Pets, Portraits & Wildlife Art - Latest News for the UK Artist Karen M Berisford

Latest Oil pastel Painting - Yellow Labrador in Wheat Field - 9" x 12"

21/8/2023

Having recently finished an oil pastel painting of our late black Labrador, Haze, I decided to create one of our beautiful Yellow Labrador Storm. Since Storm is 14, every day with him is precious. I have not yet completed his portrait, so I thought this composition would make the perfect portrait.

Read on and discover the step-by-step process behind my oil pastel painting of Storm. You'll gain a better understanding of how everything comes together and the techniques I use to achieve my results, particularly insightful if you are looking to book a portrait of your own.

Oil pastel painting of a Yellow Labrador in a wheat field

Unfinished oil pastel painting of Storm

When it comes to my oil pastel paintings, I prefer a loose style that is reminiscent of traditional oil paintings. These highly pigmented pastels boast a vibrant and striking colour palette, and help to create a textured finish that adds depth and character to the overall composition. My goal is to accentuate the unique features of each subject through careful layering and definition, ultimately bringing the portrait to life in a way that feels both authentic and captivating.

Early stages of a Yellow Labrador oil pastel painting on Ampersand Pastelbord

I loosely apply the base colours, ensuring they are blended smoothly for a soft finish. Using paper stumps of varying sizes proves to be extremely helpful in manipulating the pastels. I usually work with large and small oil pastels from Sennelier, so I can quickly cover different areas.

Yellow Labrador oil pastel painting on Ampersand Pastelbord and Sennelier oil pastels

For my paintings, I exclusively use artist-quality, lightfast oil pastels from Sennelier and Neopastels by Caran d'Ache. I use a surface by Ampersand Art called Pastelbord, which is an archival medium-textured and highly absorbent surface coated with an acid-free clay and gesso ground with a marble dust finish. To explore the products mentioned and learn more about them, you can easily access their individual pages on my other website Step by Step Art. If you are an artist, you may find the articles helpful.

An oil pastel painting of a Yellow Labrador called Storm sat in a wheat field. The blending process.

If you are interested in my oil pastel paintings, I invite you to my oil pastel commissions page. There, you will discover my other pastel works. I am always happy to collaborate with new clients and create a unique portrait that captures their vision. Please contact me if you have any questions or want to discuss your ideas further.

The Sycamore, Northumberland - Oil pastels drawing

28/7/2023

I recently completed an oil pastel painting of the renowned 'Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland. Using highly abrasive paper helped me apply the pastels more efficiently and with greater speed, ultimately resulting in a beautiful impasto finish.

Oil pastel painting of the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland and Sennelier and Neopastel oil pastel sticks in wooden drawers

Upon careful analysis, the application of pastels is deliberately loose and patchy, creating the illusion that it is resting on the surface of the paper. This particular approach imbues the artwork with a distinctive quality, providing a fresh interpretation of the subject matter. This is a unique rendition of a very popular subject.

Sycamore tree gap oil pastel painting

A little background on the subject

The Sycamore Gap Tree, also known as the Robin Hood Tree, is a popular attraction near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England. It stands next to Hadrian's Wall and is situated in a dip within the landscape, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rising walls. The tree gained its alternative name from its appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. In 2016, it won the England Tree of the Year award. The National Trust owns the wall and the land around the tree, a favourite spot for tourists and photographers. It is visible from the nearby Military Road and is considered one of the most photographed trees in the country, possibly the most photographed point, even in all of Northumberland National Park.

Hadrians Wall in Northumberland National Park

Hadrian's Wall

Oil pastel painting of the Sycamore Gap in Northumberland, UK

Detail of an oil pastel painting using Sennelier oil pastels and Neopastels

Sennelier oil pastels on Fisher400 paper and The Sycamore Gap tree pastel painting

If you're interested in commissioning an oil pastel portrait, you can contact me or visit my commissions page for more information on how to book your own personalised painting.

