Small Paint by Numbers for Beginners: What to Look For

New to Paint by Numbers? Learn what makes a small kit beginner-friendly, what should be included and how to choose a first design without overcomplicating it.

September 8, 2025 2 min read

A good first Paint by Numbers kit should make it easy to begin, easy to understand and easy to return to later.

Quick answer: for a beginner, look for a clear design, manageable canvas size, paints and brushes included, and a subject you genuinely want to finish.

What makes a Paint by Numbers kit beginner-friendly?

The most important factor is not whether the finished artwork looks simple. It is whether the painting process is manageable. Designs with larger numbered areas are generally easier to work through than images made almost entirely from tiny sections.

A smaller canvas can also reduce the feeling of commitment. Our 20×20 cm framed kits are designed as compact projects and arrive with a pre-stretched numbered canvas, paints, brushes and a wooden tabletop easel.

What should be included in a beginner kit?

A numbered canvas with a clear printed guide.
The acrylic paint colours required for that design.
Brushes suitable for both larger and smaller areas.
Clear information about whether the canvas is framed or rolled.
For our 20×20 cm kits, a wooden tabletop easel is also included.

Choose the subject before you choose the difficulty

You are more likely to return to a project if you actually like the image. Landscapes, florals, animals and famous-art designs can all work for beginners; the right choice is the one you would still want to look at after several painting sessions.

Browse the Masterpiece Edit if you prefer recognisable art, or the small framed collection for the most compact format.

20×20 cm or 40×50 cm for a first project?

Choose 20×20 cm if you want the smallest setup and a framed canvas from the start. Choose 40×50 cm if you want more canvas and a longer project. The larger kits are supplied rolled and include double paint quantity.

Five beginner habits that make painting easier

Work in good light so the printed numbers stay easy to read.
Close paint pots as soon as you finish with them.
Start with one colour or one area instead of jumping around constantly.
Use less paint on the brush than you think you need, then add another coat if required.
Let wet sections dry before painting directly beside them if clean edges matter to you.

Do you need to finish quickly?

No. A beginner project does not need a deadline. Some people paint in short sessions; others work for longer. The useful thing about Paint by Numbers is that the canvas keeps your place for you.

For timing specifically, read How Long Does a 20×20 Paint by Numbers Kit Take?