Colorful Painting in Acrylic. Tips and Techniques!

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!!!
I decided to do a ridiculously colorful painting to kick off the start of 2024! In this video I will cover some of the techniques that I use when painting with acrylics. As you probably know all too well, acrylics dry quickly. This can either be a blessing or a curse depending on the effect you are trying to achieve. For instance, if you want a smooth blend and soft transitions, acrylics can be challenging.
However, I have found a technique that works best for me when working with acrylics and that is... abstract brushstrokes. These brushstrokes that look messy and kind of haphazard close up, seem to give a more painterly effect from a distance. I think it's pretty cool.
Also, I'm working with vibrant color on a black canvas. So, I'll be showing you how I create a grayscale underpainting first. This is an important step because it not only establishes the structure of the painting itself, but it also allows vibrant color to show up.
I used a lot of different colors for this painting and because of this, I used a wet palette so my paints wouldn't dry out. All of the paints used were heavy body paints by Liquitex or Golden.
To get a more neutral grayscale I combined Mars Black with Burnt Umber to neutralize some of the bluish tones of the black paint before adding Titanium White.
Links:
Masterson Sta-Wet Pallete 12x16 inch
amzn.to/47k7sLV
Liquitex Black Gesso
amzn.to/48B0FhX
Princeton Snap Flat Brush No.6
amzn.to/41KDVd9
DISCLAIMER:
All Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. If you purchase a product using one of the links I provide, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting the channel!

[@denisegormley1763]

I love birds, too! My granddaughter calls me the crazy bird lady. 😂 You are crazy creative! Love watching your videos.

[@hollysegura3572]

Omg!! How beautiful!! I love it!! You make it look so easy!! Yoir such an inspiration!! Thank you!!❤

[@clarelowe3718]

Absolutely beautiful piece of art ❤

[@lise-lottekstrom1568]

absolutely amazing painting 🎨🖌

[@PHD_prettyhappydraws]

“Reality can be sometimes boring” you said it! Am most times fed up of expectations of painting in way that has to be the most close to reality. Instead I like creativity and new way of looking same things, which is what an artist does bring to the table!! Anyways love your work and thanks for all the inputs and tips. Will definitely help me with my art practice :)

[@coloringwithpatwilson1506]

Hi Lydia, cause that's what you call yourself lol. Brush strokey, very technical term in painting, lol. You have an awesome sense of humor, I love it. And I love your painting. well done tfs

[@doninis1354]

I loughed ad the sam jokes 😁

[@rogerstanislas]

Hi lydia, I just came across your work. Beautiful work and use of colors. Love the idea of you integrating the birds into this painting. Now that I found you, I'll be following and learning from you.

[@chriswhitehouse8982]

That's what you call creativity! I usually get too wrapped up in try to exactly replicate what's in my reference photo, so I definitely learned something from you today. Wonderful work.

[@TinasInspiredArt]

Your art continues to captivate me with its beauty! Thankyou❣️Your unique style has become one of my absolute favorites. As I embark on an online one-year Art school journey at Milan Art Institute, I can't help but notice the striking resemblance between your art and the techniques they are teaching me. Your immense talent shines through, and I thoroughly enjoy every piece you share on your channel. I am finding everything you are doing so relatable. Wishing you a Happy New Year and here's to an incredible year ahead! Once my skills are finely honed, I would be thrilled to collaborate with you in the future. While my current channel focuses on botanical Dutch pours, I have plans to dive into the realm of abstract realism and perhaps combine my botanical art with a new style I am currently learning. Thanks again for all that you are sharing.

[@janinafisher101]

I commented the same thing maybe a year ago or so when I first found Lydia's channel - I'm still working my way through the Mastery Program, but have learned so much. Enjoy the program - and Lydia's gorgeous work. So inspiring!

[@TheLisbethK]

Yes - very much like Milan Art Institute both in process and subject matter...