1956 Mercury Montclair & High-Heels | Oil Pastel Painting

5/7/2023

I am working on an artistic project involving four beautiful oil pastel paintings. Each painting is a crucial element of a carefully planned photo shoot that presents a blonde-haired lady dressed in authentic 1950s apparel, driving a magnificent bright green 1956 Mercury Montclair.

This painting focuses on the female driver, who exudes confidence as she casually dangles her legs out of the car window, displaying her turquoise stilettos. The artwork strongly represents carefree summer days that bring back nostalgic memories.

Oil pastel painting of a green two-tone 1956 Mercury Montclair car and green high-heels - Sennelier oil pastels and Caran d'Ache Neopastels

The artwork immediately caught my attention with its serene and carefree ambience—its sunny setting added to the positive energy. As someone who grew up in the 80s, the mint green high heels are reminiscent of a pair I cherished years ago and were a delightful addition to the overall composition.

How the painting came together

Progress of an oil pastel painting of a green two-tone 1956 Mercury Montclair car and green high-heels

I used Sennelier oil pastels and Caran d'Ache Neopastels on Dark Grey Pastelmat by Clairfontaine, an exceptional paper for pastel art, which allowed me to create this beautiful drawing.

Progress of an oil pastel painting of a green two-tone 1956 Mercury Montclair car and green high-heels

It's important to be careful when working with oil pastel drawings since they are never fully dry. To prevent dust and debris from sticking to the pastel, I used a non-stick sheet to protect the surface as I worked. I also used blending tools to avoid unintentional colour transfer and applied the finer details gradually, which can be difficult when working with a soft medium like an oil pastel.

Blending with a Tortillion on an oil pastel painting of a green two-tone 1956 Mercury Montclair car and green high-heels

Progress so far of an oil pastel painting of a green two-tone 1956 Mercury Montclair car and green high-heels

Oil pastels offer a fantastic opportunity for artistic expression. Their opaqueness allows for easy correction and the ability to add more colour as desired. Embracing the freedom to adapt and modify certain aspects of the image can create a captivating and thought-provoking piece. For instance, the open arch symbolizes a journey, sparking the imagination to ponder what lies beyond.

Sennelier and Neopastel oil pastels on an oil pastel painting of a green two-tone 1956 Mercury Montclair car and green high-heels

This portrait is available individually or as a complete set. It will be shipped without a frame, but rest assured that it will be well-packaged to prevent any damage or dirt. I highly recommend taking it to a trusted framer for secure mounting and framing. Every painting will also include a certificate of authenticity and aftercare instructions.

Finished portrait of an oil pastel painting of a green two-tone 1956 Mercury Montclair car and green high-heels

£260.00*
(Unframed)
8.5" x 12" on Pastelmat

Free UK delivery
* The complete set is available for purchase at a price of £950.00.

Additional portraits

Included below are three compositions that will feature in the quad. To view the progress page for each portrait, click any of the reference images listed below. If a link is unavailable, the piece has yet to begin. I will include the finished paintings on this page once they are complete.

Lady with blonde hair dressed in 50s clothing and driving a green 1956 Mercury Montclair

Lady with blonde hair dressed in 50s clothing and driving a two-tone 1956 Mercury Montclair

The steering wheel and dashboard of an upgraded 1956 Mercury Montclair

Oil pastel portrait - Haze the Black Labrador

24/4/2023

I enjoy using oil pastels to create portraits in addition to coloured pencils and acrylics, and I find it to be one of the most versatile mediums available. When it comes to creating beautiful and unique works of art, oil pastels offer an unmatched finish that can be applied to any subject with ease.

One of my latest portraits is of our late black Labrador Haze.

Neopastels and Sennelier oil pastels and an oil pastels painting of a black labrador with a raspberry squeaky dog toy created on Ampersand Pastelbord

In loving memory of Haze - 03.05.23

When creating my oil pastel paintings, I use professional pastel brands such as Sennelier and Caran d'Ache. One of the most significant advantages of using Sennelier and other soft pastel brands is their superior coverage and pigmentation. These pastels offer a rich and vibrant color that makes each stroke stand out and come to life. On the other hand, harder pastels such as Neopastel enable me to produce fine lines, which is essential when creating intricate details and textures in my portraits.

