Free Printable Paint by Numbers: Easy Stress-Relief Art for Beginners

Looking for a fun, creative activity to unwind with? Free printable paint-by-numbers kits might just be the solution you didn’t know you needed! With no artistic experience required, you can create beautiful works of art straight from your living room. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a relaxing hobby, this guide will help you get started. By the end, you’ll have all the materials and steps needed to start your artistic adventure—with no cost involved!

Free Printable Paint by Numbers

Van Gogh Paint by Numbers Collection

Starry Night

"Starry Night" (1889) by Vincent van Gogh is a legendary Post-Impressionist painting featuring a swirling night sky over a tranquil village. With vibrant blues and glowing stars, it reflects Van Gogh's emotional depth. Housed at MoMA, New York, it's now a global symbol of artistic brilliance.

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Iries

"Irises" (1889) is one of Vincent van Gogh's most vibrant still-life masterpieces, painted during his stay at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum. The painting features bold, swirling blue irises against a contrasting yellow background, showcasing his dynamic brushwork and expressive color palette. Unlike his turbulent Starry Night, this work radiates a sense of life and movement. Today, it’s displayed at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, celebrated for its striking beauty and emotional intensity.

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Starry Night Over the Rhone

"Starry Night Over the Rhône" (1888) is a mesmerizing nocturnal painting by Vincent van Gogh, depicting the Rhône River in Arles under a shimmering starry sky. The warm glow of gas lamps reflects on the water, contrasting with the cool blues of the night. Unlike the more turbulent Starry Night, this serene work captures quiet beauty and Van Gogh's fascination with light. Now housed at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, it remains a radiant example of his mastery of color and atmosphere.

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The Mulberry Tree in Autumn

"The Mulberry Tree in Autumn" (1889) is a vibrant masterpiece by Vincent van Gogh, painted during his stay in Saint-Rémy. The tree bursts with golden yellows and fiery oranges, its twisting branches echoing his dynamic brushwork. Against a bold blue sky, the scene radiates energy and resilience—a testament to nature’s beauty and Van Gogh’s enduring hope. Now housed at the Norton Simon Museum, it shines as a celebration of life’s vivid seasons.

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Wheat Field with Cypresses

"Wheat Field with Cypresses" (1889) is one of Vincent van Gogh’s most celebrated landscapes, painted during his time in Saint-Rémy. The swirling golden wheat, vibrant blue sky, and towering dark cypress trees—a symbol of eternity—create a rhythmic, almost dreamlike harmony. Van Gogh’s bold, expressive strokes infuse the scene with movement and emotion, capturing the essence of Provence’s natural beauty. This masterpiece, now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reflects his profound connection to nature and his relentless artistic passion.

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Sunflowers

"Sunflowers" (1888–1889) is Vincent van Gogh’s iconic series of still-life paintings, celebrated for its radiant yellow blooms bursting with life. Painted in Arles as a symbol of gratitude and friendship, each brushstroke pulses with energy—thick impasto petals contrast with vivid blue-green backgrounds. These works, scattered across global museums (like London’s National Gallery and Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum), embody joy and artistic daring. Van Gogh wrote, they convey “gratitude like the sun itself.”

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What Materials Do You Need for Free Printable Paint by Numbers?

You don’t need a fancy art studio to create your masterpiece! Here’s a list of simple materials to gather before you start:

1. Printed Paint-by-Numbers Template

- Download a free template from platforms like 1001Canvas and print it on high-quality paper. Cardstock is ideal because it can handle paint better than regular printer paper.

2. Acrylic Paints

- Acrylic paints are the most commonly used for paint-by-numbers because they are affordable, quick-drying, and vibrant. You can grab an acrylic starter set online or at a local craft store.

3. Paintbrushes

- A set of small-to-medium brushes will help you tackle both detailed sections and larger spaces. For intricate parts, thin-tipped brushes work best.

4. Palette or Mixing Tray

- While most templates come with numbered paint colors, having a palette allows you to mix shades if needed or prevent paint waste.

5. Water Cup and Paper Towels

- These will help you rinse your brushes between colors and keep your brush strokes clean and sharp.

6. Masking Tape (Optional)

- Use this to secure your template to your desk or table, preventing any accidental shifts while painting.

7. A Well-Lit Workspace

- A bright, clean area will help you see all the intricate details on your paint-by-numbers template.

Once you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to get painting. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to make the most of your experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting by Numbers

Creating your first paint-by-numbers masterpiece is as easy as following these steps:

Step 1. Download and Print Your Design

Head to 1001Canvas, browse their free printable paint-by-numbers section, and choose a design that excites you. Download the file and print it on thicker cardstock paper to ensure it holds up well against paint.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a color printer, don’t worry! The numbers and outlines are all you’ll need.

Step 2. Set Up Your Workspace

Choose a flat, well-lit surface to work on and gather all your materials. Secure your printout to the table using masking tape to prevent smudges or unsteady strokes.

Step 3. Organize Your Paints

Match each paint number to the corresponding sections on the printed template. If you’re mixing custom shades, jot down your blends for reference to avoid mistakes.

Tip for Beginners: Start by painting either the largest sections first or areas with the same color. This helps you get into the rhythm of painting while covering more ground early on.

Step 4. Use Thin Layers of Paint

Dip your brush into the paint and start filling in the numbered sections. Use thin, even strokes to cover the areas without leaving streaks or clumps. Multiple thin layers can provide better results than one thick coat.

Step 5. Rinse and Repeat

After completing one color, rinse your brush thoroughly in water and pat it dry with a paper towel before moving on to the next shade. This prevents colors from unintentionally blending on your painting.

Step 6. Focus on Details Last

Once larger sections are complete, tackle the intricate details and smaller areas. Use your tiniest brush for precise edges to make your painting pop.

Step 7. Add Personal Touches

Feel free to customize your design once the template is done. You can add highlights, unique textures, or even extra splashes of color to make the artwork your own!

Step 8. Display Your Work

Once your painting is fully dry, frame it, hang it on your wall, or gift it to a friend. Nothing beats showing off a piece of art you created yourself.

Get Started Today

With free printable paint-by-numbers templates from 1001Canvas, creating art has never been easier or more accessible. What are you waiting for? Gather your materials, download a design, and start painting your next masterpiece today. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #PaintWith1001Canvas!