Painting with coffee in three basic steps.

Step #1 Paint a simple shape with coffee

Paint a simple shape with coffee

Paint a simple shape with coffee

Paint the first layer I suggest painting a single leaf but any simple shape will work if you don’t have a leaf.  It can be a circle or triangle – anything to just get started!
Begin by lightly drawing around the edges of the leaf with a pencil. This will establish the edges of where you paint the first layer. Think of it as a page in a coloring book and you will be more at ease about where you will paint. Once the first layer is painted and has dried you can erase the pencil. It is important to let the paper completely dry before you go forward.

Things to pay attention to:

The Left Image shows the first layer painted inside the pencil outline. The Right Image shows how the leaf will develop as more layers and details are painted. Layer by layer the leaf takes form.

The Left Image shows the first layer painted inside the pencil outline. The Right Image shows how the leaf will develop as more layers and details are painted. Layer by layer the leaf takes form.

• The first layer must be completely dry before adding more paint. I recommend having a hairdryer handy because this will speed up the whole process and keep you focused on your progress. If the layer you have just been working on is not completely dry and any new paint added will will just blend into the damp paper. Your new strokes will not be sharp because they will be soaked up by the still wet under layer. This is a Big Deal to remember.

• There may be some remaining pencil lines that could not be erased. This occurs when coffee has been painted over the pencil lines and they become sealed in. Try to keep your initial outlining as light as possible. Remember it is just a guide and not meant to be seen in your final painting.

• Keep in mind that It is OK if some pencil still shows because it can add character to the edges.  Any remaining pencil lines may also be intentionally covered with darker coffee.

Follow this link for the next two steps CoffeeArtWorks.com