Building up the layers on a black Labrador oil pastel painting

Progress so far on a black Labrador oil pastel painting

When it comes time to store or frame my oil pastel portraits, I always take great care to ensure that they are protected. Since oil pastels never dry, it is highly recommended to store them in a secure location until they are framed.

When framing, I highly recommend using glass to prevent debris such as hair and dust particles from damaging the painting's surface. Improper removal of debris can damage the painting's surface, but utilizing glass can prevent this from happening. Upon completion, this portrait will be framed and an image uploaded to this blog.

Blending oil pastels with a tortillion on a black Labrador painting

Overall, oil pastels are an incredibly versatile and beautiful medium that can create stunning works of art. Should you wish to inquire about ordering an oil pastel portrait, please get in touch.

Feel free to share this post via your social media or email someone who may find this article of interest.

Progressing on a black Labrador oil pastel painting using Sennelier and Caran d'Ache Neopastel oil pastels

Read more about the painting process

Latest articles & art workshops by Karen M Berisford

26/2/2023

Greetings and welcome to my website for art tutoring, www.stepbystepart.co.uk. Here, you can explore a variety of articles that feature product reviews, recommendations, helpful hints, tips, and even art tutorials. Simply click on any image that catches your eye to access the corresponding article. Each link will open in a new tab, allowing you to easily return to this website at any time.

As an artist, you'll discover a plethora of information regarding art products and mediums on this website. It doesn't matter what level of artistic skill you possess, there's bound to be something beneficial for you.

I offer art workshops in Chesterfield, UK, for anyone interested in learning pencil art. These workshops are held over two weekends in June and August, in addition to my website. To find out more about the workshops, simply click on the image below.

Pink flamingo in oil pastels on Clairfontaine Pastelmat

The Sennelier oil pastel is creamy, with an extraordinarily high pigment content, providing vivid colour and lightfastness. In this article, we delve into the possibilities of this pastel, its history and much more. Even if you have never used oil pastels before, this article may inspire you to give them a go. Read the article by clicking the image above.

Poppy fields soft pastel tutorial advert

Whether you're a beginner or just seeking to expand your knowledge, our guide can help you create a stunning landscape filled with vibrant poppies. Our step-by-step instructions make it easy to build the foundation and use practical techniques to achieve the desired result. Simply click on the image to access the tutorial.

Derwent Chromaflow pencils

The Chromaflow pencil was released in June of 2021 by Derwent, who has produced quality products for over a century and a half. In this article, we analyse the quality and application of the pencils and see how they compare to other brands, in particular the highly popular Prismacolor Premier pencil. Read the article by clicking the image.

Barn Owl, Sumatran Tiger and Black Rhino - subjects for art workshops in the UK by artist Karen M BerisfordPicture

This year, Karen's workshops will run in June & August. There are two 1-day workshops in June, with the Saturday covering coloured pencils and the Sunday, graphite pencils. If you wish to attend both, you will receive a discount if you book them together. There is also a 2-day coloured pencil workshop in August. Click the image to find out more.

All 2023 workshops have now commenced

Latest Commission - Mindy the Calico Cat Acrylic paintings

9/8/2022

I want to share my recent art commissions with you. The portraits feature Mindy, a lovely Calico shorthair with one eye. A loving husband commissioned them as a special gift for his wife on their golden wedding anniversary, which is today. I am hoping that Maureen will cherish them.

Mindy calico shorthaired cat

An acrylic painting of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat

I spent about seven weeks creating these paintings using GOLDEN heavy body acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord. I am very detail-oriented and used a sword liner to apply every strand of fur, from short hairs to long whiskers. I worked on both paintings intermittently in between other tasks.

Acrylic painting of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat

Acrylic painting of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat in a bronze frame

The painting is 12" x 12" in size and was framed in the beautiful Windermere Bronze moulding. An acrylic painting is not framed behind glass, but a couple of protective layers were applied, to preserve it for many years to come.

