There’s something incredibly special about the act of using fresh espresso in my artwork—a choice that’s not just practical but deeply rooted in my process, philosophy, and respect for the art of coffee itself. I often get asked, “Why not use instant coffee or old coffee grounds?” I’d love to share the significance I see behind using fresh espresso as a medium.
Coffee art is about more than just creating an image on paper; it’s about connection and collaboration with the medium itself. When I work with freshly pulled espresso, I’m working with coffee in its most vibrant, authentic state. The rich, earthy tones and natural oils in fresh espresso provide a depth and unpredictability that simply can’t be replicated with pre-made or instant coffee. Each shot has unique qualities, and just like any good art material, fresh espresso has its own texture, richness, and personality that adds life to the work.
Using fresh espresso also honors the artistry of the coffee-making process. Every shot is a small masterpiece in itself, carefully balanced in terms of grind size, pressure, timing, and temperature. I have so much respect for skilled baristas, who truly are artists in their won right, carefully calibrating each of these elements to achieve the perfect shot. When I use that shot to create art, it’s like carrying forward that intention and expertise into a new form. This connection to the coffee’s craftsmanship inspires me every time I pick up my brush.
The fresh espresso is also key to the control I have (or sometimes, don’t have!) on the paper. Its natural oils help me achieve the contrast, richness, and detail that brings each piece to life. Older or instant coffee lacks these qualities, often bleeding out and losing details or resulting in a sticky page, which diminishes the expressiveness and quality of the final artwork. Fresh espresso, on the other hand, gives me both vibrant tones and the ability to layer details, adding depth and personality to each painting while staying true to the coffee itself. I aim to give it the respect it deserves.
I’ve always loved the sense of community and creativity that coffee shops bring. Painting with fresh espresso, especially when it’s prepared right in front of me at a local, third wave coffee shop, connects me to that atmosphere. It’s a humbling reminder of my early days of finding refuge in cozy coffee shops, surrounded by the warmth of people and stories. Each painting session becomes a shared experience, a reflection of that environment. By working with fresh espresso, I fell I’m able to capture that grounded energy, translating it onto the paper in a way that feels true to my journey and my art. Having the joy of talking to the other visitors at the shop and sharing what I’m working on is all part of the fun! Honestly, I feel that all artists would greatly benefit from stepping out of their comfort zone to practice their art in a public place. You never know what kind of doors might open when the right individual passes by you and your work!
So, why fresh espresso? Because it’s alive, vibrant, and authentic—qualities I hope to capture in my art. It’s a choice that’s equal parts respect for the coffee itself, for the craft of coffee-making, and for the grounded, imperfect beauty of the medium. When I paint with fresh espresso, I’m inviting you to see coffee as I do: not just as a drink, but as a partner in creation, a source of inspiration, and a medium that holds depth, warmth, and unpredictability.