GTS Bourbon Whiskey George T. Stagg distillery painting process part 1

By Max Savaiko  on date 1/1/2024

So I started a podcast, really just one video episode on Spotify to cover the process for this painting. Episode 1.1  Title: Crafting Liquid Elegance: The Artistic Journey of Painting Bourbon Bottles George T. Stagg distillery.

It was maybe 3 years ago I was at a party at my wife's cousin, and I saw this deer skull. It looked so cool, so primal but intricate in all its factets. I had to paint it. years later is sits in my studio until I found the perfect match - George T. Stagg and Stagg Jr Bourbon, along with a Stagg Head, gives us Stagg Party!

In the realm of artistic inspiration, George T Stagg Distillery bourbon bottles stand as more than vessels of fine spirits—they become the captivating subjects that fuel an artist's creativity. For many artists, capturing the essence of these iconic bottles through the strokes of a brush becomes a journey imbued with depth, elegance, and a celebration of heritage.

When it comes to painting, combining my love for George T Stagg Distillery bourbon and art has always been a thrilling experience. In this blog, I'll be sharing the step-by-step process of how I painted the 'Stagg Party' featuring the iconic George T Stagg and Stagg Jr bottles. This process not only helped me enhance my painting techniques but also deepened my appreciation for the rich history and artistry behind these celebrated bourbon brands.
Understanding the subject matter is crucial when starting any painting. I spent some time researching George T Stagg distillery and Stagg Jr bourbon bottles to gather visual references and learn about their distinctive bottle shapes, labels, and colors. This research phase is important as it provides a solid foundation for capturing the essence of the subject in your artwork.

Next, I began sketching the basic outlines of the George T Stagg distillery bourbon and Stagg Jr bottles on the canvas. Using pencil and a light hand, I focused on getting the proportions right. This step is essential to avoid any structural inaccuracies which could disrupt the realism of the final piece.
After finalizing the sketch, I moved on to the underpainting stage. I used a mixture of burnt sienna and ultramarine blue to create a neutral base. This layer helps establish the tonality and value range of the painting, providing a guide for future color application. It's always good to let the underpainting dry completely to avoid muddying future layers.
Once the underpainting was dry, I started laying in the local colors. With a mix of browns, golds, and subtle hints of red, I aimed to capture the warm amber tones typical of bourbon. I used a variety of brushes to achieve different textures and effects, from the smooth glass of the bottles to the intricacies of the George T Stagg Distillery labels. Layering the paint carefully, I built up the colors to achieve a rich, lifelike appearance.
A key part of bringing the painting to life was adding reflections and highlights. These small details help convey the glossy, transparent qualities of glass and the liquid inside. Using a fine detail brush, I added highlights along the edges of the bottles and light reflections on the bourbon. This step required patience and precision—too much or too little can break the realism.

When it comes to painting, combining my love for bourbon and art has always been a thrilling experience. In this blog, I'll be sharing the step-by-step process of how I painted the 'Stagg Party' featuring the iconic George T Stagg and Stagg Jr bottles. This process not only helped me enhance my painting techniques but also deepened my appreciation for the rich history and artistry behind these celebrated George T Stagg Distillery bourbon brands.
Understanding the subject matter is crucial when starting any painting. I spent some time researching George T Stagg and Stagg Jr bourbon bottles to gather visual references and learn about their distinctive bottle shapes, labels, and colors. This research phase is important as it provides a solid foundation for capturing the essence of the subject in your artwork.
Next, I began sketching the basic outlines of the George T Stagg distillery and Stagg Jr bottles on the canvas. Using pencil and a light hand, I focused on getting the proportions right. This step is essential to avoid any structural inaccuracies which could disrupt the realism of the final piece.
After finalizing the sketch, I moved on to the underpainting stage. I used a mixture of burnt sienna and ultramarine blue to create a neutral base. This layer helps establish the tonality and value range of the painting, providing a guide for future color application. It's always good to let the underpainting dry completely to avoid muddying future layers.
Once the underpainting was dry, I started laying in the local colors. With a mix of browns, golds, and subtle hints of red, I aimed to capture the warm amber tones typical of bourbon. I used a variety of brushes to achieve different textures and effects, from the smooth glass of the bottles to the intricacies of the labels. Layering the paint carefully, I built up the colors to achieve a rich, lifelike appearance.

To enhance the overall composition, I introduced some contrast by darkening the background slightly, which made the bottles pop. I used deeper shades of blues and greens to create a complementary backdrop. Adding subtle shadows under and around the bottles helped ground them in the scene, making the painting feel cohesive.
The final touches involved refining details—cleaning up edges, enhancing colors, and ensuring all elements were balanced. I took a step back often to view the painting from a distance, which helps spot areas needing adjustment. Lastly, I applied a varnish to protect the artwork and give it a finished gloss.
Painting the George T Stagg distillery and Stagg Jr bottles was a rewarding journey. It allowed me to blend my passion for bourbon with my artistic pursuits, resulting in a piece that celebrates both the spirit and the craft. I hope my process can inspire you to create your own 'Stagg Party' masterpiece!