Photograph of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat

Acrylic painting of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat

This is the final painting of the second portrait of Mindy, which measures 12" x 16" and is painted with acrylic. Mindy's owner, Michael, provided me with numerous high-quality digital photos of Mindy. These photos were used as a reference for creating the portrait, ensuring that every detail and colour was accurately represented.

Acrylic painting of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat in a bronze frame

If you are interested in commissioning your own bespoke portrait, you can find out more on our COMMISSIONS page.

Two acrylic paintings of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat in a bronze frame

The completed paintings were carefully wrapped and packed with two certificates of authenticity and a sheet on how to care for acrylic paintings. I'm sure these paintings will be appreciated for many years to come.

Happy anniversary to Michael and Maureen

A customer testimonial - Red Fox Labrador called Dougal

29/5/2022

It is always lovely to receive feedback from clients. Every single one of my commissions are created with care and you do get attached to the pet. You know you're unlikely to ever meet them in the flesh, but could pick them out in a crowd, having spent so many hours staring at and creating, their beautiful faces with all their tiny markings and (im)perfections.

Framed drawing of a Red Fox Labrador called Dougal. Completed as a commission by Northumberland artist Karen M Berisford

A thank you from a happy customer is a celebratory one. The fact that someone takes the time to send an email and to tell me how well the portrait was received, always brings a great sigh of relief knowing that they appreciated the time spent on the portrait. I thought I would share it here.
Here is the framed portrait of Dougal, a Red Fox Labrador completed in coloured pencils. What a beautiful dog he is.

If you want to see more of my coloured pencil art (including Rua, Dougal's sister), click here.

If you are thinking of booking your own bespoke commission, find out more here.

A BIG THANK YOU to Karen for her fantastic piece of work to complete
the portrait of Dougal.

This was a gift for my cousin and he loved it! It's got pride of place on his wall!

Karen has managed to capture Dougal exactly with the exquisite colour and
detail and professional finish.

I couldn't recommend Karen's service enough, she has been proactive in communication and I felt part of the commission throughout the process.

Thank you again, Mike

A coloured pencil drawing of a Red Fox Labrador bespoke pet commission

Tweaking the final detail.

VIEW DOUGAL'S PROGRESS PAGE

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below, or share this post with friends and family.

Karen
www.karenmberisford.co.uk

Dougal the Red Fox Labrador - coloured pencil drawing

29/3/2022

I recently completed this commission of Dougal. Pet portraits are my most requested subject, and Dougal's portrait was ordered from a returning customer as a birthday gift to a family member.

coloured pencil drawing of a Red Fox Labrador

Red fox Labrador

The reference image

The reference image used for this drawing was a great composition, but the detail and colour, was unfortunately lacking. Extra photos of Dougal were provided, which allowed me to gather additional detail. The leash was removed from the drawing, as this added nothing to his portrait.

Drawing a Red Fox Labrador using Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils

Living in Northumberland, the Labrador is a very popular dog breed here and having two Labradors myself, we often encounter Red fox Labradors and their owners, which allowed me to study their natural colour as we passed. I always try to balance out the values in each portrait, which means I will correct the colour tones, especially so when the colours in the photograph are washed out or under-exposed. I also spend time researching online, collecting photos of other Red Fox Labradors which act as a guide too.

Northumberland Artist Karen M Berisford drawing a Red fox Labrador in coloured pencils

If you are thinking about booking a commission of your own pet, get in touch. If you want to find out more about my commissions first, you can click one of the tabs below and read about the process or view my art gallery. I work in coloured pencils and acrylic paints, both offer very different outcomes, but are highly detailed.

Coloured pencils

Private Commission - Dougal the Red Fox Labrador

4/3/2022

The latest commission on the easel is this stunning Red Fox Labrador called Dougal.

For this 10" x 12" drawing of Dougal, I am using the lightfast coloured pencils, Caran d'Ache Luminance on Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper.

Coloured pencil drawing of a Red fox labrador - early stages

I create my drawings using a layering process, which help to create the depth and realism that can be seen in all my work. This process starts from the lighter tones and builds up to heavy and bold applications. The realism is created at the end, when I use both light and dark tones to manipulate the layers and create the final pieces you see within the pages of my website.

