What Are the Most Popular Paint by Numbers Adult Designs?
In the last few years, a quiet revolution has taken place in the world of hobbies. People are putting down their smartphones and picking up paintbrushes. The desire to create something tangible has led to a massive surge in the popularity of art kits. Specifically, paint by numbers adult kits have transformed from a niche nostalgic item into a mainstream trend. But with thousands of options available online, you might be wondering: what is everyone actually painting?
The variety of designs now available is staggering. Gone are the days of simple cartoon animals or generic fruit bowls. Today, the catalogs are filled with sophisticated, intricate, and wall-worthy art. From reproductions of museum classics to modern abstract pieces, there is a genre for every taste. Understanding what is popular can help you decide where to start your own artistic journey or find the perfect gift for a friend. Let's explore the themes and styles that are currently capturing the imagination of painters everywhere.
The Enduring Beauty of Landscapes
It should come as no surprise that landscapes remain the undisputed kings of the painting world. There is a universal appeal to nature. Most of us live busy, urban lives, and we crave a connection to the outdoors. Painting a landscape allows you to escape into a different world for a few hours.
Within this category, "The Four Seasons" themes are incredibly popular.
are a great place to start your paint by numbers adult experience without the pressure of getting facial features exactlLandscapes are also forgiving for beginners. Because organic shapes like trees and clouds don't have to be perfect, they y right.
Bringing the Museum Home: Famous Masterpieces
Have you ever looked at a Van Gogh and wondered what it felt like to apply those swirling strokes? One of the most significant trends in this hobby is the ability to recreate famous works of art. These kits allow you to step into the shoes of the Old Masters.
Vincent van Gogh is, without a doubt, the most popular artist in this genre. "The Starry Night" is consistently a bestseller across the globe. The complex swirls of the sky and the glowing stars provide an engaging challenge. His "Sunflowers" and "Café Terrace at Night" are also top choices.
Beyond Van Gogh, other favorites include:
Painting these masterpieces offers an art history lesson. You begin to understand the composition and color theory used by the greats, deepening your appreciation for the original works.
The Charm of Animal Portraits
Animals evoke strong emotions in us, which explains why animal portraits are constantly in high demand. However, the style of these portraits has evolved. While realistic depictions of wildlife—majestic lions, wolves howling at the moon, or stags in the mist—are still loved, there is a growing trend towards "technicolor" animals.
These modern designs take a standard animal portrait and render it in unexpected, vibrant colors. Imagine a lion's mane painted in splashes of neon pink, electric blue, and purple. Or a turtle composed of rainbow geometric shapes. These designs are fun, energetic, and look fantastic in modern apartments.
Pet portraits are another massive sub-category. While many people order custom kits of their own pets, generic kits of popular breeds—like French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, and Maine Coon cats—fly off the shelves. People love to paint breeds that remind them of their own furry friends.
Floral and Botanical Elegance
Flowers have been a subject of art for centuries, and they are perfect for paint by numbers adult projects. Floral designs can range from simple, bold images suitable for beginners to incredibly complex bouquets that require a steady hand.
The "Vintage Botanical" look is particularly trendy right now. These designs mimic the look of old scientific illustrations, often featuring wildflowers, herbs, or butterflies on a parchment-colored background. They have a timeless, elegant aesthetic that fits well with farmhouse or cottage-core interior design.
On the other end of the spectrum are high-contrast macro flower shots. These might feature a single rose or peony zoomed in close, with dew drops and velvet textures. The challenge here is shading—blending the pinks and whites to make the petals look soft and three-dimensional. These paintings often end up looking like photographs from a distance.
Wanderlust and Travel Destinations
Since not everyone can hop on a plane whenever they want, travel-themed kits offer a way to see the world from your living room. These designs transport the painter to bucket-list destinations.
European cities are heavily represented. The rainy streets of London, featuring red buses and Big Ben, are a classic choice, especially for those who love the cozy, urban aesthetic. The romantic allure of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance, is another top seller.
