Paint by numbers has had a well-deserved revival in recent years, and this Natural History Museum licensed kit is one of the most compelling examples of what the format can do when the subject matter and design are taken seriously. The ocean design draws on the Natural History Museum's extraordinary marine collections — one of the most extensive in the world — and translates that scientific and artistic heritage into an accessible painting project for adults.
The design is printed on a 400 x 500mm canvas, with each area numbered and corresponding to one of the 24 included paints. The result, worked section by section, is a detailed, finished painting of genuine visual quality — not a children's activity but a properly absorbing creative project for adults, particularly those who want to paint but feel uncertain about where to start. The numbered system removes the most intimidating part of painting — the blank canvas — while still requiring real attention, patience, and the pleasure of watching a complex image emerge gradually from individual areas of colour.
The finished piece is designed to hang directly on the wall, making it a genuinely displayable work rather than something to be tucked away once complete. Three brushes are included for working at different scales — broader areas and finer detail — and the 24-paint set gives a full palette for the design.
Everything needed to complete the project is in the box. No additional materials are required.
What's in the kit? A 400 x 500mm numbered canvas, 24 acrylic paints, and 3 brushes. Everything needed to complete and hang the finished painting is included.
Is paint by numbers suitable for complete beginners? Yes — it is specifically designed for people with little or no painting experience. The numbered system guides you through the process section by section, and the included brushes cover the range of mark sizes needed to complete the design. The result is a finished piece that looks considerably more accomplished than most beginners expect from their first attempt at painting.
What size is the finished painting? 400 x 500mm — a substantial size that makes a genuine impact on the wall and rewards the level of detail in the design.
Is it linked to the Natural History Museum's collections? Yes. The NHM range is produced in partnership with the Natural History Museum in London, with imagery and subject matter drawn from their collections. The Natural History Museum holds some of the most significant marine natural history collections in the world, making ocean life a particularly fitting subject for this range.
Is it a good gift? It is an excellent gift — particularly for anyone with an interest in the natural world, ocean life, or marine biology, or for anyone who has been curious about painting but hasn't known where to start. The large format and wall-ready finish mean the completed piece is something the recipient will want to display.
