We catch up with renowned painter and sculptor Stephen Charlton to hear about his incredible new series of artwork that captures the perfect pint in all its glory.

By Mark Bowness

When Guinness created their ‘Pint of the Year’ photographic competition last year, there was no shortage of photos of the black stuff sent in.

But after one clear winner was chosen it prompted many to say that the image was a work of art and should hang in the Louvre!

Such comments inspired the team at Guinness to commission renowned artist and ‘painter of pints’ Stephen Charlton to replicate the photograph in his own unique style.

And from the first brushstroke to the final reveal, the story unfolded across social media, celebrating Stephen’s craftsmanship and creativity leaving the nation raising a glass to the genius behind the art.

And so having worked with him last year when we featured one of his iconic Motorsport themed paintings on the cover of beyond, we were delighted when the talented painter and sculptor kindly agreed to create a very special ‘beyond the pale’ painting for us.

The finished masterpiece looks good enough to drink and as we catch up over a pint of Guinness in his local pub, Stephen is in a reflective mood as he discusses the inspiration and thought process behind his incredible art.

Talking about his latest work as a painter of pints, Stephen said; “For me, it’s always been about the challenge of capturing the pure essence of a pint. I deliberately include only the bare minimum of detail, allowing the viewer’s imagination to fill in the rest.

“When you’re out for a drink, take a moment to really look at the pints lined up on the bar – see how they catch and absorb the surrounding light, how many subtle colour shifts appear within a single glass. Then, when a pint is half-finished, especially something like Guinness, notice the shapes the froth takes, the patterns it leaves behind. Once you start seeing it, it’s hard to unsee.

“This is something that goes back to my art training – observation is everything. After that, it’s about including only what’s necessary for the eye and brain to make sense of what they’re seeing. I work with a liquid, a glass, and light. What often goes unnoticed are the countless reflections that define the form we instantly recognise but take for granted.

“As the painter of pints, I’ve carved out a niche that’s not only enjoyable but also socially rewarding and I’ll keep going for as long as people continue to find joy in the work.”

For a man who has spent a long and distinguished career as a brand and design consultant for a number of global organisations, the freedom, pleasure and release that his first love art brings him, is there for all to see.

Originally from the North East, he studied at York College of Art where he majored in graphic design before getting sucked into the demanding world of agencies, clients and deadlines.

It was a career that for 40 years he excelled in and one that has brought great rewards but the itch to spend more time painting and sculpting was one he couldn’t resist and after retiring in 2020, it is art that now fills most of his time.

Looking back on his life now, Stephen has never been happier and is thankful he’s still able to do something he always grew up wanting to do.

He said: “In earlier days, the art world wasn’t deemed a worthy profession and you were steered toward academia. Thankfully those attitudes have now changed and working for myself provides me with the freedom to flex my options.

“I love to create my sculptures and paintings where I can express myself for myself instead of trying to please others and while I’ve always enjoyed the branding, my art satisfies me more, which is so important to me.

“I’ve relinquished the idea of ‘work’. There’s not a direct cut-off point for me now with retirement. I think we can lose our identity in the concept of retirement, and we don’t know what to do with ourselves.

“Unfortunately, people often don’t trust themselves enough and if they did, they would find another world where work and play can be enjoyed together. Fear rules most of us and if you let it, keeps you in your comfort zone for the rest of your life. Many people die not really knowing who they really were or what they could have been.

“For me, it’s all about finding the true self and not enough people ask the right questions of themselves

“What I do know, is that I have a never-ending drive and purpose expressed through my art that gives me renewed energy and delight and as long as people are enjoying my work, I’ll carry on.”

Stephen crafted his first serious sculpture, the Mouse on a Ball at the age of 40 and since then, he has continued to explore his artistic passion primarily creating bronze animal sculptures that are characterised by their rough-textured style.

His painting focuses on the use of oils as his medium of choice due to their sculptural qualities, allowing for the rich texture and thickness of heavy impasto paint on canvas and more recently, he has explored etched aluminium as part of a Motorsport theme.

But it was his latest collaboration with Guinness that got his creative juices flowing and brought his much loved pint paintings to the fore.

He said: “As a painter of pints, Guinness recognised something in the way I capture the essence of a perfect pour which led to a collaboration I was truly honoured to be part of.”

“Drinking is very much a social activity that brings people together, whether it’s a rugby team or a theatre group. When we drink, we share stories, bond with one another, and create memories – usually good ones. That’s how I see it: a cultural activity rooted in connection and community.”

And on that note, I raise my glass to the most passionate painter of pints.

To see more of Stephen’s work, please visit stephencharlton.com