Reporting in from Shetland.

[d_Guy]

FWIW (for my painting results are far from impressive)
I use a 1:1 mix of Elmer's white glue and  water which is then brushed on to the painting stick (tongue depressor).
This holds well but the figures will release fairly easily.

I usually use +3.00 diopter reading glasses (you can see over them to see your paint palette easily) and can be had cheap.
When working on figure mods I use these things:
https://www.amazon.com/LEMONBEST-Magnifier-Jeweler-Magnifying-Glasses/dp/B010FOSA0W/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1488208409&sr=8-4&keywords=Magnifier+glasses