Crafted using coffee on watercolor paper.

Pareidolia Coffee Illustration

Each illustration is crafted by utilizing the fluidity of watercolor paper and the unpredictability of coffee stains. The process begins with selecting cold or hot press watercolor paper. The surface of the paper is then stained with coffee, using a variety of techniques such as flicking, dripping, dragging or brushing to create unique patterns, texture, and edges.

As the coffee dries, I carefully observe the subtle forms, hues and tonal variations, allowing my imagination to conjure up figures, creatures and landscapes hidden within the stains. I bring my creations to life by skillfully applying archival ink to outline the characters and backgrounds.

Started these in 2015 in between other mediums I was learning. These are some of my favorite pieces and such a fun way to let your brain dig deep. I have stared at a coffee stain for hours before even drawing just running through the possibilities of what I see. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do . Thank you!


How it's done

#23 Dr. Twenty Zero 2023

Process of the watercolor paper being stained.

#9 Forest Dragon Vet 2016 top(before) bottom (after)

#6 Bocachoo Forest 2015

Coffee Stains before inking

Gallery /Volume 1 #1 - 24

Surreal ink and coffee illustration
Surreal ink and coffee illustration
Stylized ink drawing of a fantasy bear warrior wearing armor in a vintage watercolor style.
Stylized ink drawing of a fantasy bear warrior wearing armor in a vintage watercolor style.

#1 Strange No Where Travels Archival Ink/ Coffee 2015

#2 Hondo 05 Battle Bear Archival Ink/ Coffee 2015

Surreal coffee stain art featuring a giant insect creature with small humanoid companions in an intricate ink drawing.
Surreal coffee stain art featuring a giant insect creature with small humanoid companions in an intricate ink drawing.

3.Poppa Spider Bee and Lemmins Archival Ink/ Coffee 2015

Coffee ink illustration of a cat, a man in a hat, and a house hidden behind a tree with sepia tones.
Coffee ink illustration of a cat, a man in a hat, and a house hidden behind a tree with sepia tones.

#4 The Cat Who Cured the Lonely Treehouse Merchant Archival Ink/ Coffee 2015

Surreal coffee stain art featuring a woman with flowing hair among vintage street lamps and abstract shapes.
Surreal coffee stain art featuring a woman with flowing hair among vintage street lamps and abstract shapes.

#5 Nothing but a Memory Archival Ink/ Coffee 2015

#6 Bocachoo Forest Archival Ink/ Coffee 2015

#7 Demon King Kawazu Archival Ink/ Coffee 2015

coffee art coffee illustration
coffee art coffee illustration

#8 Mr. Fuji, Nixi & the Reaper Archival Ink/ Coffee 2015

Fantasy illustration of travelers with a cat standing next to a large, rocky dragon creature in a sepia ink style.
Fantasy illustration of travelers with a cat standing next to a large, rocky dragon creature in a sepia ink style.

#9 Forest Dragon Vet Archival Ink/ Coffee 2015

#10 Don't Lose Your Way Archival Ink/ Coffee 2016

#11 Troll Kings Yawan' Strange Discovery Archival Ink/ Coffee 2016

#12 Seraph Elizabeth & the Curse of the Demon Glove Archival Ink/ Coffee 2016

#13 Dragon Clan of the West Archival Ink/ Coffee 2016

#14 Dr. Gerard the 3rd Archival Ink/ Coffee 2017

#15 Sky Warrior Edion's Last Mission Archival Ink/ Coffee 2017

#16 Princess Vee meets with Demon Sage Mr-Kano Archival Ink/ Coffee 2017

#17 Shi-Yama & Mara the Collectors of Dreams Archival Ink/ Coffee 2017

#18 Princess Magi Smokescreen Archival Ink/ Coffee 2018

#19 Kappa the Lily Pad Merchant Archival Ink/ Coffee 2018

#20 Breshma's Final Stand Archival Ink/ Coffee 2019

#21 Mengar Archival Ink/ Coffee 2019

#22 Em Evas Archival Ink/ Coffee 2019

#23 Dr Twenty Zero Archival Ink/ Coffee 2020

#24 Mizu Warrior 91 Archival Ink/ Coffee 2023

Videos made in Adobe Premiere/After Effects.

Volume 2 - Coffee Illustrations coming SOON

#19 Kappa the Lily Pad Merchant

#22 Em Evas

#17 Shi-Yama & Mara the Collectors of Dreams

Move the Slider! Far left reveals the before stain, far right reveals the finish inked illustration

MARC CRAVEN

CRAVENCOMMISSIONS@GMAIL.COM