What are the Most common questions asked about painting with coffee?

When I exhibit my coffee paintings I enjoy hiding 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 Ah-Ah moment because it is something they’ve never considered before. This opens questions. People love to talk about the unexpected possibilities painting with coffee offers. It offers a comfortable way for folks to be at ease talking about Art.

• 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 coffee should be stored in the refrigerator. It will keep for weeks but if left “still” mold may appear.

• 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, especially watercolor paintings 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. I sometimes use instant coffee 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 all over the world have been painting with coffee for many years.

• Is it necessary to fix the coffee painting in any way?
  No. Coffee is far more permanent than watercolor. Have you ever tried to wash spilled coffee from your clothing?

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

• 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 to paint with.

• 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 most watercolor paints. When liquid coffee is allowed to dry it becomes a form of watercolor paint. The painting technique is the same as watercolor painting but simplified because coffee is monochromatic. One shade of brown offers unexpected textures and depth with an earthy organic look. Painting with coffee offers more freedom than traditional watercolor making it a looser and more easily approached form of painting.

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

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