Creating Complex Tulip Latte Art

Techniques for Accurate Tulip Latte Art

In continuation of the last article, we will explore more complex tulips that include three or more elements. There are some nuances in drawing such tulips, which I’ll explain below. 

Technique for Drawing a Complex Tulip

These tulips are best created using a pitcher with a fairly wide spout. 

Start pouring as usual, but begin placing the elements earlier. The timing depends on the number of elements.

Place the first element in the center, but try to push it slightly forward.

Leave about one centimeter of space from the wall of the cup. If you push it too far, the element may blend into the wall and blur when adding the next elements. Avoid making the first element too large, as it will naturally expand. A width of about two to three centimeters is enough.

Begin placing the next element about one centimeter away from the first, and push it slightly forward so that it blends into the first element.

Pushing

In a double tulip, this isn’t a critical step. However, the more elements you add, the more important it is to push each element deeper into the design. Start each element slightly earlier and move the pitcher forward, embedding the element deeper into the cup. Visually, this will look as if the pitcher is brushing the side of the cup.

How Far to Push?

You can push elements quite forcefully, but this is challenging and not always necessary. Excessive pushing can submerge the element or displace it, which should be avoided.

In general, pushing always carries a slight risk of submerging or misplacing the element.

Tilt plays a crucial role in pushing. Tilt the pitcher as close to the surface as possible. Push the first element deeply, the second a bit less, the third even less, and so on, until the final elements are simply placed without much pressure.

Effort

To create a complex tulip, carefully control the pressure of the milk as it pours onto the surface. Start with a smooth pour for the first element. Gradually increase the pressure towards the end to widen the element. Use slightly sharper pressure for subsequent elements, but always increase pressure progressively for a balanced design. Each element follows the same principle.

In general, ensure a gradual increase in pressure as the pitcher moves. 

Errors and Nuances

1. Excessive Pressure:
   If you apply too much pressure at once, the element will stretch into a "bunny ear" shape instead of expanding smoothly.

2. Tilt:

If the tilt is too shallow, much of the element will sink, making it smaller than intended. 

3. Oversized First Element:

If the first element is too large, you must carefully manage the remaining milk. Otherwise, you might run out of foam before completing the design. Always reserve 10-15 ml of milk at the bottom of the pitcher to ensure the final strike is well-defined.

4. Timing Between Pours:

There should be minimal time between infusions. Avoid fully readjusting the pitcher or pulling it back after each element, as this wastes precious seconds. Simply pause the pour…

...reposition the pitcher slightly...

 ...and continue with the next element.

Speed of Infusion:

The faster you pour each element, the more smoothly the tulip will spread across the surface, creating a crisp and harmonious pattern.

5. Pressure vs. Tilt:

Many believe that the volume of the design depends solely on pressure, but that’s not entirely true. Tilt and the distance between the spout and the surface also play critical roles. Keep the spout as close to the surface as possible for optimal results. 

Pay attention to how much milk is used for each subsequent element. With each infusion, use progressively less milk, carefully laying out the foam to ensure clarity in the design.

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