Some brands are more than just products — they’re pieces of history. They hold memories, traditions, and stories that have been passed down through generations.

As an artist, I love discovering the stories behind the iconic brands of New York City and bringing those stories to life through paint. Every painting begins with a question: what makes this brand worth remembering?

A Pharmacist, a Recipe, and the Beginning of Boylan

Fun fact: did you know Boylan’s founder was a pharmacist?

In 1891, pharmacist William Boylan started the company with a single recipe: Birch Beer. At the time, pharmacists often created and sold their own handcrafted beverages, and William Boylan’s recipe quickly became known for its distinctive flavor and quality.

What began as one handcrafted soda grew into one of America’s most recognizable craft soda brands. More than a century later, Boylan Bottling continues to honor the same values that started it all: real ingredients, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

A New York Brand Built on Tradition

There is something special about brands that stand the test of time. I’m always fascinated by the delicate balance they strike between evolving with the world while staying true to the qualities that made people love them in the first place. The strongest brands know how to embrace change without losing the identity that built their legacy.

Similarly, Boylan has remained committed to the details that make it unique – real cane sugar, natural flavors, and the iconic long-neck glass bottles that have become a signature of the brand. The bottle is more than just packaging; it represents a feeling: nostalgia, the joy of embracing something made with care, and memories of simpler times.

Over the years, Boylan has certainly evolved. The brand has expanded its lineup beyond its original Birch Beer, introducing new flavors like Shirley Temple, Grape, and Crème Soda, while also exploring new product lines including seltzers, diet sodas, MASH, and tonic waters.

Yet, even as Boylan has grown, it has never lost sight of what made it special. These new offerings complement the brand’s foundation rather than replace it, allowing Boylan to reach new generations while continuing to celebrate the cane sugar sodas and original recipes that built its legacy. Unlike brands that move on from their history in search of what’s next, the best brands understand that their past is part of what makes them timeless.

Painting the Boylan Story

To bring Boylan’s story to life, I wanted to focus on the detail that instantly captures the brand’s timeless identity: the iconic long-neck glass bottle.

Painted with acrylic on an 8x10 archival-quality canvas, this piece was designed to celebrate the simplicity and elegance of a bottle that has remained recognizable for generations. I chose a light blue background to allow the deep brown glass bottle to stand out, creating a contrast that highlights its classic shape. As I painted, I added touches of red and teal throughout the bottle to capture the way glass reflects and interacts with the light around it.

Halfway through the painting process, I made the decision to remove the bottle cap. That small change became one of my favorite details in the piece because it created the perfect opportunity to incorporate “135” in celebration of Boylan Bottling’s 135th anniversary.

For me, painting a brand is about more than recreating an image. It’s about capturing the feeling behind it – the history, the craftsmanship, and the moments that have made it meaningful for generations.

This painting celebrates where the Boylan story began and the legacy they’ve built over the past 135 years — while looking ahead to all the stories still waiting to be created.

Happy Founder’s Day, Boylan!

 

Want Your Brand’s Story Painted?

Every brand has a story worth telling. Through hand-painted artwork, I help brands celebrate their history, products, and the details that make them unforgettable.

Whether it’s a restaurant that has become a New York institution, a beloved local business, or a brand with generations of history, I create custom artwork that turns your story into something tangible.

Interested in creating a custom painting for your brand?

Work with me

 

Discover More Stories Worth Painting

New York City is filled with stories waiting to be uncovered – from iconic restaurants and neighborhood favorites to the brands that have become part of the city’s identity.

Follow along as I continue painting the places, products, and people that make New York unforgettable.

Explore more Stories Worth Painting