One of my friends first introduced me to paint by numbers back in 2016. After a little skepticism I decided to give it a try. This was around the time I was grappling with my anxiety and loneliness issues and needed a project for me to focus on. I instantly fell in love with the concept of paint by numbers. Not only did it allow me to do something creative with instructions on how to be creative spelled out quite clearly for someone who struggles drawing stick figures, but it also allowed me to focus intensely on a task erasing any anxiety inducing thoughts from my mind. What a relief!
It took me a year to complete my first painting – with several months gap where I lost my mojo a little but I did get back to it and completed it in nick of time! This painting is strategically placed on my bookshelf for admiring visitors. And this strategy has paid off! I bask in the oohs and ahhs of my guests. Can’t deny myself some admiration.
So with my first painting a success, I decided to embark on another one. I certainly needed it given that so many changes were in store for me in 2018. While my first painting was on cardboard where I had to mix colors to make new shades, this was was on canvas. Equally detailed but there was no mixing of colors.
In the beginning the task seems very daunting. This painting is 16 x 20 inches with a lot of small details for tree branches. Just looking at the empty canvas can be stressful (the opposite reaction to the aim of the process) but I always remind myself to break the painting down into small manageable areas and start painting those areas. Little by little you will chip away at the blank canvas. Before you know it…..voila… you’ve completed the painting!
This strategy of breaking down a larger problem into smaller, more manageable components can be applied to many aspects of our lives. I apply this quite a bit at work where I tackle larger projects by breaking them down into their smaller components meet tight deadlines. Overwhelming at first but achievable by the end.
I know what you must be thinking…. Nikita you have babbled on for too long! Show us your painting already. So without further ado…
I’m taking a little break from paint by numbers in 2019 replacing this goal with more reading and another painting project…more details to come in the future.
If you want to destress and create an art project as well, paint by numbers is the way to go. Happy Painting!