Paint-by-number kits became a popular hobby and art form in New Zealand in the 1950s and 1960s, following their initial craze in the United States and other countries. The kits provided an easy way for amateur artists of all ages to create paintings by filling in outlined numbered areas with the corresponding colored paint.
Some of the earliest commercial paint-by-number sets available in New Zealand were imported from manufacturers like Palmer in the United States and Leyko in the United Kingdom. However, New Zealand companies soon began producing their local versions.
One of the pioneering New Zealand paint-by-numbers companies was Crown Coach, founded in Auckland in 1953. Crown Coach's numbered painting kits featuring New Zealand landscapes, native birds, and other local scenes became extremely popular through the 1960s.
Another major player was Mica Leisure Products, based in Wellington. In the late 1950s, it launched its Mica-Tint paint-by-number line. The kits covered subjects ranging from famous artworks to scenic vistas.
The hobby cut across socioeconomic lines and allowed many New Zealanders without formal art training to experience the joy and satisfaction of creating paintings for their homes. Paint by numbers remained a beloved pastime in New Zealand through the 1970s before declining as new leisure activities emerged.
"New Zealand Paint by Numbers" could refer to a specific product, activity, or concept that involves painting New Zealand-themed images or landscapes using the paint-by-numbers method. Paint-by-numbers is a painting kit that allows amateur painters to create detailed paintings by following a numbered guide that corresponds to a particular color. This method simplifies the painting process and makes it accessible to people with little artistic experience.
If you're interested in a "New Zealand Paint by Numbers" kit, it might include:
- Pre-printed Canvas: The canvas would have the outline of a New Zealand scene or landmark (like the Southern Alps, a kiwi bird, or a Maori pattern) divided into numbered sections.
- Paint Pots: A set of paints, each labeled with a number corresponding to the canvas's numbered sections.
- Brushes: One or more paintbrushes of varying sizes for different details and coverage.
- Instructions: A guide on how to use the kit, including tips on painting techniques and how to match the paints to the numbers on the canvas.
This type of product would appeal to a variety of people, including:
- Visitors to New Zealand: As a souvenir or a way to remember their trip.
- Locals: To celebrate their national pride or as a fun activity at home.
- Art Enthusiasts: Looking for a relaxing hobby or a way to learn painting basics.
- Gift Givers: For friends or family interested in New Zealand or painting.
If you're looking for a "New Zealand Paint by Numbers" kit, you might find them in local art supply stores, souvenir shops in New Zealand, or online retailers that specialize in paint-by-number kits. Some companies can also create custom kits, allowing you to choose a specific New Zealand image or scene to paint.