Venice is also a favorite, likely because of the water. Painting the reflections of colorful buildings in the canals is a satisfying challenge. For those who prefer warmer climates, the whitewashed buildings and blue domes of Santorini, Greece, provide a bright, cheerful painting experience. These kits often serve as reminders of past trips or inspiration for future adventures.
Fantasy and Whimsical Themes
Sometimes, reality is a bit too boring. This is where the fantasy genre shines. These designs allow adults to reconnect with their sense of wonder and magic. They are particularly popular among those who use painting as a form of pure escapism.
Common themes in this category include:
These paintings often allow for more creative freedom. Since the subjects aren't real, you don't have to worry about the colors looking "realistic." You can enjoy the vibrancy and imagination of the piece.
Romantic and Emotional Scenes
Art is often about connection, and romantic themes are a staple in the paint by numbers adult market. These designs often focus on mood and atmosphere rather than detailed facial features.
A very popular motif is the "Rainy Walk." These paintings usually show a couple walking away from the viewer under a red umbrella, strolling through a wet, tree-lined park or a city street. The reflection of lights on the wet pavement makes for a beautiful, moody image.
Other favorites include couples holding hands on a beach at sunset or sitting on a bench in autumn. These paintings are frequently bought as gifts for anniversaries or weddings. They capture a feeling of intimacy and peace that resonates with many people looking to add a touch of romance to their home decor.
Abstract and Modern Art
As the demographic for this hobby shifts to include younger adults, the demand for modern art has skyrocketed. These painters aren't looking for traditional landscapes; they want art that looks like it belongs in a modern gallery or a stylish loft.
Abstract kits focus on shapes, lines, and color interactions rather than realistic subjects. You might find designs featuring:
These kits are surprisingly relaxing because they are often less detailed than a realistic forest scene. You can focus entirely on the color application. Once framed, they look incredibly professional and high-end.
The Phenomenon of Custom Kits
While pre-made designs are popular, the ultimate bestseller is often the personal one. Custom kits have revolutionized the industry. These allow you to upload a digital photo and receive a kit containing a canvas marked with your specific image and the paints to match.
The popularity of custom kits is driven by emotion. People want to paint:
This sector of the market is growing rapidly. It transforms the hobby from a casual pastime into a deeply personal project. Paint with Numbers UK has seen a significant rise in painters choosing to create their own masterpieces rather than buying stock designs.
Spiritual and Zen Designs
In line with the wellness trend, many painters are seeking designs that promote mindfulness and spirituality. These images are chosen specifically to induce a state of calm.
Mandalas are a huge part of this category. These circular, symmetrical designs are meditative to paint. The repetitive nature of filling in the geometric patterns helps to center the mind. Because they are often symmetrical, you don't have to worry about "reading" the image; you just follow the rhythm.
Buddha figures, lotus flowers, and "Om" symbols are also popular. These paintings are often used to decorate yoga studios or meditation corners in homes. The color palettes are usually soft and harmonious, featuring lilacs, teals, and soft golds.
Seasonal and Holiday Trends
The popularity of designs fluctuates with the calendar. As the holidays approach, sales for themed kits spike.
Seasonal painting has become a tradition for many families, marking the passage of the year with a new creative project.
Why Certain Designs Resonate
Why are these specific categories so popular? It comes down to what we need from our hobbies. In a high-stress world, we gravitate towards images that offer what we lack.
We choose landscapes because we lack nature in our office cubicles. We choose nostalgic Christmas scenes because we crave the comfort of tradition. We choose bold, abstract art because we want to express a modern identity. The design you choose is often a mirror of what you are feeling or what you wish to feel.
Furthermore, the difficulty level plays a role. A "Starry Night" kit is popular not just because it is famous, but because the busy pattern hides mistakes well, making it rewarding for a paint by numbers adult beginner. Conversely, a minimalist portrait might be popular because it is quick to finish and fits a specific decor style. The world of numbered painting is vast, and finding your niche is part of the fun.
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