As I neared completion of drawing out the assortment of shapes that will comprise the paint-by-number areas, I felt relief that another milestone of the project had been reached. These are the actual areas that each person will interact with and add their dab of paint. Each person will get to pick their spot that matches the color they’ve chosen. I was left wondering if some people might be disappointed that each area is rather small. Some might struggle with staying in the lines. Some might add too much paint, causing a drip or two. Accidents could happen.
The acrylic paint will be quite forgiving if mistakes are made and I do believe some might require the use of a smaller brush than the 1″ wide foam brushes I’m planning on providing. It’s pretty clear that some areas are thin enough that a smaller, traditional brush will be required. I’ll make sure to have a handful of small brushes available for those who step up to the challenge of painting narrow areas or those with tight corners.
My primary thought was wondering how much will I want or might need to touch up the areas myself. I certainly don’t want to “re-do” someones efforts, but the final painting needs to have a certain degree of cohesion. I do like the idea of each area being just a bit different in appearance from the area next to it. This patchwork will help convey that it was painted by many people. My intention is to modify the colors within the paint cups slightly, so there are slight variations visible.
As a graphic artist, I’m used to paying attention to details and working with elements until they are “just right”, yet I hope the final painting tells the proper story of everyone who contributed. Deciding on just how much I myself contribute to it will be hashed out in the moment, I guess!