Painting with Vodka
I add vodka to my waterbrushes to help keep them from freezing, a trick I learned from the journals of Edward WIlson. He traveled to Antarctica with Robert Scott in the early 1900s, unfortunately dying there in 1912 on their ill-fated attempt to reach the South Pole. Wilson was a doctor, ornithologist, and artist whose work continues to inspire me.
from Diary of the Terra Nova Expedition to the Antarctica 1910-1912
8 Responses to “Painting with Vodka”
KerowynA
I am very interested in your warm and cool palettes, and I am wondering if you would consider posting about that some time, about your paint and color choices.
It’s been thrilling to read your dispatches from Greenland! Thanks for bringing us along on the adventure.
Maria
I’ll be posting on my palette choices soon. Thanks for following my adventure!
Karen P
Hi Maria, I’m sure this is an obvious question: How much vodka; what’s the ratio of vodka to water? -Thanks!
Maria
Hi Karen,
In the real cold, I’ve just been using straight vodka! Sometimes I use gin, too. When I do mix with water, it’s typically in the range of fifty-fifty or 3/4 alcohol. Another idea is to bring a thermos with some warm water. At some point, I just give in and use pencil with color notes, then complete the piece under shelter. Experiment and see what works for you! I’d love to hear about your experiences.
Doug Grosjean
It seems a shame to waste alcohol that’s worth drinking.
Would rubbing alcohol be practical instead?
Maria
Hi Doug, you have a point there. I think rubbing alcohol would work fine, just be sure to experiment with dilutions. Strong alcohol can damage paper. With gin or vodka, I often do about 50/50.
Mitch
According to the following article, the drinkable alcohol is the stuff to use: https://goo.gl/ahs35i
Ethanol freezes at -173 °F, whereas isopropanol freezes at -127 °F. Ethanol also mixes far more readily with water.
Maria
Good to know!