Cheers! Artist creates unique bottle design

Warren McCabe-Smith, 37, from Quarry Bank, took it upon himself to approach the owners of Black Country brewery Holdens as the beer makers approached their centenary, saying that if they needed help to mark the occasion he would be happy to do so.

He was then asked to paint a portrait of the family but at the time he didn't know what his work would be used for.

It now takes pride of place on the label of a new ale brought out to mark the 100 year anniversary, called Woodsetton Pale Ale.

The drink will be sold in Aldi stores nationwide, much to the delight of Warren, a fine art graduate from the University of Wolverhampton.

He said: "I am really pleased with how the portraits came out and I am delighted they are going to be seen by so many people thanks to a product with its roots in the Black Country.

"I have done a lot of work based on the area over the years and it is an inspiration for me.

"As an artist I really have to work hard to get my name out there and this should be a big help for me, I am grateful for the opportunity."

Warren left behind his ambitions of becoming an artist after leaving university, before setting up a t-shirt business years later, which he then sold seven years ago in order to do what makes him happiest.

He said: "Life just got in the way really, just like anyone else I wanted a mortgage and so I got more consistent work in offices and that kind of thing so I could get a house.

"I moved back into art in a roundabout way through the t shirt printing business but managing the staff and finances and everything like that took it out of me, so I got my house in order and decided to focus on doing what I love.

"It isn't easy but opportunities like this are really positive for me and help a huge amount."

To see more of Warren's and work, search WozArt on Facebook or Twitter, or visit wozart.co.uk