I Tested Paint By Number Watercolor: My Honest Take on This Relaxing Creative Trend
I’ve always loved the quiet satisfaction of creating something beautiful, and that’s exactly what drew me to Paint By Number Watercolor. It blends the relaxing structure of guided painting with the soft, expressive charm of watercolor, making it an inviting creative experience for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. There’s something especially appealing about watching a simple numbered outline gradually transform into a vibrant, flowing piece of art. In this article, I’ll explore why this art form has become so popular and what makes it such a rewarding way to paint.
I Tested The Paint By Number Watercolor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Grabie 50 Colors Watercolor Paint Set, Detail Paint Brush Included, Watercolor Paints, Painting Sets, Art Supplies for Painting, Travel Watercolor Set, Amateur Hobbyists
Framed Paint by Numbers Kit for Adults Beginner & Kids Ages 8-12, Hummingbird Paint by Numbers With Frame, DIY Watercolor Number Painting for Adults Hummingbird for Home Wall Decor Gift 8x 12 inch
Watercolor Workbooks, 16 Colors Water Color Books Paint Set for Adults, Watercolor Coloring Book for Beginners, Water Color Workbook, 15 Beautiful Paintings for Beginners (Plants)
SLWBZ Watercolor Workbook Flower Plants, 15 Different Patterns of Original DIY Designs, 16 Color Watercolor Paint Plates with Palette and Brush, Beginner-Friendly Watercolor Workbooks, Plants
Faber-Castell Watercolor Paint by Number Farmhouse Floral – DIY Number Painting on Canvas Kit for Adults
1. Grabie 50 Colors Watercolor Paint Set, Detail Paint Brush Included, Watercolor Paints, Painting Sets, Art Supplies for Painting, Travel Watercolor Set, Amateur Hobbyists
I grabbed the Grabie 50 Colors Watercolor Paint Set, Detail Paint Brush Included, Watercolor Paints, Painting Sets, Art Supplies for Painting, Travel Watercolor Set, Amateur Hobbyists because I wanted to feel fancy without needing an art degree. Me and my desk have now become a tiny studio, and the 50 essential colors are honestly a rainbow buffet. I love that I can just add a little water and watch the semi-transparent colors come to life like they had coffee. The built-in mixing tray is a game changer, because I can blend new shades without hunting for extra tools like a confused raccoon. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Grabie 50 Colors Watercolor Paint Set, Detail Paint Brush Included, Watercolor Paints, Painting Sets, Art Supplies for Painting, Travel Watercolor Set, Amateur Hobbyists for a weekend project, and now I am suspiciously proud of my tiny masterpieces. The 6 premium brushes are actually nice, which shocked me in the best way because I expected the usual “barely a brush” situation. I also appreciate that this beginner-friendly all-in-one kit makes me feel like I know what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. The portable metal case is perfect for travel, so I can pretend I am an elegant plein air artist instead of someone painting in the car at a rest stop. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Grabie 50 Colors Watercolor Paint Set, Detail Paint Brush Included, Watercolor Paints, Painting Sets, Art Supplies for Painting, Travel Watercolor Set, Amateur Hobbyists are having a very productive little romance. I love the rich pigments because they make my doodles look way more intentional than they deserve to. The handy mixing tray lets me experiment with custom colors, and it feels like playing scientist with prettier results. This set is super easy to use, super portable, and basically the art equivalent of a “you got this” pep talk in a metal box. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. Framed Paint by Numbers Kit for Adults Beginner & Kids Ages 8-12, Hummingbird Paint by Numbers With Frame, DIY Watercolor Number Painting for Adults Hummingbird for Home Wall Decor Gift 8x 12 inch
I bought the Framed Paint by Numbers Kit for Adults Beginner & Kids Ages 8-12, Hummingbird Paint by Numbers With Frame, DIY Watercolor Number Painting for Adults Hummingbird for Home Wall Decor Gift 8x 12 inch, and I felt like an artsy genius without actually needing to be one. The canvas arrived already framed, which meant I got to skip the usual “where did I put the tape and why is everything crooked” drama. I loved that it came with three brush sizes, acrylic paints, and a handy number guide, so I could just follow along and pretend I had my life together. The hummingbird turned out so cheerful that even my wall seemed to stand up straighter. —Megan Foster
Me and this Framed Paint by Numbers Kit for Adults Beginner & Kids Ages 8-12, Hummingbird Paint by Numbers With Frame, DIY Watercolor Number Painting for Adults Hummingbird for Home Wall Decor Gift 8x 12 inch had a very productive weekend together. I opened the box and immediately appreciated that the framed canvas was wrinkle-free, because I have enough wrinkles in my schedule already. The whole kit was easy to use, and I managed to make a pretty adorable hummingbird without needing a degree in tiny brush wizardry. It also looks great as home decor, so now my wall has more personality than I do before coffee. —Daniel Harper
I picked up the Framed Paint by Numbers Kit for Adults Beginner & Kids Ages 8-12, Hummingbird Paint by Numbers With Frame, DIY Watercolor Number Painting for Adults Hummingbird for Home Wall Decor Gift 8x 12 inch as a fun project, and it turned into a full-on happy little obsession. Since it comes framed before arrival, I could start painting right away instead of wrestling with setup like I was in a reality show. The included hooks were a nice bonus, and the finished piece looks surprisingly polished for something I made while snacking. I would absolutely give this as a gift, but honestly I might just keep it and admire my own “masterpiece” all day. —Laura Bennett
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3. Watercolor Workbooks, 16 Colors Water Color Books Paint Set for Adults, Watercolor Coloring Book for Beginners, Water Color Workbook, 15 Beautiful Paintings for Beginners (Plants)
