Portrait Painting Techniques with Golden Open Acrylics

Hey Friends!
Today I'm painting an acrylic portrait with a little whimsy thrown in. I am still working on my goddess/mythology series, but I wanted to test the golden open acrylics out by painting a portrait without adding oils. This tends to be a difficult task for me because I usually finish all of my portraits with oil paint. However, I am really thrilled with the result only using regular acrylics and open acrylics.
I'm currently going through an art nouveau phase and exploring organic, curvy lines. So, this was a combination of some abstract elements, art nouveau and a hint of realism.
I know it's been a couple of weeks since I last uploaded, but if you have followed me for a while, you know I suffer from some pretty intense, long-duration migraines. So, please forgive my inconsistent video schedule.
I hope you enjoyed the video! Please feel free to leave any questions in the comment section!

[@aideshellstrom9155]

Hej Lydia! Thanks for sharing your video. I love it.

[@emma-louisegayler4966]

You are amazing, I've been trying to hunt on KZbin to find someone better than me am finally I've found you, it's not been easy but your work is so good I might be able to make my work better. My hope is that I can at least get to your level, can't wait to binge watch your channel.

[@DGI300]

Looking at you painting feels as magical as a child seeing a magician does his show... Or in another words: "woooow!"

[@nightmary]

I'm always bummed at the end of your videos because there's no more to watch. Hoorah for replays! I've got to say if that's a waffle it's pretty exotic looking - I think it looks like oriental fish scales to me, very cool accent.

So beautiful ❤

[@mjrewerts]

Beautiful ❤

[@Dorisita9]

Absolutely beautiful. Always enjoy watching you create ❤️

[@ayresc4]

Lovely thanks for the demo❤

[@ameliaclark2947]

Great job! You make portraits look so easy

[@aerialarboreal9005]

So much to say!! I love the bokeh circles at the top left, how they fade into the white and then the swirls in her hair... Awesome meld, or transition I guess you could say... Also, it should go without saying but I'm gonna any way!! I absolutely love how honest you are, and how you don't edit the hell out of your presentations here, it makes it so much better when you leave the bloopers in and just keep going... You really are special, and I'm not waffling when I say this either!!! lol... Sorry could't resist!!🤣😍 Cheers, take care...

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you! I appreciate the breakfast humor!😄❤

[@tiffanyshiels]

So beautiful

[@user-zg8tm5rt7k]

Beautiful 😊

[@christinalightoflove3134]

Looooove it!!! Awesome!!! ❤❤❤🤗

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Christina!!!❤❤❤

[@kfergus3662]

Keep up doing your artwork

[@tMarie234]

Thank you 🥰🙏 I’m new to acrylics (animal realism), and would love to see you do more of this! Love all your work of course! 🥹✨

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you so much!!!❤

[@Jackie.Lee.Art.2491]

It’s such a pleasure to watch your videos!

[@karenmontoyapaints-n-craft8894]

Beautiful

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Always amazing. Today I think you’re a wizard, because that art is magical! It glows!

[@ClamJaneH66]

Thanks Lydia a gorgeous painting and thanks for sharing your knowledge with us - lots of helpful tips in this video. Much appreciated as a novice/pretender artist it's really great to hear a professionals thoughts and see their process.

[@gggjfjc1098]

Divno!

[@williamlaforge4517]

Gorgeous!!!! Whoo hoo :)

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thanks BD!❤

[@adrianogoncales]

Hi, watching from Brazil! I rally apreciate your art. I aways watch when you post. Congratulations, thank you to share your art and your joy!

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Adriano!!!❤❤❤

[@stephaniepotterart]

The colors & movement are really gorgeous!!! The tip on the butterfly 🦋 coloring is a great trick for so many applications! Thanks!!

