Paint By Numbers: The Viral Craft Behind Those Instagram Masterpieces

While we may grow weary of WFH outfit selfies, chaotic puzzle pics, and screenshots of Zoom happy hours, there's one social media posting that still piques our creative interests: the paint-by-number picture.

No longer exclusive to kids, this DIY craft that makes painting like a real artist as easy as, well, 1-2-3 is now a trending adult pastime — one that has provided a shared sense of satisfaction during these socially distant times. There's something so carefree about seeing a photo of that mediocre sunflower painting your friend of a friend posted to their Instagram story; it touches us (wow, look at that thing), it inspires us (surely, I could do better), it moves us to action (ok, I'm ordering one).

Ahead, all the simple pleasures that an ordered-to-your-doorstep paint by number kit has to offer — including a pre-sketched numbered canvas with corresponding numbered paints and brushes. The available subject matter includes everything from the more whimsical floating-balloon houses to the more profound Vincent van Gogh scenes and every unexpectedly delightful thing in between (like a Tiger King-style scene or a customizable pet portrait). So go on, isn't it time you shared your own WFH masterpiece?

 we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. 

Komking Paint by Numbers, Colorful Balloon 16x20inch, $, available at Amazon

ellecreepdx diy paint by number kit | FRIDA with flowers, $, available at Etsy

Reeves Paint By Numbers Large Tigers Painting, $, available at Walmart

COLORWORK Paint by Numbers, Acrylic Pigment-Flying Flower, $, available at Amazon

ApplePiePainting1 DIY Paint Your Pet Kit, $, available at Etsy

CaptainCrafts Paint by Numbers 16 x 20, The Beatles Band (With Frame), $, available at Amazon

MyPaintByNumbers Paint by Number Kit, Irises in Monet's Garden, $, available at Etsy

Jack West Acrylic Paint by Numbers Kit, 16 x 20 (Cute Dog), $, available at Amazon

Tonzom Paint by Numbers Kits, Sunflower by Van Gogh 16 x 20, $, available at Amazon

Esho Paint By Number Kit, $, available at Walmart

CatePaperCo Modern floral abstract paint by number kit, $, available at Etsy

Komking Paint by Number Kit, Colorful Lion 16x20inch, $, available at Amazon

ByMuOwnHandsCrafts The Great Wave Off Kanagawa Painting By Number, $, available at Etsy

Faber-Castell Watercolor Paint By Number Kit W/EcoPencils-Peacock, $, available at Walmart

ColourLifeFinds Paint by number kit Agave plant, $, available at

Newsight Oil Paint by Number, 16' x 20' Color Cat, $, available at Amazon

from refinery29