Coffee Painting - How to Paint & Create stunning Coffee Art
Coffee Painting is exactly what it sounds like - creating art using
coffee instead of traditional paints. With just brewed coffee, water and a brush, artists can achieve stunning sepia-toned artwork. It is simple, affordable and most importantly, eco-friendly. Recently, coffee painting has gained popularity among artists, students and DIY enthusiasts.
Fashion Designers and illustrators are also embracing it, using coffee as a natural dye for fabrics and art pieces. With sustainability becoming a priority, coffee offers a chemical-free alternative to synthetic colours while adding a rich, earthy aesthetic.
The appeal of
coffee painting goes beyond professionals. Schools and workshops now encourage students to explore this medium, and social media is filled with DIY coffee art tutorials. Whether for a project, home decor or even fashion, coffee's organic hues make for a unique and creative experience. The best part is that it is not just about the results - it is about the process. The aroma of coffee, the unpredictability of stains, and the creativity it sparks make coffee painting more than just an art form. It is a refreshing way to experiment with sustainable creativity.
The Origins & Evolution of Coffee Painting
How Coffee Became an Art Medium
Coffee painting has been around for centuries, though its exact origins are unclear. What we do know is that artists from coffee-growing regions like
Indonesia and
Ethiopia started using brewed coffee as a pigment long before it became a recognised art form. Natural dyes were common in ancient art and coffee, with its deep brown hues, became an easy and accessible alternative to traditional inks.
As coffee spread globally, artists in Europe, particularly in
Italy and
France, experimented with it. Renaissance artists were known for trying new materials and while coffee painting wasn't widely documented then, it likely played a small role in early monochrome art. Today, with a shift toward sustainable art, coffee painting has made a strong comeback, valued for its organic appeal and unique texture.
Coffee Painting Around the World
In
Indonesia, coffee painting is more than just an art form - it's part of the culture. Local artists create stunning monochrome artworks using different coffee concentrations, often depicting traditional themes. In
Italy, where coffee is a way of life, artists use it to celebrate their deep-rooted coffee culture, often displaying their works in cafes and galleries. Beyond these countries, coffee painting has gained popularity worldwide, especially among eco-conscious artists. It's seen as a sustainable alternative to chemical-based paints, making it a favourite in contemporary art. The technique continues to evolve, blending creativity with an appreciation for natural materials. Coffee painting may have started as an experiment, but today, it stands as a testament to the versatility of this everyday beverage. Whether in traditional folk art or modern design, coffee continues to inspire artists globally.
The Best Coffee Paintings of 2025
African Traditions: Strength of Youth
The Art of Liquid Portraiture
Brewed Beauty: Coffee Fashion Portrait
Charlie Charlie's Coffee Colored World
Earth Tones and Floral Dreams
Flight of Innocence: A Boy Among Birds
Coffee-Stained: Where Birds Take Flight
The Man Behind the Equations
The Peace: Buddha's Lotus Meditation
Bare Branches Against Amber Skies
The Old Man's Story
Coffee Canvas: Her Artistic Moment
A Moment Captured in Brown Hues
Coffee Pup: Liquid Brown Eyes
Artistic Portrait in Warm Tones
Materials Required for Coffee Painting
What You Need to Get Started
- A pencil to sketch your painting
- Black pens, 3D outliner or markers - To add more details to your painting
- Types of Coffee (Light, Medium, Dark Roast) - Pure black instant coffee powder (Nescafe, Bru)
- Water & Plastic Cups
- Palette or a Mixing Bowl
- Watercolor Paper / Oslo Paper / Sketch Pad Paper / Canvas Sheet cut to the desired dimensions
- Different Paint Brushes - Flat Brush & Pointed Round Tip Brush
From Bean to Brushstroke: Step-by-Step Guide to Stunning Coffee Painting
- Step 1 : Prepare the Coffee Pigment - To create a coffee pigment, mix the coffee powder with water until you achieve the desired strength and concentration. The thicker the pigment, the darker the painting will be. Use a palette or a mixing dish to mix the coffee pigment and make sure it is smooth and consistent. At first you have to prepare 2 different shades of coffee - Light and Dark. To get the
- Light Shade - Mix 2 cups of water with a portion of coffee
- Dark Shade - Mix 1 cup of water with 2 portions of coffee
- Step 2 : Choose your Surface & Design - Select a surface that is suitable for coffee painting, such as paper or canvas. Explore your creativity and draw whatever you like on paper using the pencil. Sketch a design on the watercolor paper / canvas and retrace the outlines with a gold colored 3D outliner. After it's done, give it about 2 hours until it's completely dry.
