Artist Uses Wine and Coffee to Create Unique Paintings

When you think of making art, a set of brushes and tubes of paint probably come to mind. But one artist in Taiwan is proving that creativity doesn’t need a traditional setup—just some everyday drinks and a bit of imagination.

Artist Lin Jinda used black tea, red wine, and coffee to paint a nude portrait, employing items like chopsticks, spoons, and stainless steel utensils to apply and manipulate the colorful liquids directly on paper.

Painting With Everyday Beverages

Lin Jinda, chairman of the Jiujui Art Association in Caotun, demonstrated his unusual technique during an exhibition at the Qingshui Complex Restaurant in Nantou City. Instead of using conventional paints, he dipped chopsticks and spoons into red wine and black tea, applying the liquids to paper and using stainless steel spoon handles to spread the pigments into artistic shapes.

The artist built up layers by tilting the paper to let the tea and wine flow naturally, then used chopsticks to pull fine lines. For added texture and tone, he sprinkled coffee grounds onto still-wet areas—specifically to deepen the brown hues on a nude figure’s face.

How the Technique Works

Lin employed common household items as tools: bamboo chopsticks, metal spoons, and even spoon handles to manipulate the pigments. He used black tea and red wine as primary color sources, exploiting their natural pigmentation to form base washes and highlights.

To create definition, he tilted the paper to guide the liquids’ movement, and used chopsticks to draw precise lines. He applied coffee powder directly to wet areas, allowing it to adhere and darken certain features, notably enhancing the tone of a portrait’s facial area. The entire composition relied on the liquids' natural behavior—diffusion, pooling, and drying patterns—all carefully guided by hand.

Limitations and Longevity

Lin was quick to point out that while the results are eye-catching, they’re not permanent. Since the medium consists of actual beverages—not manufactured paints—the artwork is prone to fading over time due to oxidation, especially if left unframed or exposed to air. He emphasized that viewers should understand these pieces are experimental, meant to merge daily life with artistic expression.

“You can’t touch the painting before it’s dry,” he said, “or the coffee and wine will run.” His trials show that even basic drinks can serve as artistic tools, accessible to anyone with a sheet of paper and a drink at hand.

Why This Matters to Creatives

This technique democratizes art-making. It suggests that creativity doesn’t require specialized supplies. With just colored liquids—like tea or coffee—and simple tools, anyone can explore painting without barriers. Lin’s work invites people to see their kitchen cupboards or dining tables as potential art studios.

His process uses no expensive materials, relying solely on beverages and improvised tools such as chopsticks and spoons. This approach could inspire artists, teachers, or hobbyists to experiment with non-toxic, low-cost media in casual settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of drinks did the artist use to paint?

The artist used black tea, red wine, and coffee as his primary painting liquids. He applied them directly to the paper and manipulated their flow using chopsticks and spoons.

What tools did he use to apply the liquids?

Lin Jinda used bamboo chopsticks, metal spoons, and stainless steel spoon handles to apply and spread the tea, wine, and coffee on the paper.

How did he add details like lines and shading?

He tilted the paper to let the liquids flow naturally for shading, and used chopsticks to pull thin, precise lines. Coffee powder was sprinkled onto wet areas to add texture and deepen tones.

Did he use any actual paint or only beverages?

He did not use conventional paint. The entire artwork was created using black tea, red wine, and coffee as the pigments, making it a truly beverage-based painting.

Is the artwork permanent?

No, because the medium is made of natural beverages, it is prone to fading and smudging over time, especially if not framed or properly protected from air exposure.

Can anyone try this technique?

Yes, Lin’s method is designed to be accessible. All you need is some colored beverages (like tea or coffee), paper, and basic tools like chopsticks or spoons to start experimenting.

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