just how much I enjoy making creative decisions while painting instead of simply filling in numbered spaces.

The finished peacock turned out beautifully, I learned something about my own artistic process, and now I can confidently answer a question I'd been wondering about for years.

Paint by numbers can be relaxing.

It can be rewarding.

It can produce beautiful artwork.

But if your goal is to learn how to paint, I think you're better off picking up a brush, a blank canvas, and accepting that your first few paintings probably won't be perfect.

That's where the real learning begins.

Have you ever completed a paint-by-numbers kit? Did you find it relaxing, or were you counting down the minutes until the last numbered space was finally filled in? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Until next time, stay spooky and keep creating! 🎨🦚👻