Paint by numbers has a surprisingly star-studded history alongside being known as a nostalgic gift and mental health practice. From the White House to Hollywood, this humble art form has attracted the admiration of world leaders, legendary artists, and A-list actors.
Let’s explore the famous names who’ve helped paint by numbers earn its place in pop culture.
President Eisenhower and the White House Pastime
During the 1950s, President Dwight D. Eisenhower wasn’t just leading a nation, he was also a fan of paint by numbers. His administration proudly displayed finished kits in the White House, presenting them as a symbol of American creativity and democratic accessibility. In a time when leisure was seen as a sign of progress, this simple hobby became a cultural artefact.
Grace Kelly’s Hollywood Quiet Rituals
Before she became European royalty, Grace Kelly was Hollywood royalty. The Princess of Monaco was known for her love of crafts and mindful rituals and paint by numbers was one of them. It fit perfectly into her quiet, refined lifestyle as an escape from the pressures of public life.
20th Century Artists Played Too
It might surprise you to learn that artistic rebels like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí didn’t turn up their noses at paint by numbers. In fact, all are known to have experimented with the format, perhaps intrigued by its constraints and mass appeal.
Whether playful curiosity or creative research, their engagement with the medium showed that art doesn’t have to be elite.
Sharon Stone: Celebrity Serenity in a Paint Pot
In more recent years, actress Sharon Stone has opened up about her love for painting and yes, that includes paint by numbers. After surviving a life-threatening stroke in 2001, Stone turned to creative outlets to support her healing.
During the pandemic, she received a paint by numbers kit from a friend. What began as a way to pass the time blossomed into a full-blown creative awakening and credits paint by numbers for helping her reconnect with her creative instincts.
In her latest interviews, she’s shared how painting became part of her wellness and mindfulness practice, helping her restore both her health and sense of calm. Her first gallery show, Welcome to My Garden, opened in 2023 at the C. Parker Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut.
The Smithsonian’s Stamp of Approval
In 2001, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History held an entire exhibit dedicated to paint by numbers. Titled “Paint by Number: Accounting for Taste in the 1950s,” the exhibit highlighted the cultural significance of this ‘lowbrow’ art form and how it captured the spirit of post-war creativity.
This recognition helped validate what millions already knew: painting by numbers is more than just a pastime but it’s a window into how we relax, create, and connect.
Paint by Numbers Today: A Legacy That Lives On
Today, paint by numbers continues to thrive, not just as a nostalgic hobby but as a wellness ritual. These stories remind us that creativity has no hierarchy. Whether you're a seasoned artist, a global icon, or just someone looking to relax after a long day, paint by numbers offers a quiet, powerful moment of connection.
At Kiki’s Club, we’re proud to carry this legacy forward with modern, design-led kits for adults and kids. Whether you’re picking up a brush for mindfulness, creativity, or just pure fun, you’re joining a long line of iconic fans who’ve found joy in this simple act of making.
Check out our most-loved paint by numbers kits designed for stress relief and slow living.