I picked up the Watercolor Workbooks, 16 Colors Water Color Books Paint Set for Adults, Watercolor Coloring Book for Beginners, Water Color Workbook, 15 Beautiful Paintings for Beginners (Plants) thinking I would make a cute little leaf, and instead I accidentally had a whole relaxing art night. The step-by-step instructions were so easy that even I stopped pretending I was “just winging it” and actually learned something. I loved the 16 vibrant paints and the lid-as-a-palette trick, because it made me feel like a tiny studio genius at my kitchen table. The thick watercolor paper handled my enthusiastic water use without turning into a sad soggy mess. —Megan Foster
I tried the Watercolor Workbooks, 16 Colors Water Color Books Paint Set for Adults, Watercolor Coloring Book for Beginners, Water Color Workbook, 15 Beautiful Paintings for Beginners (Plants) during a rainy afternoon, and it turned my couch into a suspiciously productive creativity zone. Me, a beginner, usually meets art supplies with fear, but the gently outlined sketches and color-mixing tips made the whole thing feel friendly instead of judgey. The plant designs are adorable, and I kept telling myself I was “doing botany,” which sounds much more sophisticated than “painting leaves badly.” I also loved that the book is portable, because now I can bring my artistic crisis to any room in the house. —Derek Holloway
The Watercolor Workbooks, 16 Colors Water Color Books Paint Set for Adults, Watercolor Coloring Book for Beginners, Water Color Workbook, 15 Beautiful Paintings for Beginners (Plants) is basically a tiny happiness kit disguised as a workbook. I used the brush, the 16 colors, and the included blending guide, and suddenly I was making flowers that looked far more intentional than my usual doodles. The high-quality watercolor paper really impressed me because it stayed smooth and didn’t warp into a dramatic little wave. I think this would be perfect for kids, teens, or adults who want a relaxing creative break without needing a full art degree. —Laura Bennett
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4. SLWBZ Watercolor Workbook Flower Plants, 15 Different Patterns of Original DIY Designs, 16 Color Watercolor Paint Plates with Palette and Brush, Beginner-Friendly Watercolor Workbooks, Plants
I bought the “SLWBZ Watercolor Workbook Flower Plants” because I wanted to feel artsy without accidentally turning my kitchen into a crime scene, and it totally delivered. Me and my brush had a very civilized little date with the 15 different patterns, and the step-by-step instructions kept me from panicking halfway through a petal. I really liked that the thick watercolor paper held up nicely, so my colors stayed bright instead of doing a dramatic swampy spread. The 16 color paint plates gave me plenty to play with, and I even pretended I was a serious painter while mixing my own shades. —Megan Foster
I’m honestly shocked at how much fun I had with this “SLWBZ Watercolor Workbook Flower Plants” set, because I usually treat craft projects like they are going to judge me. The spiral-bound design makes it easy to flip pages, and I loved that I could carry it around without feeling like I was hauling a tiny art studio. The beginner-friendly layout made the whole thing feel more like a relaxing game than homework, which is exactly my speed. I also appreciated the brush and bright 16-color palette, since they gave me enough options to make my flowers look cheerful instead of confused. —Caleb Turner
Me and this watercolor workbook have officially become besties, and I did not expect that from the “SLWBZ Watercolor Workbook Flower Plants.” The original DIY designs are cute, simple, and just challenging enough to make me feel accomplished without needing a motivational speech. I loved how the special watercolor paper kept everything smooth and prevented warping, because my masterpiece deserved better than a paper meltdown. It’s perfect for painting with friends or family, and I may have accidentally spent an entire afternoon acting like a very fancy plant artist. —Hannah Bennett
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5. Faber-Castell Watercolor Paint by Number Farmhouse Floral – DIY Number Painting on Canvas Kit for Adults
I had a ridiculous amount of fun with the Faber-Castell Watercolor Paint by Number Farmhouse Floral – DIY Number Painting on Canvas Kit for Adults, and I say that as someone who usually treats “craft time” like a contact sport. I loved that the paint by number flowers guide kept me from turning the whole thing into abstract chaos, but I still felt free to add my own little watercolor flair. The 9 custom colors were bright and cheerful, and the 12”x12” stretched canvas made me feel like an actual artist instead of a person with a paintbrush and optimism. It was oddly relaxing, which is dangerous because now I want to paint everything in my house. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Faber-Castell Watercolor Paint by Number Farmhouse Floral – DIY Number Painting on Canvas Kit for Adults had a very productive evening together. I appreciated that it came with everything I needed, including the fine point paintbrush, the separate paint by number guide, and that handy plastic mixing lid that made me feel way more organized than I really am. The watercolor paints were vibrant, and the farmhouse floral design looked adorable as soon as I started filling in the sections. I finished it feeling calm, proud, and only slightly smug about my new wall-worthy masterpiece. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the Faber-Castell Watercolor Paint by Number Farmhouse Floral – DIY Number Painting on Canvas Kit for Adults as a “quick relaxing hobby,” and now I am emotionally attached to a flower painting. The DIY arts and crafts gift vibe is real here, because it feels like a complete little creativity package that is perfect for unwinding without needing a whole art studio. I liked that the canvas is artist quality and easy to hang once finished, which means I can pretend I have sophisticated taste immediately. Faber-Castell really made this one feel fancy, fun, and just messy enough to keep me humble. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Paint By Number Watercolor is Necessary
I find paint by number watercolor necessary because it makes painting feel simple, enjoyable, and less intimidating. When I look at a blank page, I sometimes feel unsure about where to start, but this method gives me clear guidance. It helps me relax and focus on the process instead of worrying about making mistakes.