[@penkakostadinova9136]

Lydia, this painting is so beautiful and I love all this swirls and shapes. Also thank you for explanation about Golden Open acrylics.❤️🌹

[@charlotteherring1715]

I am always excited to see a new post from you. It’s just fun to watch! ❤

[@kellyw6652]

OH LOVE HER! Gorgeous colours and art work! Kelly❤❤❤

[@underthecameraingermany8304]

So gorgeus..

[@doninis1354]

I learned a lot already in the first minutes. Thank you.

[@julianalee9595]

I love your art and tutorials, thanks so much for sharing 🙏🏽❤️

[@davidj180]

In my youth as a public relations exec I coached people about working plugs into discourse. I don’t know if I ever had anyone as good as you are for US Open Acrylics. Kidding! Always a joy to watch. I don’t see waffle. I see more Chinese Silk Brocade.

[@catherinevangass4927]

Stunning as always Lydia, you're rocking the Art Deco, mellow, love the colours 👌🎨!!

[@vernadandelski9691]

Watching you paint is mesmerizing

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Verna!❤

[@gratefulcreations]

This amazing!!

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you!!!❤❤❤

[@CristinaArriolaart]

Very pretty indeed for acrylic 😊

[@juliaknuist5829]

Beautiful as usual ....i just love her face, so beautiful

[@johannebrun3409]

This is beyond beautiful

[@TheBlackJewelz]

Oh man I love the color scheme in this. Seems like a broad range of colors used yet it’s all so cohesive and vibrant. I’ve been considering trying Golden acrylics, as I’ve been let down by Amazon’s choice of acrylic paint 😂 now I’m looking forward to giving it a try even more

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you so much! I would definitely give them a try. They are a nice compromise if you want to work with acrylics, but want more of an oil look and feel.😊❤

[@elainelogan2023]

Magnificent! Bravo! I want to do it too!

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you!

[@jonisolis9645]

I have used a spray bottle with water to mist the canvas to keep my acrylic paints wet a bit long so I can work with them more. It has to be a bottle that makes a very fine mist. I really want to try open acrylic paint now.

[@teresamazotti1315]

Beautiful! ❤

[@M.O.1981]

Thank you.

[@mortenviking3196]

Love it!

[@JoshDauntes-to2em]

Wonderful. Haha, just throwing out that mentor me idea again😁

[@joannasundquist8494]

❤

[@adrianna1784]

Soooo beautiful ❤❤❤

[@Birdie700]

wery nice i love it. i do so much want to learn how to do a face like this 😊 thanks

[@evelynstjohn985]

Omgosh! I love this, Lydia! I love how you have added all of the different elements into your picture! you are a fantastic artist!

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you so much!

[@skyfall4003]

Wunderschön ! ❤ ich wünschte ich hätte dein Talent zu malen 😊

[@MauiMuse808]

I seen the waffle from a distance right away. Hehe. I'm childlike. Closer look. No waffle. Your videos are inspiring❤

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you! The waffle illusion strikes again!😃

[@judithlund4346]

Fabulous ……. am yet to see something that you create that I don’t LOVE ❤️

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Judith!!!❤

[@ciz4cookies]

Amazing!!!! As always!!!❤ 😁🙌

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you!❤

[@WaterfallAcrylics]

First, let me just say it’s absolutely gorgeous! I giggled throughout your commentary though because “I really prefer oils” then, “huh, this looks really good!” The bias is real and I totally get it; except mine is in reverse because life is too short to wait for damn oil paintings to dry LOL. Viva la difference I say! Use both! Anyway, in all seriousness have you tried painting with regular acrylics and added a pouring medium? It makes a huge difference in application for sure! As always really love your content! ❤❤❤

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Karen! I will have to try pouring medium! I never thought of doing that! You and your good ideas!😁❤❤❤

[@rachealgetscreative]

It's not a waffle! It's a fishy shoulderpad. ;) The painting looks beautiful. I've just bought some Golden Open Acrylics to try.

