Opinion | Paint-by-numbers released my inner Bob Ross

Megan Forrester, assistant features editor

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” 

This quote has resonated with me significantly over the pandemic — mostly because I have returned to activities I used to adore when I was younger. Let’s face it, I was  a college student during a worldwide quarantine with a deep boredom sinking in at the inception of COVID-19. I had to get creative on how to stay busy. 

I began to flip through old coloring books, made beaded bracelets, took Disney-themed Peloton rides — fueling my inner child for moments of pure innocence. But these activities could only keep me occupied for so long, and I needed something else. That’s when I discovered paint-by-numbers. 

I was talking to my good friend Sophie who, like me, has spent her free time jumping headfirst into nostalgic activities. She mentioned how paint-by-numbers — an activity where you paint along divided-up sections of a canvas that are numbered and correspond to certain colors (similar to a messier coloring book) —  has not only cured her boredom, but it has also been an extremely rewarding and relaxing experience. I was very intrigued and scrambled over to my computer and scrolled through Amazon. 

Lo and behold, I found the perfect one: a paint-by-numbers of a Santorini landscape. Suddenly I was transported to when I, myself, was on that Grecian island with my family in the summer of 2019. I recalled going on a sunset boat ride, eating as much feta cheese as possible and exploring the aqua-blue and white town. So, obviously, I ordered it. 

When the package arrived, it was like Christmas morning, except if it was July with a scorching Arizona temperature of 115 degrees. I opened up the paint brushes, rolled out the canvas and suddenly realized I hadn’t painted in almost two years. Scooping up paint onto my brush, I felt a rush of memories coming back to me. 

I thought of my many summers in Newport Beach at art camp. I thought of completing countless pieces during high school, and always having a sketchbook and colored pencils by my side. Even though my preferred form of art these days is the written word, I wondered why I ever stopped painting. 

I worked on this project almost every day for several hours, and after two weeks it was complete. And let me tell you, it was pretty damn rewarding when I stepped back and looked at a now-colorful canvas that was black and white not too long ago. Sure, I’m not Picasso or DaVinci, but this paint-by-numbers was exactly what I needed. It made me feel productive, creative and gave me the opportunity to just have a good frickin’ time. I highly recommend it.

I’m not the only one who is giving this concept rave reviews. The Washington Post wrote an article on this topic and interviewed Margaret Carlock-Russo, the president of the American Art Therapy Association, who said “engaging in a creative process, even when it’s just following directions, can help manage anxiety.” Paint-by-numbers is something anyone can do at any skill level, allowing for a “calming, creative outlet” without the stress of starting out with a completely blank canvas.

Especially during a time like this, reincorporating childhood bliss into your daily routine is necessary. Maybe you get that joy from rewatching a beloved animated film, going through old photo albums or even checking out your old wardrobe. 

Nevertheless, you should find at least one escape into your inner kid. For me, I felt like lil’ Meg again while playing around with acrylic paint. 

Now is the time to play pretend. When I swirl my brush in the water and glide it across the canvas, I suddenly escape my adult responsibilities and fall into a world where my days are spent painting beautiful landscapes, all my clothes have paint splatters on them and my easels are placed on the balcony of my rustic country house. I may have to come back to reality once I put the brushes down, but that soothing escape has truly added more tranquility to my day. 

So, go out there. Be a kid. Be Monet. Just be whoever you want to be and paint to your heart's content. Maybe do it over Zoom with your friends, blast music (I believe the Hamilton soundtrack to be the perfect addition), or just soak in the moment of pure bliss. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to accompany your painting with a drink of choice; it’s absolutely necessary.