Charles’ 
Slide of the Week: January 11th, 2008
Paint By Numbers, Somewhere, USA, 1955
If this isn’t Americana, I don’t know what is! A boy and a girl, likely brother and sister, are in heavy paint-by-number concentration mode. Sitting at a newspaper covered table he paints an Indian Chief decked out in full ceremonial regalia and she a Indian maiden wearing a fringed smock and beaded headband that makes me think of Cher during her Half-breed days.
The “1,2,3” Oil Painting Set, as its called on the stylish box, that double as a paint palette, is by Craft Master of Toledo, Ohio. It comes with everything you need to do the painting but a very steady hand and a lot of patience.
But it was The Palmer Paint Company of Detroit, Michigan, introduced the world to Paint-by-number kits at the New York Toy Show in 1952. They were also the first to mass-produce the very democratic kits that allowed anyone and everyone to be an artist.
The new instant-artform quickly became a craze that swept the nation. By 1955 over twelve million kits had been sold.
Today, classic paint by numbers are considered by many, (including me) to be prized collectables. In 2001, a paint-by-number book, by William L. Bird, was published and at the same time he curated a exhibition on subject at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC.
I would love see your paint by numbers!
Here’s to paint-by-numbers and YOU!
Charles Phoenix
Los Angeles
January 2008
14 Comments on “Paint By Numbers, Somewhere, USA, 1955”
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January 11th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I just gave a tropical nude paint by numbers velvet painting to my neighbor for Christmas. She says she hates the 50’s & 60’s stuff, but always seeme to want the neat things I find in thrift stores. I remember the oil paint smell of these kits very well! My sister and I got several kits when we were kids, we were finally real artists! Wheeeeee!
January 11th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
This is my Aunt Joanie and Uncle Richie in Springfield , Illinois, Charles. Joanie was about 13 at the time, and went on to college for her degree in art. I bet this was how she started! Thanks for sharing it with the world!
January 11th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Aw, my parents both painted sweet animal scenes for me just before I was born in the early 1960’s! I can’t imagine them sitting around doing that, but I still have and treasure them today, over 40 years later.
January 12th, 2008 at 12:36 am
My mom did some of these and I remember the oil paint smell too.
If I ever do one, I’ll change the assigned colors– maybe randomly– and make pop art! (I’m sure that’s been done before…)
January 12th, 2008 at 5:36 am
I was wondering if this didn’t take place somewhere in Wisconsin, as the headline near the boys wrist says “To defeat packers.
January 12th, 2008 at 9:56 am
What a fun memory! I do remember doing one, but have no idea what became of it. As a child, I dreamed of being an artist, but realized early on that wasn’t my gift. The paint by number “work of art” gave me the opportunity to produce something pretty with no talent!
Elaine
January 14th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I don’t know….I’m thinking those are two BROTHERS painting away, no? Either way, I want to go buy some of these now and paint like crazy…these were such fun.
January 15th, 2008 at 11:46 am
when you’re ready to walk out of a go-no-where relationship, always bring your vintage collection paint by numbers with.
it’s especially wonderful to keep hearing over and over and over….years later…. how spiteful that move was. and somehow, just so true.
January 15th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I don’t know the source of Cindy’s nude-on-velvet painting, but I have vivid memories of the one or two nude Paint-by-Numbers offerings, which were sold only to adults. Those were the days! Yuk. My older cousin got one, and the results weren’t particularly titillating, even for an almost adolescent.
Can you imagine what “adults only” paint-by-numbers pictures would be like today?
January 17th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
This slide reminded me of one of these paintings my Dad had done back in the day. It hung in the (knotty pine) den since I can remember, but I haven’t seen it lately. After seeing the slide, I called my Mom, and she said they have it stored in the basement, and I’m welcome to it! My spirit is soaring! Thank you, Charles!
February 11th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
In 1955 toys were rather simple for us poorer children.
I was 4 years old at the time and most of us were happy to have color books and crayons. I know I was.
We were poor working class folks so I don’t know what the rich kids had.
I do recall receiving a Schwinn bike in 1956.
It was beautiful! I also received a ballerina doll.
June 2nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Hi. I have a 20″ x 24″ Paint by Number completed painting from late 50’s. Picture portrays a scene in Venice with Gondola on the water, buildings in background with a windmill. Windmill is red or rust colored.
Are you familiar with this painting and can you give me an estimate on the current value of this painint?
June 21st, 2008 at 6:55 pm
where can i buy paint by numbers kits ?
October 8th, 2008 at 10:58 am
hi, i still do paint by numbers have since i was 10 years old im 49 now. Im looking for some older paint by number kits or some of the reference sheets so that i can copy them to canvas, would appreciate any help in finding these thanks sue