The phrase “arts and crafts” comes from the historical period in art history called the Arts and Crafts movement. William Morris, John Ruskin and others promoted an “arts and crafts” movement in the late 19th century, which popularized the phrase. The movement originated at the start of the 20th century in response to an increasingly industrialized and mass-produced way of life. It emphasized the importance of artistry in everyday objects and defined art as anything made from start to finish by one person.
The Arts and Crafts movement spread internationally. It was significant in the United States of America and came to Australia towards the end of the 19th century. Although the Arts and Crafts Movement did not dominate mainstream design and production practices in Australia from the beginning of the 20th century, the ideals of the movement have endured.
The arts play a vital role in a culturally ambitious nation. Never before has there been such rapid change driven by creativity and innovation. Never before has there been more engagement, participation or curiosity about art and culture in our everyday lives.
Australia is proud to have its roots in the world’s oldest living culture, and in more recent times enriched by an incredible breadth of diversity from across the globe. A growing number of Australians believe that the arts make for a richer and more meaningful life; they influence how we express ourselves, our creative thinking and new ideas.
Art gives meaning to our lives and helps us understand our world. It is an essential part of our culture because it allows us to have a deeper understanding of our emotions; which shapes our ideas and provides us with a deeper understanding of emotions and self-awareness. According to Dr. Shelley Carson, arts’ ability to improve our mood broadens our attention and allows us to see further possible solutions to creative problems.
So why has painting as an art and craft become so popular?
Painting simply provides a great escape…
Island Hopping in Phuket Thailand
For people of different ages, painting and other forms of art have become a popular stress reliever. It gives you an opportunity to tune off life stressors, relax and enjoy yourself. It is almost like meditation. Using colours on a canvas can sway thinking, change actions, and cause reactions.
Hobbies help develop our tastes and our passions in life and they can be diverse. Painting may not seem like a particularly productive hobby, but it can lend some wonderful perspective on your life and can help unleash your creative side. Painting allows you to tap into the thoughts, desires, and feelings swimming around in your head, and can help translate them into something physical. It is also one of the best ways to communicate with others how you are feeling in the moment.
Taking up painting is one way to unleash the Picasso, the Da Vinci or the Rembrandt in you!
Puppy Dog Children’s Painting Kit
For children, Painting allows children an educational opportunity that is also fun and exciting. It helps children acquire hand-eye coordination, an important skill in their age. This is developed while they learn to paint the parts that they see; making sure their hand movement is at par with their vision.
Artistic activities also help the development of a child’s brain. By introducing children to painting, you introduce them to new horizons full of colour and creativity. You help to stimulate their artistic flair and entertain them by doing something other than sitting in front of the TV.
It is a great way for them to discover their creativity!
But you might wonder; how do I get started?!
“Well, you don’t stop exercising or playing something for fun just because you’re not an expert at it. You don’t stop talking or writing because you’re not a great poet or writer.” – Dr. Kaimal
As a beginner, it’s best to start with acrylic paints. They are inexpensive and easy for beginners. Acrylic paints are also water soluble, easy to clean from your materials and quick-drying.
Paint by Numbers mainly use acrylic paints and can be your starting point whereby a canvas is marked precisely with those numbers that your paint kit (also numbered) needs to fill in. When every single shape gets painted completely, it gives rise to a complete painting. It’s that simple!
Painting by numbers is considered to be really creative for beginners and people who like DIY painting in general. With paint by numbers, you can create an amazing piece of art that is easy to follow and complete. You’ll also gain more self-confidence as you go and better appreciate and develop a passion for art.
The world’s first paint by numbers painting was introduced in the 16th century by the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo. He introduced this approach by assigning sections of his famous ceilings to his students to paint, pre-numbering each one to help curb mistakes.
Painting by numbers is often ridiculed as being simplistic, uncreative, and formulaic. But this approach is no longer just for kids. In fact, this has become a popular stress reduction trend for adults which could help them in “de-stressing” themselves.
Completing paint by numbers, especially more complex ones, often requires some time. Which is why the guided painting projects are a perfect quarantine craft.
Each painting will be a new adventure!
If you’re looking for a way to keep your hands and mind busy while staying at home, something to fill your empty social schedule, or a delightful distraction from social media, consider investing in a paint by numbers kit.
Follow the rules but don’t be afraid to invent your own. Take your time and enjoy the thrill of transforming a blank outline into something luminescent and wonderful.Your painting might even inspire you to be more productive in the workplace, so go ahead and pick up a paintbrush. Sometimes all you need is a splash of colour!
