Ballerinas – Paint by Number – 35″ x 26.5″ – Ruth Loudermilk – circa 1960’s
In a post a while back I discussed what I called “High-Style, Low-Brow Art” and today we revisit that subject with some fabulous examples of the classic paint-by-number painting method.
These kits took hold in the 1950’s and allowed the common man, with a minimum of composition or drafting knowledge or skill, to produce “original” works of art for their home. All that was required was the ability to paint within the lines. The kits came complete with the drafted “art” on board with each section of color numbered and referenced to the small containers of paint which were included.
Parrot I – Paint by Number – 16″ x 12″ – Ruth Loudermilk – circa 1960’s
Parrot II – Paint by Number – 16″ x 12″ – Ruth Loudermilk – circa 1960’s
At the time of our first post on this topic I discussed gravel art and mass produced prints from the mid-20th Century as we did not have any quality paint-by-number in our collection. The skill exhibited in paint-by-number works varies widely and I have seen paintings range in caliber from the grotesque to the primitive to ones like are shown here – the exceptional.
I picked these up at a local estate sale this past weekend. Wonderfully executed by Ruth Loudermilk in the 1960’s these pieces represent some of the best of genre. I was impressed by the precision of this work and the underlying artistic ability Mrs. Loudermilk exhibited with her brush strokes. She was quite talented and had displayed these prominently in her home. She obviously was proud of her efforts and rightfully so.
Herons – Paint by Number – 24″ x 18″ – Ruth Loudermilk – circa 1960’s
Cockatoos – Paint by Number – 24″ x 18″ – Ruth Loudermilk – circa 1960’s
I always enjoy finding quirky and kitschy items like these and the quality of this work made this find a particular joy. Thank you Mrs. Loudermilk, wherever you are.
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