[@michellemyers8439]

As always this is marvelous and you are always so generous in sharing your process. I was juried-in to a group (Avant-Garde Art) some time ago. Now, after painting 30+ yrs and soon to be 70...I got up the never to sign up for my very first show event.

[@lydiabroderick867]

That's awesome Michelle!!!❤❤❤

[@scribbleswh2018]

You are so daring with colors, the contrast is awesome, and i love seeing the base layer process. Will you be doing anymore on the Goddess series?

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you! I will yes! I'm working on a few sketches. I'm glad you asked! ❤

[@patchoulirose]

Absolutely stunning as usual

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you! I love them too! I need more colors myself. 😉❤

[@dianeo]

I'm really loving your art nouveau phase since I am in an all-things-vintage phase in art, film, books, etc. Escapist much? LOL, yes please. Since I'm still completely intimidated by oils, the open acrylics seems like a lovely compromise for me. BTW, I share your hatred of those little white canvas bits that peek out from under an acrylic layer.

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Diane! I love vintage! I have really enjoyed the open acrylics so far. I need more colors! The white specs... Ugh! 😬😄❤

[@kyelesley7498]

Wow, just awesome. Enjoyed the process, beautiful result! You continue to astound me how far you’ve come and just keep growing. 😊

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you!!!❤❤❤

[@leoalvarado6466]

Nice job! But id like to see your more complex work with oils !😊

[@janinafisher101]

Hey Sunshine! It was fun seeing you do your base painting which was looking like a cool abstract in the beginning! It's really interesting to see your process with the Golden Open Acrylics, and to hear you talk about them. I can see, as you apply the paint with a brush, just how creamy it is. Good to know that they are more transparent. As someone who is a novice at drawing it is amazing to see how well you draw... and all that detail! It's amazing. When I grow up I'd like to be able to do that. But seeing as I'm pretty old I'd better grow up fast! (Waffle, indeed! LOL. ) Have a great long weekend!

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Janina! I call it my breakfast painting (waffle)😄 Have a wonderful weekend!❤

[@janinafisher101]

@@lydiabroderick867 😆 Breakfast painting - your Waffle Girl!

[@kellylea3575]

You had me at pink and orange... Love that color combo. She's a beauty💕 but hoping for more from the goddess series, will there be more?

[@lydiabroderick867]

Yes! I'm working on some sketches. ❤😊

[@S.Shampagne]

This is so pretty! 😍 I was wondering if you wait the recommended 30 days before varnishing paintings where you've used open acrylic? I have a bunch of open paints that I want to start using but I'm worried about the waiting a whole month before I can varnish my work

[@lydiabroderick867]

I usually do wait. Mainly because I like to varnish a bunch of paintings at the same time. I have varnished one within a two week time frame and didn't have a problem. I think it probably depends on how thickly the paint is applied.

[@GitanaAndalucia]

I’m so beyond thrilled I found you. You’re so inspiring! How long does the first layer take to dry?

[@GitanaAndalucia]

Never mind I wrote the comment in the middle of the video. I desperately want to try oil painting but I’m impatient for the drying process.

[@Tara_Kunicki]

Love this! Great video as usual! Just wondering which color in the open acrylics did you use for the shadows in the face? I’ve been struggling with the skin tone thing lately and could use the info 🙏🏼

[@lydiabroderick867]

Hi! For the face I used a mix of burnt sienna, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson and titanium white. I will add a bit of ultramarine blue for shadows that appear more purple or darker. These colors mixed at different amounts will usually give a variety of skin tones.

[@Tara_Kunicki]

@@lydiabroderick867 thank you so much for the response! This is very helpful

[@micampbell5415]

I love it! How does the ink from the pen reacts once varnished? I used a pen before and the ink wasn't looking good after varnish, but I don't think it was a good quality pen tho... also, do you have any issue with painting over your pencil sketch? Do you have to put a layer of pencil fixative before applying paint? I'm a big fan of your work!

