Golden Open Paints Review
Hi guys, I wanted to do a quick 10-minute review on the Golden Open Acrylic Paints as a great alternative to oil paints. It’s what I like to call the big three: chemical free, transparent, and slow drying. Here is my set. I have been using them since 2020 and have come to know there limitations and what I can expect from them when trying to create.
Here are some works using the paints alone where I achieve a glazed look that mimics oils. I’ve always liked the look of brushstrokes in my paintings. I'm very texture biased, so I enjoy the outcome I was able to achieve using Golden Open .
In today’s demo, i’m using Golden Open in conjunction with my Arteza Acrylic paints:
Tip#1: Is to put down a base layer (simple color block or value study) using another set of paints that is opaque and use Golden open on top as glaze. Glazing is a technique in oil paintings: which utilizes the thinning of paints to create transparent layers that add more depth and color to the work.
Tip#2: Another tip when using acrylic paint is to use a stay wet palette: It uses a special paper and sponge in a container to keep the paints moist. This is a great way to extend the longevity of your palette and prevent having to remix colors if you don't plan to finish your painting in one day.I use these palette for all my paintings because I like to go back and forth between paintings sometimes days in between and I am still able to come back to a wet palette. Just be careful because if you leave your palette for too long it can grow mold.
Now getting into my demo: I started with a simple drawing. I am making a portrait of my doll that I recently finished: who I am now naming as the bunny queen, as she hasn't had her portrait done since I finished making her. Every doll I make gets a”birth portrait” that signifies who they are as a doll (person) in the world I am building. And I’ll elaborate more on that in another video.
One of the things I love about Gold Open is that it's slow drying without the need for a retarder, so the paint doesn't get overly glossy trying to thin down the paint and it can remain satin throughout. I am not even using water to thin down the paint but the added moisture from the stay wet palette is helping with the opacity. When using regular acrylic paint to layer sometimes the paint can get tacky as it starts to dry and can start to build up too much on the page creating unnecessary texture. (example). When finished with the painting if you want to archive and achieve a glossy finish I suggest using an acrylic varnish and applying up to 3 layers .
I think golden open is best for the person that is looking to create layers on a surface without building up the surface texture. For anyone looking to blend effortlessly. Also for someone who doesn't want to use oils, mediums, and thinners or who don't have the space for oils and need an acrylic paint that is a formulated alternative.
I hope this painting helped demonstrate the capabilities of this awesome paint line and I hope you end up enjoying it as much as I do.
