Frequently Asked Questions about Painting with Coffee

When I exhibit my coffee paintings in a show I enjoy taking a place on the sidelines where I can watch people look at my coffee paintings and listen to their comments. It continues to surprise me when I see how often people are shocked when they realize I use real coffee and not paint. It's an AHAH moment and often it is something they’ve never heard of before. The curiosity and the questions start. People love to talk about the unexpected possibilities painting with coffee offers.

• How did I become a coffee painter?
  My love of drinking coffee goes back to my teens. Years later I was the barista in a coffee house while taking art classes on the side. I couldn’t resist my temptation to try painting with espresso. I became a coffee painter.

• Is Coffee Paint?
  Yes, it is similar to watercolor painting.

• Do you use coffee grounds?
  Never and many people assume that I do. I use strong black coffee in both liquid and dried form.

• Can unused coffee be saved?
  For best results both dried and liquid coffee should be stored in the refrigerator. It will keep indefinitely when refrigerated.

• Will coffee paintings fade in time?
  Not much, if at all. I have some coffee paintings that are 25 years old and have not faded. I do recommend keeping your art out of direct sunlight.

• Is there a special kind of coffee to paint with?
  I use single shots of espresso. Liquid form for washes and sun-dried for darkening. House coffee will work but it requires more layers because it is not concentrated.

• What about painting with Instant coffee?
  I have found that most coffee painters use Instant coffee. Instant coffee is good for a back up but I prefer strong espresso.

• Did you invent painting with coffee?
  No, painting with coffee is not my original idea. People have been painting with coffee for many years.

• Is it necessary to fix the coffee painting in any way?
  No. Have you ever tried to wash spilled coffee from your clothing?

• Do you need to frame coffee art under glass?
  Consider the same issue as you would with a watercolor painting. I usually frame my paintings to protect them from dirt and dust - not from fading.

• Is there a difference in the espresso from different companies
  No, I have experimented and painted with all of the Bay Area coffee companies and they are basically all the same.

• What makes painting with coffee easy?
  Working with just one color simplifies the painting experience. Painting with coffee is mostly about adding layers. It offers something for all levels of painting experience.

• What do I need to get started?
  At the very least - Coffee, Paint Brush and Paper.

• Can coffee be used with other mediums?
  Yes, I mix coffee with wine, pencil and turmeric. Blending pencil lead with coffee produces an unexpected metallic look.

• Is painting with coffee different from watercolor?
  Not really. The basic techniques are similar. Coffee has a certain organic texture not found in watercolor paints.

Chart showing the color variations created with layers of coffee painted on watercolor paper.

Do you have questions about painting with coffee. Contact me.