Single Espresso

"Single Espresso," oil on birch panel, 6"x8" - sold

Paris Coffee Cup

"Paris Break," oil on wood panel, 6"x6" - sold

Sometimes at the end of the day I have large piles of (mixed) paint on my palette.  But, since I mix medium into my paint, I usually do not use it the next day.  I have been working on two large paintings for weeks.  One of them has a limited color palette (Raw Sienna, Ultra Marine Blue, Alizarin, White, and a touch of Indian Yellow), leaving me with wonderful greys at the end of the day. 

Looking at the greys a few days ago, I thought of the photographs I took of coffee cups in Paris.  There are many interesting warm and cool colors, all in varying shades of lights and darks found in white cups and saucers.  For this small painting I wanted to keep my brush stokes fresh and loose.  I think it ended up being a good way to use up the paint.  (One of many double espressos I had.....this one with a spot of milk.  I loved that it came with sugar cubes.  So classic.)