[@elconsultoriodecandida7304]

Feliz Año.Happy new year from Spain!😊

[@michellemyers8439]

As usual STUNNING piece. Beyond your artistic gift...you are just pure genius. Your thoughts process is as fascinating to me as your finished piece...coming from an intellectual snob.😅

[@sammieg7611]

What a treat. I find myself eagerly checking KZbin for YOUR content often exclusively. Thank you for being bold and willing to share with us your magnificent work. Another gorgeous piece bravo

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you so very much!!!❤❤❤

[@zarasingh3667]

Hi, you are a magician..and your paint brush is your wand

[@TeeBoyd88]

"Lydia, which is what I call myself..." Haha, I knew I was going to love the finished result with that line. This was so enjoyable to watch that I'm saving it to watch again. Imagine if people talked to themselves using a different name, that would be wild.

[@shecamt]

Your painting looks amazing!

[@tiffanyshiels]

This is beautiful & amazing.

[@MindGymMeditations]

Mind blown 🩵

[@lynnkaczor9013]

Gorgeous ❤

[@AnitaStone-ml3js]

This is stunning 😊

[@deepasarojam7638]

Just awesome ❤

[@chandarussell]

Oh my. How wonderful this painting is. Makes me think of Carnival in Rio. It’s joyous.

[@betha7146]

Stunning! you are A. Maze. ing...... thank you for sharing your talent! Love watching and listening to you.

[@Gregvsills]

Love, love, love! Very inspiring and super creative. Excellent work

[@odrade99]

Another stunning painting! It is really fun to watch you create, so bold and fabulous! TFS

[@janinafisher101]

Hey Sunshine! Happy New Year! Wow, your genius strikes again. This is stunning. I love the sharp shadows you create. I wish I had your little finger's worth of gift for creating stunning paintings with their awesome "brushstrokiness." Hope you're staying warm there on the Cape. Can you believe that after that winter wonderland we had all over here the first week of December, almost all of Ontario has NO SNOW? Happy painting! Always excited when when of your videos turns up! 🙂

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thanks Janina!!! No more snow? Wow... I'm in the mood for snow, but nothing so far. We're in for a storm this weekend, but it will probably be a mix here on the coast. The ocean is still too warm. I hope you are in for a fantastic 2024!!!❄❄❄

[@janinafisher101]

​@lydiabroderick867 I'm okay without snow for a few more days while I bring more wood into the woodshed! Hope your storm doesn't create havoc! Be safe! Yeah, happy painting adventures this year.

[@dvmcvaanimalwellnessworld3833]

BRAVE!!!!! You help me break through my fear with your whacky fun approach ♥️

[@korrinabastion87]

This came out awesome. Love your talent. I love to draw birds and fish. I could see you doing some crazy cool fish ,like a cuttle fish or a sail fish, just an idea . Lots of colours and effects. You use so many different tools and mediums Ive never heard of. You are teaching me so much. Thank you for all the time you are putting into your tutorials. 🎉

[@chasinggreatness6390]

You are very talented

[@gratefulcreations]

You’re rocking it sista!! I love vibrant colors. Thanks for sharing your process. Always! ❤

[@kyelesley7498]

Impressive change at the gray time of year! So colorful and vibrant, appropriate for Happy New Year vibe!🎉🎉

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thanks Mom!!!❤❤❤

[@MissShembre]

I love your channel!!

[@fredericaongenaert9531]

Erstens wünsche ich dir und deine Family alles gute im 2024 !! Möge all eure wünschen in Erfüllung gehen! Wunerschönes Bild!!! Du bist ein großartige Künstler!! ❤❤❤❤

[@catherinevangass4927]

LOVE the piece!!!! Beautiful way to start the new year🎉🙌🏻👌🏻🎨Seeing the colour in everything would be a great approach for life 🙌🏻👏🏻💥 The colouful birds, the symbolism of them for the woman and of course your painterly style made a beautiful painting. Maybe consider finding a way to market prints or posters of this. I think a lot of people will find it uplifting and beautiful? Have a year filled with prosperity in health, love and finances Lydia 💜🌹🐦

