Most of my realism coffee paintings contain between 6 and 9 cups of coffee. However, my coffee abstractions can contain up to 170 cups of coffee.
I have been painting with coffee exclusively as my primary medium since the fall of 2008.
The quick answer is "no".
One of the long time traditional tools of watercolor painters is "frisket" or "masking"... Long
ago I occasionally used rubber cement or a commercial latex frisket to protect small or thin
areas of my paintings.
(A watercolorist applies these types of "masks", paint the painting and remove the masking
material to reveal the "once more" white paper.)
However, I found that using a mask, produced what I felt, was too "harsh" of an edge.
Therefore, I no longer use masking techniques, but instead, I more carefully plan my
painting and systematically
paint around any white highlights I want to remain. This provides a "softer" edge and more
character.
Some of my earlier realism paintings are actually framed behind glass. However, as I continued to develop my technique, one of the aspects I wanted to enhance was the painting's final display. Placing the painting behind glass is a current traditional way of displaying watercolors, yet, its difficult, even with gallery level lighting, to ensure that the viewer will not deal with glare or undesired reflections. In addition, my originals take on an almost "leather" texture and depth due to the multiple layers of coffee. This texture was difficult to fully appreciate when the original was displayed behind glass. Therefore, I began an in depth and scientific search as to how and what the "Old Masters" used to protect their work. As a result, I was able to develop an archival process of sealing my paintings in multiple layers of non-water base coatings along with a final UV protective surface. The process completely seals the original and allows for routine dusting with a soft cloth, but most importantly, permits the viewer to get right up on the painting and view the texture. The coatings are fully "Archival" and could be removed and reapplied by a skilled conservationist in much the same manor as is performed on original oil paintings.
The original sealed painting is mounted to a sturdy panel and framed with a high quality wooden frame. Most of the original paintings have a coffee accent border around the image area which provides a natural matte. I also sign, title and indicate the coffee used in the painting.
I start with a professional high quality stretched canvas. During the painting process I let the coffee drip and flow along the edges. After the painting is finished and completely dry I apply multiple thin coats of protective coatings to seal and protect the painting. The painting, sadly, no longer smells of coffee, but it is archival and stable. I also sign and date the back of the canvas documenting the coffee I used in the painting.
I have painted with the following coffees
Barnie's Coffee & Tea®,
Cafe Bustelo®,
Cafe Pilon®,
Douwe Egberts®,
Dunkin Donuts®,
Folgers®,
Jayells Coffee, 3rd Wave Coffee Roasters,
Peet's Coffee®,
Seattle's Best®,
Starbucks®,
THR!VE Farmers® Coffee
Yes. I am always looking for new coffees to try, not only in my cup, but also on the paper. And would welcome other coffee companies to contact me about working with their products.
