House by the River Mountain Cabin Round Paint by Numbers Kit by Ideyka KHO-R1019

Paint a lit mountain house beside a rushing river with pine forest and pink peaks. House by the River is a paint by numbers kit for adults by Ideyka, printed on a natural canvas that is already stretched over a wooden frame, so you can start painting the moment you open the box.

A little painter's folklore: landscape painters say a picture comes alive when the far-away hills are painted paler and bluer than the foreground, a trick called atmospheric perspective that the numbered colors on this canvas build in for you. The modern paint by numbers kit took off in the 1950s, when millions of people discovered they could paint a picture worth hanging without ever having taken an art class.

Why this kit: if you have always said you cannot draw, the numbered outline does the drawing for you; you just match each number to its paint pot and the picture appears shape by shape. With 24 colors it is a satisfying project for beginners and experienced painters alike.

In the box: a pre-printed round natural canvas on a wooden stretcher with gallery-wrapped edges, 24 numbered acrylic paints, nylon art brushes, a color reference sheet with the numbered outline, a checklist and step-by-step instructions. Made in Ukraine. Not included: a cup of water, paper towels and a varnish if you want a glossy finish.

How to paint: start with the darkest colors or the largest areas, work one number at a time, and paint from the top of the canvas down so your hand does not smudge wet paint. Close each pot after use so the paint does not dry out, and rinse the brush in water between colors. When the paint is dry the canvas is ready to hang as it is, no frame needed; the colors of the finished painting may differ slightly from the photo.

Shape: round canvas. It looks right at home in a living room, an office or a hallway, and makes a thoughtful gift for a traveler, a hiker or anyone who loves the outdoors.