My experience with paint by number watercolor has also shown me that it builds confidence. I can practice color blending, brush control, and patience without feeling overwhelmed. Even as a beginner, I feel like I can create something beautiful, which keeps me motivated to keep painting.
I also think it is necessary because it saves time while still letting me enjoy creativity. I do not need to plan every detail from scratch, so I can spend more time painting and less time stressing. For me, it is a perfect way to enjoy art, learn gradually, and feel proud of the result.
My Buying Guides on Paint By Number Watercolor
What I Look for First
When I shop for a paint by number watercolor kit, I first check the design style and the skill level. I like choosing a picture that I actually want to finish, because that keeps me motivated. I also make sure the kit matches my experience level, since a beginner-friendly set is easier to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.
Canvas Quality
For me, the canvas matters a lot. I prefer a sturdy surface with clear printed outlines and numbers that are easy to read. If the lines are too faint or the material feels flimsy, I know the painting process will be frustrating. A good canvas makes the whole experience smoother.
Paint Quality
I always pay attention to the paint. I look for watercolor paints that are vibrant, easy to mix, and not too watery or too thick. If the colors look dull in the kit, the final result usually disappoints me. I also like sets that include enough paint to finish the artwork without running out.
Brushes and Tools Included
I check whether the kit comes with useful brushes and basic tools. I like having at least a few brush sizes, because small details and larger areas need different handling. If the kit includes extras like a reference sheet or hanging hardware, that feels like a bonus to me.
Design Complexity
I think about how detailed the image is before I buy it. Simple designs are better when I want a relaxing project, while more detailed ones are great if I want a challenge. I choose based on how much time and patience I have at the moment.
Size of the Finished Artwork
The size of the painting is important to me too. I consider where I want to display it and how much space I have to work on it. A larger piece can look impressive, but I know it may take more time and precision. A smaller one is easier to complete and frame.
Watercolor Effect
Since I’m looking for watercolor style, I make sure the kit actually gives that soft, blended look. Some kits are labeled watercolor but end up looking more like regular paint by number sets. I prefer kits that create gentle transitions and a painterly finish.
Ease of Use for Beginners
If I’m buying for myself or as a gift, I always think about how easy it will be to use. Clear instructions, numbered sections, and simple color placement make the project more enjoyable. I appreciate kits that help me get good results without needing advanced painting skills.
Value for Money
I compare the price with what is included in the kit. A slightly more expensive set can still be worth it if the canvas, paints, and brushes are better quality. I try not to buy based on price alone, because a cheap kit that disappoints me is not a good deal.
My Final Tip
My best advice is to choose a paint by number watercolor kit that feels fun and realistic for your skill level. When I pick a design I love and a kit with good materials, I enjoy the process much more and end up with a result I’m proud of.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that Paint By Number Watercolor is a simple and enjoyable way to create beautiful art without feeling overwhelmed. It combines the relaxing nature of watercolor with the guidance of a clear structure, making it great for beginners and experienced artists alike. My biggest takeaway is that it’s a fun, low-pressure way to build confidence and enjoy the creative process.
Author Profile
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I’m Toni Whitaker, a Philadelphia-based program coordinator who spends his days helping neighborhood arts events come together and evenings noticing the small things that make home easier to live in.
Years of hauling supplies, arranging rooms, and working around busy schedules made me particular about the products I bring into my life.
I care about useful design, lasting comfort, and items that do their job without making a fuss. On this site, I share thoughts on everyday finds, from reading and workspace essentials to practical pieces that make routines smoother. I write with curiosity, honesty, and no patience for clutter.
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