A Journey Redirected

Chris Relitz, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, spent 25 years working as a Registered Nurse before a workplace assault brought that career to an unexpected end. The incident caused permanent damage to his eyes and the parts of his brain that process vision. It was a devastating turn of events, leaving him feeling hopeless—until he discovered a light at the end of the tunnel... coffee!

The Discovery of Coffee Painting

It was Chris' friend who originally brought up the concept of painting with coffee. Shortly afterward, Chris began having vivid dreams that showed him exactly how to do it.

When he finally dipped a paintbrush into coffee and began creating, something remarkable happened. His first piece turned out fantastic. His second was better, and his third was even better yet!

There was no evolution to my coffee painting, it arrived fully intact. 

That was in March of 2023. Since then, Chris has produced and sold over 200 coffee paintings, with his work found on nearly every continent (just waiting on Antarctica!). His art can also be found in Black Spruce Galleries in Saskatchewan and Fallen Leaf Gallery in Alberta.

From Doodles to Masterpieces

Long before he ever considered himself an artist, Chris was a doodler. He often filled pages with sketches of superheroes, though he never considered his drawings particularly skilled. Ironically, he once feared paintbrushes—until he discovered what they could do when dipped in coffee.

Creating coffee paint isn’t as simple as pouring a fresh cup. It requires simmering for days with constant stirring until the brew becomes thick enough to control on paper. 

Chris believes that his eye injury gave him a unique ability to work in a monochromatic medium. Everything he creates comes to life in warm tones of brown. 

Yes, I consume a lot of coffee while working on a piece, yes, I often dip my brush in my coffee instead of the water cup.

Rampage Coffee: A New Discovery

In his exploration of different brews, Chris has found that Rampage Coffee produces the deepest and most powerful tones he’s ever worked with. Though never intended as an artistic medium, it penetrates paper with an intensity unlike any other roast. 

Commissions, Collectors, and Recognition

Today, Chris’s artwork sells at professional gallery prices, with one of his recent pieces valued at over $1,300. His custom commission work is highly sought after, often requiring a six-month to one-year waiting list.

Despite international recognition, Chris maintains a personal connection with his audience, sharing his art and journey primarily through Facebook and Instagram.

Closing Thoughts

Chris Relitz’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. What began as a tragic end to a long nursing career transformed into a new beginning in the art world. Armed with brushes, creativity, and the world’s favorite beverage, Chris has turned coffee into a medium for storytelling, memory, and inspiration.

From a cup to a canvas, his journey proves that beauty can emerge from even the darkest circumstances.

Find Chris Relitz on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BLXqpAcFX/

Find Chris Relitz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_relitz_art?igsh=MTlzZWo2YzluYjZuag==

Enter to win an exclusive one-of-a-kind bundle that includes Chris' coffee painting, plus free coffee for a year!

Shop to Enter: https://drink.rampagecoffee.com/coffeepaintinggiveaway2025/