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Catherine!!! Wishing you a wonderful 2024!!!❤❤❤

[@tracytruhlarik6525]

Hello from Canada Happy New Year Lydia Great video Thanks for sharing

[@lydiabroderick867]

Happy New Year Tracy!!!❤❤❤

[@samueladjei8599]

So beautiful

[@louisea966]

Happy new year to you Lydia, thanks for another awesome painting video! i would stand there with birds all over my head... ok, i have pet pigeons, sometimes there are birds on my head

[@lydiabroderick867]

Pet pigeons!!! That is so cool!😊

[@stephaniepotterart]

You are just a genius painter! From concept to the drawing, underpainting, to color, simply STUNNING!!! When she opens her eyes I can see her dance!!! 💃🏻 (Don’t be alarmed, I know she’s not real…) 😂

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Wow! Shocking! I sure do love it. I want to stand in front of it and be dazzled. Thanks for what you do, and for showing us that art requires math and science. It’s complicated. 💜💜💜 HAPPY 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣

[@christinalightoflove3134]

❤Amazing!

[@EdouardBManoukian]

Beautiful !.

[@judithlund4346]

You are such a “unique” artist … I sit, I watch and I wonder where the ideas come from……and then you tell me.😅 Love everything you do …….. so so clever. ❤❤

[@kareeg7025]

A burst of colors each bird is so pretty and up lifting painting for the new year. Thank you 🕊

[@Scarl3tGhoul]

I'm so happy you landed on my feed!! I'm stretching my legs as an artist and this video and painting gave me so much inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your art with us! It is incredibly beautiful.

[@sallysirmons6219]

This is beautiful

[@WaterfallAcrylics]

I always learn something from you that I can apply to fluid art. Next time I use a black base I will layer white first so that my colors are more vibrant. Love this painting as usual!

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Karen!!!❤❤❤

[@michelejudd-seabaugh5761]

Gorgeous, as usual

[@Jackie.Lee.Art.2491]

That’s so fabulous!

[@layayi27]

Amazing!

[@Flynnfamily1]

Beautiful, truly beautiful!!!!!

[@Dorisita9]

Absolutely beautiful. ❤

[@gloriaijaramillol.8451]

Absolutely gorgeous ❤❤❤

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Love it ❤

[@lindasteger7207]

Impressive!

[@cinderella-kj2zu]

I love it!!!!!

[@shahidaalkhatib6397]

I love the outcome after the colors!😍

[@LindsayDye_Art]

This is stunningly beautiful and vibrant!

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

Your paintings are gorgeous!

[@konstantinperepelycia4602]

Thank you for interesting video!

[@megydo9031]

You ARE INCREDIBLE Artist! REALLY! Respect!

[@alieneiasillo7148]

Absolutely beautiful… I just love all your art…😊

[@kfergus3662]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and artwork absolutely stunning

[@ClamJaneH66]

Thank you Lydia for sharing your knowledge with us, it's very much appreciated.

[@AS-ww3gy]

Really loved this video. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@santoshpradhan6690]

Beautiful paintings Madam and knowledgiable.

[@karinwerner4019]

Happy New Year to you too! Such inspirational videos- I really enjoy watching you bring an art work out of a blank canvas..

[@melodyroth5565]

Beautiful! Love, love, love your style and thoroughly enjoy your channel. This piece captured my eye. So vivid. I would love to see what you would do with a vivid dog portrait. ❤

[@IciarOrozcoBazan]

Es maravilloso verlo cambiar en casa pincelada nueva, me encanta ❤

[@bellaeusebio849]

Daringly beautiful! I admire your freedom and brevity of painting what’s in your mind! What size is your canvas?

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you! 18x24 😊

[@user-bp5hf7bp4n]

Love your commentary - as much as the painting process.