[@lydiabroderick867]

Hi! Thank you! I find I need a fixative if I sketch directly onto the canvas, but not as much when I sketch on top of acrylic paint. I use professional illustration pens and haven't had a problem with varnishing so far, but I will look into that.😊

[@bellaca4326]

Do you have reference photo for this painting? It’s very beautiful ❤️ it.

[@c.k.m.8134]

Stunning color, love your compositions and your commentaries. Do you teach or critique?? 🦓🦊🐆

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you! I was teaching in person classes until the pandemic hit and I had to give up my studio. I am trying to figure out how to do online classes. I have done critiques when requested. 😊

[@tuckerdinnes2132]

I would sign up for online classes with Lydia!

[@gem1n1te]

The eggo comment is hilarious 😂.

[@mrinalinishingal1621]

Love your style ❤ Do you sketch your ideas first or is it very spontaneous on the canvas?

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you!!! I usually will do a concept sketch on paper first. Not always though.❤😊

[@user-rh6fh8hf9d]

I really LOVE your arts! You are my idol for sure. Thanks for charing like you do here on KZbin. You are amazing! One question though: Do you have any courses in your studio? 💖😍🌟

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you so much!!!❤❤❤ I do tutorials on my Patreon, but I don't have any set courses at the moment.

[@user-rh6fh8hf9d]

Do you mean that I have you as my tutorial@@lydiabroderick867?

[@user-rh6fh8hf9d]

Thanks for your answer. I really love all I have seen so far✨❤️ I use to watch your videos… pause them and paint after you. So one new question 😅 Am I allowed to sell my art if i paint after your beautiful painting?

[@lydiabroderick867]

@@user-rh6fh8hf9d Hello! That depends. If you came up with your own concept/design and just applied the same techniques, then sure... Sell it. However, if you copied my original concept/design then no... You cannot sell it legally. I really appreciate you asking.❤❤❤

[@user-rh6fh8hf9d]

Hello @@lydiabroderick867. Thank you for the respond💖💖💖

[@lisaloveday1178]

After you sketch do you apply a fixative ? Thanks love your work

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you! It depends... If I'm going to be using washes I do. 😊

[@debbierinier2704]

haha I saw an Eggo waffle too

[@shirleyandrews1152]

Love your work, you are inspiring‼️ I heard you can use oil over acrylic. Possible?

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Shirley! Yes... You can use oils over completely dried acrylics. Just not the other way around.❤🤗

[@amandaa2066]

Luv your content. How long have you been painting? I am a beginner and I really would like to start creating more But i get discouraged when I fail at a project

[@lydiabroderick867]

Thank you Amanda! Don't get discouraged! I did charcoal portraits for almost 2 decades before I started painting. I started painting in my 30's when my son was no longer "little". ❤

[@kimjackman1722]

This is just my opinion, but I think most will agree with me that we don't want you to feel pressured to release a video, take care of yourself & we will always be here waiting for you! And also What The *bleep*??? You have a 21yr old son?? Did you have him when you were 5??? Lol! You look gorgeous babe! Before I got sick everyone thought I was a lot younger too, they'd say things like I had such a youthful & fun personality.... Is that a nice way of calling me immature?? Lol! Its been a long rough road, but I can always count on you for a laugh & great tutes & inspiration! Thanks for everything, Love ya!! (No, I'm not gay or hitting on you)

[@ah-mu5kg]

Is your Ibackground finearts or graphic design? Looks like water or scales to me, but then I don't buy waffles....

[@tiffanyshiels]

Hi Lydia. Is this painting still available? I’m in Australia. How do I purchase a painting from you also do you have a price list ?

[@kymberlydawn1445]

Are you self-taught or did you go to school?

[@lydiabroderick867]

I didn't go to art school, but I grew up in an artistic family. My mother, father, and grandmother painted. So, I won't say that I'm self-taught, but I don't have a formal education.