Color By Number For Adults

What is a Color by Number Activity?

Color by number is a twist on the classic coloring activity. In the regular coloring activity, you are coloring the illustration based on your feelings, and there are no binding rules. In color by number, however, the color for each section is already decided and usually shown as a hint on top or the bottom of the coloring sheet. Each section will be marked with a specific number, and the hint or color code shows what each number is meant to be in color.

What makes this activity so popular is that it allows everyone to make beautiful art by themselves. Even though this activity is popular and known to be made for young learners, originally this is an activity that is made for all ages. Color by number, also known as paint by number, was invented by Dan Robbins in 1950, who worked at Palmer Paint Company in Detroit. He believed that everyone deserves a chance to experience the joy of painting. This art kit then became so popular after World War 2, as people were looking for calming hobbies that could make them happy.

Originally, the concept of coloring by number is rooted in Leonardo da Vinci. It is said that Leonardo da Vinci used a similar strategy to teach his students about painting, especially about color and composition. This is indeed an effective technique because, by dividing the illustration into parts, Leonardo da Vinci can teach his students how to properly mix colors to make a painting come alive.

Nowadays, coloring by number has become so popular and common. It is even deemed an effective learning tool to help young learners develop both their math and art skills. It is also popular among adults. It is a perfect medium to wind down after a hectic day, especially if you are looking for a calming no-screen activity. Different from the classic coloring activities that require you to decide the color yourself, color by number serves as guidance, so all you have to do is follow the path and enjoy the end result. 

Are There Any Differences Between the Color by Number for Kids and Color by Number for Adults?

Yes, there are some stark differences between the color by number for kids and adults. Although the core concept of this activity is still the same, the differences between these two types of coloring by number lie in the purposes and skill levels. Here are some contrasts between these two:

Details of the Drawing

The adult’s coloring by number sheet tends to be more complex and features more complicated and narrow details that need high concentration to color. Meanwhile, the kids’ one usually has one big picture with quite a large coloring area.

Number of Colors

For the kids’ coloring by number sheet, the amount of color used is usually no more than 10 colors. Meanwhile, there can be more than 20 colors used for the adults’ coloring by number sheet.

Type of Drawing

For the kids’ coloring by number, simple, familiar, and adorable pictures are usually used, like animals, flowers, cartoon characters, and more. Meanwhile, for adults, detailed drawings like scenic nature are what is preferred.

Purposes

Usually, children use the color-by-number sheet to help them develop their numeral and art skills. Meanwhile, adults use it more for calming and solely for entertainment purposes. Although both purposes can still be achieved by both parties, the kids also get entertained by coloring by number, and the adults also get some brain exercise to retain their cognitive skills. 

Why is Color by Number an Activity Recommended for Adults?

Completing coloring by numbers for adults has a lot of perks, especially for the mental and cognitive benefits, such as:

• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Works as a simple meditation that helps to achieve mindfulness.
• Improve focus, concentration, and attention span.
• Completing a whole color-by-number sheet can trigger a sense of accomplishment that induces dopamine.
• Create safe art-making without any unnecessary pressure.
• Strengthening fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through hand movements during coloring.
• An alternative digital detox and no-screen activity.

Overall, the Color by Number for Adults Printable is a simple activity that can be done to wind down after a busy week. It helps to keep the childlike whimsy inside the adult body and to romanticize life.