Web Analytics

The Northumberland Artist

Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Northumberland's vast landscapes and its diverse wildlife.​


Welcome to my website!
I’m Karen, a professional artist with over 30 years of experience crafting lifelike artwork. Based in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, UK, I draw inspiration from Northumberland’s stunning wildlife and landscapes to create distinctive paintings that reflect the region’s natural charm—available to browse in my shop.

I also specialise in bespoke, hand-crafted portraits of pets and people, using archival-quality acrylics, oil pastels, and coloured pencils for lasting, realistic results. Serving clients across the UK and worldwide, I welcome you to explore my work and get in touch!

Acrylic Paintings of Northumberland


​Discover my collection of traditional acrylic paintings on panel, where Northumberland’s rugged landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and timeless beauty come to life. Each piece is meticulously crafted with professional-grade, archival materials, ensuring lasting brilliance for years to come. From sweeping coastal scenes to intricate bird portraits, these originals are perfect for art lovers seeking a piece of the North East.

Lifelike Coloured pencil Portraits


​Discover my lifelike, traditional coloured pencil portraits, meticulously crafted on archival-quality, heavy-grade paper using lightfast pencils to ensure exceptional detail and enduring vibrancy. These realistic artworks, capture every feature with precision and care, highlighting the subtle textures and personalities that make every subject unique. Perfect for those who cherish the understated elegance of hand-drawn art, my bespoke pencil portraits offer a timeless keepsake created through patient layering and a keen eye for realism.

Custom Made Portraits


​If you are considering getting a unique and personalised portrait created by me, I work in acrylics and coloured pencils, both medium offers its own distinct finish, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences while still providing a highly lifelike portrayal. Feel free to explore the gallery of your choice by clicking on any of the images below. All unframed portraits come with free delivery within the UK.​

Vibrant Acrylic Paintings


​Acrylics provide remarkable versatility, adapting effortlessly to any subject, and my acrylic paintings reflect this with a blend of precision and depth that brings each composition to life. Whether crafted with fine detail to achieve a striking, three-dimensional effect or rendered in a looser, painterly style that echoes the richness of traditional oils, every piece is distinctly unique. I use archival, lightfast materials to ensure rich pigment saturation, bold opacity, and enduring quality, so your custom artwork remains vibrant for years to come. From lifelike portraits to evocative landscapes, these paintings showcase a meticulous process—layering colours and textures to capture the essence of your chosen subject.

Commission Your Bespoke Portrait


​Discover my lovingly crafted pet portraits on the Pet Portrait Gallery page, where I bring your pet’s unique character to life using acrylics, and coloured pencils. Each piece reflects years of passion for creating timeless artwork. For more on ordering a bespoke commission, visit my Commissions page—it details the straightforward process, clear pricing, and everything you need to book a custom portrait with archival-quality materials. Whether it’s a lifelike pet or a special likeness, I’m here to make it personal and lasting.

Latest News & New Paintings

You can follow my art journey on my art news page. Read about my latest projects and take an exclusive look at my newest paintings.

​Use the arrows to toggle between images and click the blog of interest.

​You can view all the blog archives here.
I have a second website, Step by Step Art, aimed at those interested in art, offering art tutorials, product reviews, help for beginners, and much more. I also post updates about Step by Step Art on my news blog here.


​" Although I was born in Chesterfield in the Midlands, I hold a deep love for Northumberland, which has become a significant part of my life. The area's abundant wildlife fuels my passion for nature and inspires me to create art that reflects the local scenery and surroundings. I am honoured to have the trust of people who commission me to capture the essence of their beloved pets and loved ones through my artwork. Both animals and art are central to my passions, and I feel fortunate to pursue what I love everyday."

​Karen M Berisford