I Thought Paint by Numbers Was for Idiots — Until Depression Changed My Mind
I used to dismiss Paint by Numbers as simplistic and uninspiring. Not until I got slammed by depression and anxiety did I require an inexpensive way for an art therapy session. Surprisingly, completing a Paint by Numbers project provided me with a sense of accomplishment. The finished piece became more than a simple craft project; it's a delightful piece of home decor, reminding me of how I managed to ignore distractions and stay focused amid a mass of tiny details, and that I, amazingly, had the patience to complete it.
The precise, steady hand movements required developed hand-eye coordination, enabling me to control the brushes more effectively. It nourishes the basic skills for creating an acrylic painting, drafting the artwork, utilising various equipment and colour combinations, and controlling the brushes. What initially seemed monotonous gradually became therapeutic. Hour after hour, the repetitive brushwork calmed my mind while quietly teaching me technical painting skills.