Progression of a coloured pencil drawing of a Red Fox Labrador on Strathmore Bristol 500 Vellum paper

Creating a drawing like this can take many hours and to ensure I stay fully focused on each piece, I work on other drawings and paintings in between sessions. The length of time it takes to create a portrait depends entirely on the complexity of the composition, but a 4 - 6 week timescale is normal, unless a specific timeframe is requested.

Coloured pencil art of a Red fox Labrador in progress using Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils

This is the current stage of Dougal's portrait. There is still much to do on the colouration, but you can see how soft his fur now looks from the first post above, after numerous layers have been applied. You can view Dougal's progress page HERE.

I also completed a portrait of a Red Fox Labrador last year. This is Rua, who is Dougal's sister. You can view her portrait HERE.

If you are looking to commission your own portrait, visit one of the galleries below to find out more about each medium.

COLOURED PENCILS

Latest paintings, on the coast and a rare bird visits Newbiggin!

21/5/2020

Fortunately, the weather has been great here in Newbiggin by the Sea. My partner John Graham and I have taken advantage of the warm, sunny days by going on bike rides along the coast. After being limited in our movements due to the Covid-19 lockdown for seven weeks, it felt amazing to enjoy the beauty of the Northumberland coastline again. I've included some photos from our bike ride and some recent artwork I've been working on. Lastly, I wanted to share that John spotted a rare bird in Newbiggin. Please keep reading to see what bird it was.

Newbiggin in the sun

Last week, John and I went for a bike ride along the coast. We took a break at Beacon's Point, a popular spot for birdwatchers known to have rare birds occasionally. We enjoyed the warm weather and took some time to relax on the cliff edge before moving on towards Lynemouth power station, hoping to spot some Flycatchers and Whinchats. We followed a path alongside the golf course covered in gorse bushes, providing an ideal bird nesting place.

Red-spotted Bluethroat seen at Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland, UK 18th of May 2019

At this location, John once captured a photo of a Red-spotted Bluethroat, a rare bird that attracted many photographers from miles around.

Unfortunately, not everyone got a chance to see it, including myself. You can find information about the latest rare bird sighting in Newbiggin at the bottom of this blog.

'On the Easel' - Kingfisher in Acrylics

I have had some relaxing evenings in the studio recently. Having set my sights on completing some of my unfinished paintings, which have been sitting on the shelf for a while, I got the paints back out. The Kingfisher painting is a simple composition, making the final piece compelling. This bird overpowers its drab surroundings, so extra detail is optional. I created the wooden post using a mix of paint and texture gel, and the raindrops added at the end helped frame the bird perfectly. This 9" x 12" acrylic painting is available for sale, framed or unframed. You can see some framed examples below.
Get in touch for details about purchasing this painting.

Last year, John took this reference image used for this painting. The area around him was filled with open fields and small wooded areas, providing abundant wildlife. One morning, a Kingfisher landed on a wooden post and posed momentarily, allowing John to capture a few images before it flew away.

Visit the dedicated page of the Kingfisher painting

'On the Easel' - Bullfinch & Apple Blossom acrylic painting

I made this painting by combining two reference images - one of a Bullfinch and the other of apple blossoms. Near my home, there's a cycle path lined with apple blossom trees where I often spot Bullfinches. However, I couldn't capture a photo of the bird and the blossoms simultaneously. So, I used a Bullfinch image taken by John. The painting is 8" x 8" and made with acrylic. It is now available for sale, either framed or unframed. If you want to purchase this portrait, don't hesitate to contact me for more details.

Visit the dedicated page of the BULLFINCH painting

What a find!

One morning, John was lucky to spot a beautiful European Bee-Eater flying over a nearby lake. Despite being far away, the Bee-Eater was easily recognizable due to its long beak and bright colours. While there have been reports of Bee-Eaters in other parts of the country, this was the first sighting of one in Newbiggin by the sea.

European Bee-eater seen in Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland, UK

European Bee-Eater in Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland,UK

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