Coffee stain technique

Backgrounds prepared with coffee grounds and Conté dust produce many unexpected patterns. The technique adds interest to artwork and is equally good for a carefully prepared drawing as it is for a quick, casual sketch. A materials list is provided which includes a variety of surface choices. The article provides step-by-step directions for the preparation of an attractive coffee-stained background, gives detailed instructions describing how to transfer a sketch, offers tips for drawing with Conté and carbon pencils and tells how to apply highlights.