- Step 3 : Start Painting - Using a brush, start painting the image or design with the coffee pigment. Start your first coat of paint with the light shade. You can use different brush strokes and techniques to create different effects and textures. Be patient and work slowly to create a detailed and intricate design. Make sure you spread the light shade evenly so that your paper doesn't get too soggy. Here is where using the watercolor paper makes the difference. This type of paper won't easily absorb water even after applying lot of it.
- Step 4 : Let it Dry - Once you have finished painting, let the coffee pigment dry completely. This may take several hours, depending on the thickness of the pigment and the surface you are using. Give sufficient time for the first coat to dry before applying the second coat.
- Step 5 : Add Shades & Highlights - By adding more or less water, you can adjust the concentration of the coffee pigment to create shades and highlights. Lighter shades are useful for highlighting specific areas of the painting, while darker shades can add depth and create shadows. Once the first coat has dried completely, you can begin applying the dark shade of coffee. This shade can be used to outline and emphasize details in your painting or to create shades and shadows. To blend the shades together, mix the dark shade with a lighter one. If a darker shade of brown is desired, continue adding coffee powder to the mixture and apply as needed. You can use black pens or markers to enhance the borders and edges.
- Step 6 : Protect your Artwork - When you are done with your painting, let the canvas dry for about 6 hours. To protect your coffee painting, you can use a fixative or a clear coat. This will prevent the coffee pigment from smudging and ensure that your artwork lasts for a long time. You can also apply a thin coat of varnish and protect your painting from dust.
Transforming Spilled Coffee into Stunning Masterpieces
Spilled Coffee into Flower and Leaves
Ship sailing in sea chased by an Octopus
Capturing the beauty of Eiffel Tower
An Elephant created with spilled coffee
Mastering the Art of Coffee Painting - Expert Tips & Tricks
- Experiment with different types of coffee to create unique shades and tones.
- Create different textures using splatter, dry-brushing and staining effects.
- Try painting on different surfaces such as fabric or wood for a more unique look.
- Use stencils or stamps to create a more intricate design.
- Be patient and take your time to create a detailed and intricate design.
- Use different layers to get a gradient effect.
- Try blending coffee with other mediums like charcoal, ink, gold leaf.
Notable Coffee Painting Artists & their Work
Sunshine Plata Alimagno - Dreamlike Coffee Art
Sunshine Plata Alimagno from the Philippines is known for her coffee-based paintings that capture
vintage Filipino life. She started using coffee as a medium when art supplies were expensive, turning it into her signature style. Her works feature sepia-toned landscapes and historical scenes, giving them a nostalgic charm.
Chase Hall - Exploring Identity with Coffee
American artist Chase Hall uses coffee grounds to explore race, identity and history. His portraits blend coffee stains with acrylics, creating raw, impactful visuals. Hall's art sparks conversations, making coffee more than just a medium - it becomes a statement.
Angel Sarkela-Saur - Coffee on Fabric
From Finland, Angel Sarkela-Saur takes coffee painting in a different direction by dyeing
textiles. Her works combine abstract patterns with fabric textures, resulting in earthy, tactile pieces. Her unique approach merges painting with textile art, gaining her global recognition.
Other Coffee Artists Making Waves
Karen Eland (USA) : Recreates classic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa using coffee.
Hong Yi (Malaysia) : Uses coffee stains and cups to create large-scale portraits.
Giulia Bernardelli (Italy) : Manipulates coffee spills to craft intricate designs.
These artists prove that coffee is more than just a drink - it's a tool for creativity and innovation.
