Still Life Paint by Number Value Guide

This 1950-1960 Still Life Paint by Number captures the mid-century American obsession with accessible DIY art developed by Dan Robbins. Featuring a classic composition of fruit, a decorative bottle, and a glass, these pieces represent a unique intersection of domestic decor and the democratization of oil painting.

What affects the value of Still Life Paint by Number?

• The quality of the execution, specifically how well the amateur artist stayed within the numbered lines.
• The presence and condition of the original period wood frame, which adds to the $75-$120 valuation.
• Overall paint preservation, including a lack of cracking, yellowing, or significant paint loss on the canvas.
• Subject matter popularity, with complex still life arrangements generally commanding higher prices than simpler designs.

How to Identify Still Life Paint by Number?

• Look for the characteristic numbered outlines visible through thinner layers of oil paint on the canvas.
• Verify the 1950s-1960s era by checking for original Palmer Paint Company markings or period-correct wood frames.
• Examine the canvas texture for the specific pre-printed board style common to United States kits of this period.
• Identify the specific mid-century color palette, often featuring muted earth tones and vibrant citrus hues.

History of Still Life Paint by Number

Paint by number kits became immensely popular in the United States during the 1950s, allowing amateur artists to create their own 'masterpieces.' The concept was developed by Dan Robbins for Palmer Paint Company, and the kits provided canvases with outlines and numbered sections corresponding to specific paint colors. These still life compositions were a common theme, reflecting the domestic aesthetic of the mid-century era and offering an accessible entry point into art appreciation.