The Story Behind 'Between Tide and Sky': When Almond Flour and Coffee Became Art.

Between Tide and Sky. Framed, ready to hang 86x106cm

Where It All Began

Do you know that feeling when you look at someone close to you - a child, perhaps, or a younger member of your family - and you feel not only proud of them, but also slightly surprised by who they've become? That's exactly how I feel about Between Tide and Sky. It has taken on a life of its own, and its journey has been full of unexpected turns from the very beginning.

This painting began with a simple desire: I wanted to play with texture. My original plan was to use gesso to create the feeling of the sea bed, but when I reached for the gesso, I realised I'd run out. It was already late in the evening, so a trip to the beach to collect sand instead wasn't really an option. I could have waited until the next day. But when I'm painting, I'm completely immersed in the moment. Once inspiration arrives, I can't simply put it on hold in favour of practicality.

So I did what any determined artist might do - I went rummaging through my kitchen cupboards.

The first discovery was almond flour.

It wasn't what I had planned, but it had exactly the fine, grainy quality I was looking for. It felt perfect for creating the texture of a sandy sea bed with tiny, intriguing details hidden beneath the surface.

Then I realised something else wasn't quite right: the colour.

Again, I searched the kitchen.

Coffee, blue and happy accidents.

I don't actually drink coffee myself, but I always keep some for visitors. I made a cup, not to drink, but to paint with. I poured the beautiful mocha-coloured coffee across the canvas, allowing it to stain the surface with warm, earthy tones before introducing flowing blues.

Blue has always been a colour that speaks to me. In fact, last year I held my first solo exhibition, celebrating the many moods and emotions of blue. So watching those blues spread across the coffee-stained canvas felt wonderfully familiar.

By the end of the evening, I was standing in front of a painting covered with coffee, almond flour and paint. It clearly needed time. I left it overnight, excited to see what would greet me the next morning.

Discovering the painting.

Most of it had dried by then, and I helped the process along with a hairdryer before carefully scraping away much of the almond flour. What remained was something I hadn't anticipated: beautiful pockets of space and texture. Some areas invited new layers of colour, while others were left almost untouched, giving the eye somewhere to rest and, perhaps, somewhere to wonder.

One of my favourite details is the scattering of tiny yellow marks across the sea bed. They're subtle, but they bring the whole painting to life.

Once the painting was finished, I sealed it several times to ensure the remaining almond flour was fully protected from moisture, making it a stable and lasting part of the finished artwork.

A lucky painting

The day after I finished Between Tide and Sky, it was leased to help style a beautiful London flat that was about to go on the market.

The flat sold.

I'm fairly sure Between Tide and Sky is taking all the credit. 😉

Next, it will be exhibited at the Stables Art Gallery in Hastings as part of the Summer Exhibition, and afterwards it will be looking for its permanent home. Perhaps that's with you.

Between Tide and Sky will be on display at the Stables Art Gallery from 27 July to 26 September. If the painting speaks to you, I'd love for you to come and see it in person. It is available to purchase online or at the exhibition and will be ready to travel to its new home once the exhibition has finished.

Artwork Details

• Title: Between Tide and Sky

• Medium: Mixed media on canvas

• Framed: White wooden tray frame

• Size: 83 × 103 cm

• Price: £950

  
  

Thank you for taking the time to read the story behind this painting. I always enjoy sharing the unexpected paths that lead to a finished piece, and this one certainly reminds me that inspiration doesn't always come from an art shop - sometimes it begins in the kitchen cupboard.

If Between Tide and Sky has spoken to you, I'd love to hear from you.

Thank you for joining me behind the scenes. I look forward to sharing the next painting with you.

Warmest wishes

Kirsten