Paint by Number Kits: Wall Decorations or Modern Wall Art?

When growing up in the 1950s & 60s, one of the best things to get as a present was a paint by number kit that, when finished, gave the artist a piece of great modern wall art or a super painting to hang as a wall hanging or wall decoration. Paint by number kits could be purchased at Duckwalls, the Kress store, and Woolworth's for under a dollar. This was a really good price for hand painted modern wall art or wall decor. All of these stores were known as five and dime stores and none remain in the USA today. Alco is an iteration of Duckwalls and you might be able to buy a paint by number kit there today and Woolworth's exists in countries other than the US.

A paint by number kit was especially cool because you really didn't have to have any artistic talent. When you bought, or received, a paint by number kit as a gift, you got a pre-printed canvas and oil paints that corresponded to the numbers on the canvas. It was actually a no brainer to be a modern wall art artist, but who knew that at the time. It was cool to start and finish a paint by number kit of Lassie, flamingos, the Last Supper, or some hunting dogs, deer, or waterfalls. The selection seemed to be limitless, but when you're ten...who knew if this was true. It was even more cool if you framed your picture to be used as modern wall art in your bedroom.

Today, modern wall art aficionados, or retro collectors, pay a pretty price for some paint by number wall hangings. Some of the most popular paint by number wall hangings on E-Bay are: the Last Supper, tropical scenes (including flamingos), and animals. Although these themes typically sell well, every once in a while there will be an unexpected paint by number wall decoration that will sell for a fantastic price. Now, take the "for a fantastic price" with a grain of salt. The paint by number kits cost less than a dollar, so when one of the completed wall decorations sell for over $75 that is a fantastic price. Of course, this price probably doesn't take into account all of the time and effort the paint by number project took.

Paint by number kits are still available today. A really fun iteration is online paint by number. There are many online sites that let you download paint by number templates. If you are a bit more traditional and want to do some modern wall art the "old fashion" way, you can still buy paint by number kits. The slogan Virginia Slims - You've Come a Long Ways Baby" -would be appropriate to use with paint by number kits. It is amazing to see the different affects, colors, and themes that have evolved from very humble beginnings. Did you know you can send your photo into a paint by number company and they can make a canvas of it - matching all the colors of paint - so you are able to paint a portrait of yourself? Way to Cool!

If you are passionate about retro, mid century modern icons, buying yourself a paint by number piece of modern wall art is a good way to satisfy your passion.