Sunshine Plata Alimagno
Chase Hall
Angel Sarkela-Saur
Karen Eland
The Intersection of Coffee Painting & Fashion
- Coffee-Dyed Fabrics & Textiles - A Sustainable Alternative - Coffee-dyed fabrics are gaining popularity as a natural, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes. Unlike chemical-based dyes, coffee offers a biodegradable, toxin-free colouring method that creates warm, earthy tones. The process is simple - soak fabrics in brewed coffee, let them dry, and set the colour with vinegar. This technique works well on cotton, linen, silk and wool, making each piece unique. Fashion brands focused on sustainability are embracing coffee dyeing, proving that style and eco-conscious choices can go hand in hand.
- Hand-Painted Coffee Art on Clothing - A Natural Aesthetic - Coffee is also making its way into fashion through hand-painted designs. Artists use coffee as a natural pigment to create abstract patterns, florals, and vintage-inspired illustrations on clothing. Unlike machine prints, coffee-painted pieces have an organic, artisanal feel, making each design one of a kind. Independent designers and DIY fashion enthusiasts are driving this trend, offering unique jackets, scarves and even denim pieces painted with coffee stains. The appeal lies in its raw, earthy aesthetic and the personal touch it brings to fashion.
- Eco-Friendly Fashion Labels Experimenting with Coffee-Based Designs - Sustainable fashion brands are finding innovative ways to incorporate coffee into their collections. Some use coffee-dyed textiles, while others create natural prints with coffee pigments. Many brands even upcycle coffee waste, reducing environmental impact while creating unique, eco-friendly garments. As conscious consumerism grows, coffee-based fashion is becoming more than just a trend- it's a step towards responsible fashion.
- DIY Coffee Dyeing - Create your Own Coffee-Infused Fashion - DIY coffee dyeing is a simple and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe. Brew strong coffee, soak a white or neutral-coloured fabric, and let it sit until you achieve the desired shade. For patterns, try tie-dyeing, dip-dyeing, or using stencils. Finish with a vinegar rinse to set the colour. This method works on clothes, tote bags, scarves and fabric accessories, giving them a natural, vintage aesthetic. Plus, it's a great way to repurpose old clothing while reducing waste.
- The Future of Coffee in Fashion - From dyeing fabrics to painting designs, coffee is making waves in sustainable fashion. As more brands and consumers embrace natural alternatives, coffee-based fashion is here to stay. Whether you're experimenting with DIY projects or investing in eco-conscious clothing, coffee is proving to be more than just a beverage - it's a fashion statement.
Best Coffee Paintings of Wild Life & Animals
Panda incredibly painted using coffee
The Face of a Tiger
Turtle swimming in the sea
An Elephant's trumpet in the Jungle
Sustainability and the Future of Coffee Art
- Coffee Painting - A Green Alternative - Art and sustainability are coming together in coffee painting. Unlike traditional paints that contain chemicals, coffee is natural and biodegradable. It offers a creative way to express ideas while reducing environmental impact. As more people look for eco-friendly solutions, coffee painting is gaining traction as a sustainable art form.
- Turning Coffee Waste into Art - Most used coffee grounds end up in landfills, but they can be repurposed for art. Many artists now use dried coffee grounds for texture and leftover brewed coffee for shading. This simple shift helps minimise waste while creating unique artwork. It is an easy and effective way to make painting more sustainable.
- Is Coffee Painting the Future of Art? - What started as an experiment is now gaining recognition. With growing sustainability awareness, more artists are adopting coffee painting seriously. Social media has helped popularise it, making it accessible worldwide. In the future, it could become more mainstream, appearing in galleries, workshops, and even school curriculums.
Painting Emotions With Coffee
Emotions captured on face of a sad girl
A young girl trying to hide her tears
Girl happily siping her cup of coffee
Girl's face framed with messy hair
Coffee painting is more than just an art form - it is a creative and eco-friendly way to express yourself. Instead of relying on synthetic paints, this technique uses something as simple and natural as coffee. It is a small but meaningful step towards sustainability, proving that art does not have to come from expensive materials.
If you have never tried coffee painting before, now is the perfect time. All you need is coffee, water, and a brush - no fancy tools required. Experiment with different shades, play with textures and see where your creativity takes you. There are no rules, no pressure for perfection - just the freedom to create.
So, grab a brush, start painting, and share your work. Inspire others to see art in everyday things. Because sometimes, the best ideas come from the simplest materials.
