Grain to Graphite Drawing # 4: Funk Factory Geuzeria

Title: Grain to Graphite drawing #4, Funk Factory Geuzeria. 2017. Medium: Graphite pencils on Aquavelle hot press 300lbs. paper. Size: 18"w X 24"h. My first experience regarding Funk Factory Geuzeria was on a lark. My good friend in Madison was kind enough to pick me up a bottle of Levi Funk's, "Fox and The Grapes," A Lambic style beer with Foch grapes. The complexity in depth and balance provoked both my curiosity and impressions that few beers can. It reminded me of visiting an art exhibition and recollecting what if any pieces of art work captured me enough to go back and view a second time. This experience was true with Levi's traditional yet original Lambics, except art in liquid form. Levi followed up with other fruited blends such as the acclaimed Framrood, and Frampaars, which sparked my inspiration for the drawing. When Levi is not blending and selecting adequate barrels, he's filling them and waiting patiently for them to mature. However, as of this weekend (June 23rd 2017) Levi can add another task and milestone to Funk Factory Geuzeria. A tap room open to the public. This quaint building was housing barrels the last time I visited. Levi was kind enough to invite me in to take some reference photos and explain some of the inner workings. The drawing above is a meld of various still life objects and photographs I took. There were many challenges regarding new textures I had never explored, as well as trying to capture believable glassware. Large drawings also tend to take more time in pencil. I am looking forward to visiting the tap room soon to see how it has evolved and to try the fantastic offerings. For all the details, and updates, check out FUNK FACTORY GEUZERIA. Cheers!

Hopps Series 2: Brewers Art

 When I came up with the idea of doing this Hopps Brewers series two years ago, it was the result of stumbling upon my old sports cards; specifically the 1986 Topps Baseball cards. Secondly, it was a much needed break from an extensive series and exhibitions of my main drawing medium being graphite pencils. After I finished the first series of the Brewers Art I started a graphite drawing series called "Grain to Graphite", as seen below. My latest "Grain to Graphite drawing is a larger realistic drawing in which I staged a still-life reflecting my experiences and images of Funk Factory Geuzeria and the unique work that Levi Funk is doing. During the drawing process I needed a break from the scrutiny of the wondrous, but laborious and challenging raspberries. The remedy was to take a brief intermission. Series Two of the Brewers was spawned. This was also important due to the fact I had experienced new breweries that were taking their craft to the next level and needed to be inducted. There are now a total of 100 Hopps Brewers card art. All of the originals can be viewed at CBC Fenway in Boston, MA. And now... back to the Funk Factory drawing, which I hope to have finished by early June. Cheers!

Grain to Graphite Drawing: Oakhold Farmhouse Brewery

Title: Oakhold Farmhouse Brewery Medium: Graphite pencils on 300 lbs. Aquavelle. Size: 11"h X 14"w. Gliding up above on a sunny April morning the guttural sounds of sandhill cranes can be heard in the distance, as they look for respite and nourishment after a long journey from their southern wintering grounds. Directly below their course of flight, another ambitious journey is taking place. Two visionaries by the names of Caleb Levar, and Levi Loesch begin their arduous quest of bringing forth Oakhold Farmhouse Brewery, located just south of the Lake Superior shores near Duluth. In this drawing, Caleb is stretched atop a dilapidated shed like a weathervane on the proposed property. As he toils to take down the old structure the vision of what could be looms brightly with each passing day. The Growler Magazine as well as both Caleb and Levi have teamed together to share their journey. You can view chapter:1 on the highlighted GROWLER link above, as well as the highlighted link to Oakhold Farmhouse Brewery. Lastly, I have had the pleasure of previewing a number of various farmhouse and wild ales from Oakhold. They are fantastic. A precursor of what could become. Cheers, Wynn

Grain to Graphite Drawing: Toppling Goliath Brewing

This most recent drawing was one that encapsulated many textural and value challenges. It also was a drawing that was compelling me to create. Toppling Goliath Brewing in Decorah, Iowa crafts world class beers. It is always a joy to imbibe the liquid art that stems from the minds of Clark, Mike and the entire crew. When certain beers speak to you in regard to their fine craftsmanship, well..it can be a joyful reason to pay homage. Running and competing over the years has brought similar experiences. Visiting a new place, exploring its landscape and civic establishments can often provide new and wonderful experiences, friends, and vitality. Decorah,Iowa and Toppling Goliath have done just that. I have made lasting friendships and found great outdoor recreation through multiple visits. Clark and crew were kind enough to take my dad and myself on a tour of the brewery and much more. The staff at the taproom are kind and helpful. After a week of work and running, it's tough to beat a fresh beer on the patio at Toppling Goliath after a robust run on the local trout trail loop, and a cool soak in the root river. Toppling Goliath Title: Gold Finches on Mornin' Delight Day: Toppling Goliath Brewery. Medium: Graphite pencils on Arches paper. Size: 10"h x 8"w Year: 2016

(1986 Hopps) Brewers Card Art: Series 1

Last summer after rummaging through a closet containing my old sports cards I had collected as a kid, I was inclined to open a random box. The boxes stacked like dried cordwood. I selected the 1986 Topps baseball vintage, a unique set. The nostalgic imagery on musty cardboard combined with the bold typeset and colors intrigued me. This became my muse for what came to be a daily drawing journal. My focused art medium is in graphite, as I try to amalgamate imagery into somewhat of a realistic fashion. The Brewers 1986 Hopps project was a fun escape; working in a way that was completely opposite of my wheelhouse. It was so much fun, that I plan to do a Series Two this summer. You can view the originals at Craft Beer Central located in Boston,Massachusetts. Phil has put together a beautiful establishment, with a grand opening happening the first weekend in April. Series One of the 1986 Hopps Brewers reflects the craft breweries that have impacted my palate and appreciation for their quality, craftsmanship, and avant-garde pursuit toward making great beer. Cheers!

Grain to Graphite Drawing: New Glarus Brewery

Title: Archetypal Aberration (New Glarus Brewery) Medium: Graphite pencils on paper Size: 10" x 13.5"

Upcoming Exhibit.

Upcoming selected juried show I will have a piece in.