[@teresamazotti1315]

It's gorgeous!! Thank you so much. I am doing a non-traditional hummingbird on resin layers. I find myself pulling myself back from too much color. Now I am going to go for it. ❤

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

Your paintings are so unique and fabulous!! Love both paintings... but I love a lot of color too❤

[@doninis1354]

I love to see you paint. Happy new year to you and your housband to be. Thank you for your pation to take us on a art journey.

[@deanofrankenstein6391]

Definitely has an 80's vibe, and I love it!! Happy New Year to ya!

[@aprilwilliamson2941]

I think your artwork is so amazing!!! The bonus is your a great teacher, great inspiration and I live your personality!! Thank you ! I learned soo much !!

[@gregorysmith1759]

Awesome painting ! That's what I'm trying to do now, is trying to learn acrylic intricate colors, and trying to use glazing liquid, all I know is the more I paint the better I get

[@shaynewalser6696]

Amazing piece! Love your videos. Wish i had 1/2 your talent. Do you ever make prints of your work?

[@charlotteherring1715]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Another entertaining reel from she who calls herself Lydia!

[@dorydiavelone3531]

Miss Lydia you are a peach!!! …..I love your work, love your humor love your music choices for your videos …. Like I said you are a peach!! I think it would be great to see you Paint with your aMama again!!

[@chefboot]

Happy New Year halfway through the vid and even the underpainting looks a great picture, I learn from you , thanks😀

[@josedemorera9648]

Great Concept. Invigorating to see Creation instead of Replication. Bravo!

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you!!!

[@uschihora2005]

Happy New Year! Its a amazing artwork! I love it ❤❤❤

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you!!!❤❤❤

[@MrArtton]

You amaze me every time , really fantastic 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥳 if i had money i buy them all😅❤️❤️

[@John__67]

COLORS! Love it. And the Teal - most favorite. Agreed, with surrealistic eye lid/bird tail........Very brushstrokey. Almost liken to tribes people in a National Geographic spread.....photos of painted faces. Fun 2024!

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you John!!!❤😄

[@ameliaclark2947]

Love the color! The black canvas reminds me of the days of velvet paintings. I actually like those except for the cheesy Elvis ones

[@janetwoodard8467]

Happy New Year Lydia 🎉 . Thank you for this video and so many others. I follow many artist here on u tube but are you are my favourite for your personality, style of art and teaching. Your art is both realistic and creative so love It ❤! Keep up the great work and best wishes for 2024.

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Janet!!!❤❤❤

[@JW_AquilaArt]

❤

[@jazminalvarado8433]

😍🤩

[@pamb2734]

It almost appears that the birds are adding the color!

[@evelynstjohn985]

Lydia, where do you get your faces from? Do you look at a photo, or just make up your own design? Your faces are always so beautiful!! I like to draw faces, but I am new to painting them. yours are so perfect. You have such a great technique of painting them. Thank you for your amazing videos!.

[@lydiabroderick867]

Hi Evelyn! I will usually find royalty reference photos on unsplash.com However, I tend to just use them a references for angles, light and general structure. I like to change certain features and I will usually do a preliminary sketch. I will also use photos of my own face in a pinch for lighting reference.

[@dais7891]

Wow beautiful painting as always! I was wondering if you used any reference images or reference image, if so where they combined already or did you combine them as you painted by looking at multiple images? Or did you create any sort of small study before painting? Sorry for all the questions lol I'm just so curious about other artists techniques 😄

[@samueladjei8599]

Want to learn it

[@francoforleo4971]

👏🎨👏🎨👏🇿🇦

[@Tara_Kunicki]

Brilliant and gorgeous! When you were doing the grey scale did you begin light to dark?

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you! I did begin with the brightest highlights. I find it easier to find the midtones because of the black canvas.😊

[@samnas3341]

😍😍😍😍😍🌹❤️

[@cosmicdreamer925]

💚🌹🌻😊🙏🏽

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

Do you have a photo or other source for the faces or just imagination and typical scale/placement?

[@lydiabroderick867]

For this one I didn't, but if I'm going for a challenging angle, I find references.😊