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Michael Robinson

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As some of us are getting older how do you tackle eyesight problems with painting ? Of course glasses is the answer but sometimes it is not quite enough. Anybody having tips ?

Michael Robinson

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Put gin in the water to stop it freezing.

Angela Kingham

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Drink the gin...water is over-rated

Claire Bartlett

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can you drink the gin after using it for painting? :-S

Angela Kingham

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Drink the gin while the water freezes? NB Ouzo if stored in the fridge crystallizes...you only do it once.

Michael Robinson

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Sorry, I meant to put the gin in the water to stop the water freezing. The way I phrased it, you might thing I meant to stop the gin freezing. Didn't David Bellamy use gin to defrost his washes in a blizzard somewhere on the upper reaches of Cadar Idris?! Pretty hard core plein air! It only needs a drop, but you put it in the wash water so I expect some of the pigments are more toxic to imbibe than the gin. Gin and hypertherma really don't mix either so I wouldn't counsel it. Straight up, you can definitely have more fun without alcoholic bevvies anyway! Booze is well over-rated.

Michael Robinson

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I always put ice and a slice in my gin.........then start painting. Much better results :D
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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Does Gin freeze? I know Vodka doesn't since I've stored it in my freezer and it just gurgles out like honey.... Adding gin to water stops it freezing, but I really don't have the strength of purpose to add it to painting water; I think it repels washes to produce interesting effects but blow that - I'd much rather drink it, with lime, lemon, ice cubes, and a splash of tonic. Frankly, if you can't paint a watercolour with paint, water, a paper towel, plus a bit of salt and a sharp knife, you just aren't trying - you only need the gin as a consolation if you can't paint at all. Still - gin and tonic is the greatest analgesic I know - until tomorrow morning. So - imbibe! It might even help your paintingl

Diana Hudson

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When I lived in Germany we used to use Vodka to de-ice our car windscreens; cheaper that regular de-icer and worked better.

Michael Robinson

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I've painted my Xmas cards in the warmth using photos for inspiration. At my age I don't want to risk falling so I avoid going out int he snow as far as possible. Incidentally any alcohol would do to act as an anti freeze but it would be a crime to use single malt whiskey!