What first inspired me to paint with coffee?
How did it all get started? I have been painting with espresso coffee for over ten years.
Years ago it came to my attention that many people loved looking at my coffee paintings but insisted they could not paint. It was my impression impression that they were afraid. They didn’t paint but loved coffee so I put the two together. I’ve been teaching coffee painting for several years. In workshops and private lessons people are able to let go and enjoy painting. People are not afraid to paint because they don’t think of coffee as paint.
I call Coffee Paint “user-friendly” and continue to witness blocked artists releasing their hidden creativity. It is satisfying to see people let go in a comfortable atmosphere and surprise themselves with their dorment talent and uncover coffee masterpieces.
My First Coffee Exhibit Experience inspired my Coffee Painting Elevator Speech
People are not afraid to paint with coffee because it is not paint.
In 2015 the Marin Independent Journal published a two page spread about how I was using coffee as a painting medium. I invite you to watch the video of the interview.
What are Stop Stories?
Painting with coffee breaks through long held personal fears about painting. I call these deeply ingrained fears Stop Stories and everyone who says “I can’t paint” has a stop story holding their creative expression hostage. People are not afraid to paint with coffee because it is not paint.
I heard a repeated dialogue with viewers and it grabbed my attention. I kept hearing "Oh, I wish I could do that." I began to think that they could paint. They were just too afraid. My next question always caught them off-guard. "Oh, do you paint?" and the immediate reply was always "No, I'm terrible or I can't even draw a straight line." My next question was "Do you drink coffee?" Followed by “Oh, yes, I love it." That was when I began to see the possibility of their own creativity being released. Once people realized that I was using "real" coffee to paint with a new possibility opened in their minds. I realized just about everyone has a “stop-story” and I was drawn to start my Coffee Painting Workshops
I work one-on-one with homebound or isolated older adults and seniors. Individuals benefitting from specialized company and connection. What I offer ranges between sincere companionship to engaging people to become aware of and enjoy their own inner resources. When appropriate I teach Painting With Coffee to release creative blocks. The therapeutic benefits from painting is a special touch love to see happen.