Golden Open Acrylics are a unique product in painting mediums, offering a longer drying time than traditional acrylics while retaining many benefits that make acrylics popular. But how do they stack up for landscape painters, particularly those accustomed to working with oils? Let’s explore the pros and cons of using Golden Open Acrylics for landscape painting and whether they can be a viable alternative to oils. I will base my comments on the actual use of the acrylics, as seen in the accompanying video. Let's begin!
Pros of Golden Open Acrylics:
1. Longer Drying Time Golden Open Acrylics are specifically designed to dry more slowly than traditional acrylics. This extended drying time is a significant advantage for landscape painters who need more time to work on their paintings, allowing for better blending and edge manipulation. Keeping paint workable on the palette and canvas for longer periods is especially useful for creating gradients, subtle transitions, and fine details crucial in landscape art. The paint remained workable on my palette days later. The slow drying is remarkable and rivals oil paint in this regard. I also noted that painting the many subtle shapes in the overlapping foliage was much simpler than quick-drying acrylics. 2. Vibrancy of Color One of the standout features of Golden Open Acrylics is their vibrant color. The pigment strength in these acrylics is impressive, providing artists with bright, bold colors that can make landscapes come to life. This vibrancy is on par with, and sometimes even surpasses, traditional acrylics, making it a compelling choice for painters who prioritize color intensity. I was very impressed with the vibrancy. In many ways, this quality makes up for some of the things I love about oils. If I am required to use acrylics, I am not left disappointed with these acrylics due to the wow factor of the color. 3. Practicality for Plein Air Painting Golden Open Acrylics offers practical advantages for landscape painters who enjoy painting en plein air. Unlike oils, which can be cumbersome and require mediums that may not be travel-friendly, Golden Open Acrylics are easier to transport and work with on location. They dry faster than oils but still give artists enough time to blend and refine their work, making them a good option for outdoor painting sessions. I must qualify this by saying that Open acrylics dry faster, but not that fast. You will still need to take precautions when transporting your painting as the paint will be wet for hours, not minutes. A wet panel carrier, for instance, will be required. If this is inconvenient, then traditional acrylics will be better for you. 4. Easier for Traveling Golden Open Acrylics are a more convenient option than oils for artists who travel frequently, whether for workshops, painting retreats, or simply to paint in different locations. They are easier to pack and don’t require hazardous materials like solvents, which can be problematic when flying. Solvents are not essential for oils these days, but a bottle of linseed oil and some cleaning solution are still required. Nothing can be simpler than a bottle of water for acrylics, though. This makes them a popular choice for artists who need a versatile, portable medium. 5. Improved Workability for Acrylic Painters Acrylic painters who have struggled with traditional acrylics' fast-drying nature will appreciate the increased workability that Golden Open Acrylics provides. The extended open time allows for more complex techniques, such as glazing, scumbling, and wet-on-wet blending, often associated with oil painting. Cons of Golden Open Acrylics 1. Not a True Replacement for Oils While Golden Open Acrylics offer many benefits, they are not a true replacement for oil paints. Despite the longer drying time, they still feel and behave like acrylics, which can be a drawback for artists who are deeply accustomed to the texture and workability of oils. The tactile experience of painting with oils, the ability to build up thick impasto layers, and the subtle blending achievable with oils are aspects that Golden Open Acrylics cannot fully replicate. 2. Limited Texture and Body Golden Open Acrylics have a softer consistency compared to heavy body acrylics or oils. This means that the medium may feel limiting for artists who enjoy building texture in their work. While building texture with these acrylics is possible, the results may not have the same rich, dimensional quality that oils can provide. I am not going to start using texture gels and mediums with acrylics. This is not necessary if you understand the qualities of acrylics. Besides, the extra cost and faff are off-putting to me. 3. Longer Drying Time Can Be a Double-Edged Sword While the extended drying time is a benefit in many cases, it can also be a drawback. Artists who are used to the fast-drying nature of traditional acrylics might find that the slower drying time of Golden Open Acrylics disrupts their workflow. Additionally, in humid environments, the drying time may be extended even further, which could be frustrating for those who prefer a quicker pace. The debate continues, but acrylic painters have many options now, which is a plus. 4. Surface Shine and Finish Golden Open Acrylics dry with a more satin finish, which may not be desirable for all landscape artists. Oils naturally have a richer, more varied finish depending on how they are applied, and this subtle variation is something that some artists may miss when using Golden Open Acrylics. While I am disappointed when I see acrylics dry this way, I know that a coat of retouch varnish fixes the problem. I varnish all my paintings, so this takes care of the satin-finish issue. A Versatile Option, But Not a Replacement Golden Open Acrylics are a fantastic medium for landscape painters. They offer an excellent balance between the fast-drying nature of traditional acrylics and the workability of oils. However, they should not be seen as a direct replacement for oils. Instead, they provide acrylic painters more flexibility and offer a more fine art result than pop art. This alone may justify the extra cost of these premium paints. Golden Open Acrylics are an excellent choice for plein air painters and those who travel frequently due to their portability and ease of use. The vibrancy of color and improved blending capabilities also make them appealing to artists looking to push the boundaries of what acrylics can do. Ultimately, the choice between Golden Open Acrylics and oils will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the project at hand. While Golden Open Acrylics tick many boxes for landscape painters, they won’t fully replicate the experience of working with oils. But for those who need a more adaptable acrylic option, they are certainly worth exploring. Start Your Acrylic Painting Adventure
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AuthorMalcolm Dewey: Artist. Country: South Africa 
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