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A message from Karen:
While I have loved creating bespoke commissions over the years, I will soon be closing my books to custom pet and portraits work, though you can still place an order up until the end of August 2026. After decades of having the absolute privilege to paint your loved ones, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every single customer who has trusted me with such deeply personal and special portraits over the years.
Whether you're planning ahead for a birthday, a special occasion or just looking for a special keepsake, commissioning a portrait with me is a straightforward process.
This guide will walk you through the different mediums you can choose from, how to place an order, framing options, and what to expect with timescales. My goal is to make sure you feel completely confident and excited about booking your special portrait with me. 
Northumberland artist Karen M Berisford at the easel, working on a coloured pencil drawing of her Springer Spaniel, Casper
Why Should You Book a Portrait with Me?
If you have come across my website, you may be considering the question, "Why should I book a portrait with you?" Your visit may be motivated by my proximity or my focus on pet portraits. Below, I provide some information about my work ethics to help you feel confident in selecting me to create a portrait that is truly meaningful to you.
I’m a self-taught artist with over 35 years’ experience in coloured pencils and more than 20 in acrylics. My focus is realism, but not in the sense of simply copying a photo. I take time to study the details that reveal character, posture, expression, the subtleties that make someone or something recognisable beyond the surface. This approach gives the portrait depth and meaning. It’s not just a likeness, it’s a considered interpretation. A photograph might capture a moment, but a portrait offers something more sentimental. It’s built with care, and made to last. 
Triple portraits of Boxer dogs created in coloured pencils
To create portraits that stand the test of time, it is vital to use only the finest archival, acid-free materials. Every step of my artistic process is infused with a commitment to quality. I carefully choose an array of archival and lightfast products, including GOLDEN acrylics, Caran d'Ache Luminance, and Derwent coloured pencils, all paired with acid-free and archival surfaces. These intentional choices not only enhance the longevity of each piece but also amplify the vibrancy of colours. The rich hues you encounter in the finished artwork are crafted to remain brilliantly bright, preserving their depth and clarity for generations to come.
An acrylic painting of a yellow labrador retriever
How to Book Your Custom Portrait: A Simple GuideIf you’re considering booking a portrait with me, I am always available to answer any questions you may have. I’ve also provided comprehensive information here that will help you understand what to expect when commissioning a portrait with me.
Timescales
I don't follow a strict first-come, first-served queue. Instead, I manage my workload based on customer deadlines. My work is very detailed, so I can only take on a limited number of portraits each month.
I rotate between multiple pieces at once to keep my creative flow fresh and to ensure I can accommodate clients with urgent requests. This allows me to fit in a rush order without impacting the completion dates of other portraits. If you're in a hurry, consider a coloured pencil portrait. Unlike acrylics, they don't require any drying or varnishing time. Acrylic paintings need one to two weeks to fully dry and be varnished, which is a crucial step before framing. 
An acrylic painting in progress of a young girl and her grey horse
What happens next?
Once the details of your commission are agreed, a 50% deposit (payable by bank transfer or PayPal) secures your booking. When the portrait is underway, I’ll create a private page for you on this website and share the link, so you can follow progress as the work develops. You’re welcome to keep in touch during this stage if you’d like any adjustments made or simply have questions.
When the portrait is finished, I’ll upload an image to your page for your approval. Acrylic paintings are then varnished and, if you’ve chosen framing, prepared accordingly. Coloured pencil portraits are carefully packaged at this stage. Once the final balance has been settled, the portrait is securely packed and dispatched. Within the UK, delivery is via a tracked 24-hour service. International orders are sent by special delivery, with arrival typically within 5–7 working days. 
An acrylic painting commissioned of a father and son embracing at his wedding
Do you Only Create Pet Portraits?
No. Alongside bespoke pet portraits, I also produce portraits of loved ones and special events. These make considered gifts for occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings, and can offer a respectful way to commemorate those who are no longer with us.
Each piece is crafted with care and attention to detail, aiming not just to reflect appearance but also to convey personality, love, and treasured memories.
If you’d like to explore the possibility of a custom portrait, my online form is the best place to start. You can upload a favourite image or two and share your ideas, whether detailed or just a starting point. I’ll take a close look and get back to you with a no-obligation quote and a sense of how your vision could be brought to life. Alternatively, you’re welcome to get in touch directly or explore further details through the links below.
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In this article, I am pleased to share my latest artworks. Three new acrylic paintings, which include a touching moment of a father embracing his son on his wedding day, and a young girl named Lois riding her grey horse Vinnie. Additionally, I unveil my latest coloured pencil portraits, featuring a Golden Retriever surrounded by vibrant pink Hydrangeas, and two Boxer dogs that complement last Christmas's portraits. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail to capture the essence and personality of the subjects and each one was commissioned for friends and family members for various special occasions, including Christmas. Discover the inspiration behind each unique creation and watch how these portraits were brought to life through the time-lapse videos. For those interested in commissioning a personal portrait, more information can be found on my Commissions page. Jimmy & Craig - Portrait in AcrylicsGifted by Daniel to a friend after the recent loss of his father Daniel made a formal request for an acrylic painting measuring 12" by 16", depicting a heartfelt moment of a friend embracing his father during his wedding ceremony. This artwork was commissioned as a thoughtful gift to commemorate his friend's birthday in December. Daniel's initial request is detailed below: " I am considering getting a portrait commissioned (30x40 acrylic) on behalf of my friend whose father has recently passed. The picture I have is taken indoors, although well lit, when his father surprised us all by making it to his wedding day despite being critically ill. It was a pivotal moment in his life and I would love it captured by yourself and I think it would help him through the grieving process. "  This image illustrates the chosen frame and painting, presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. Portraiture is among my favourite subjects to create. As an artist, I find inspiration in challenges, and I consider portraits to be particularly demanding. While the majority of my work focuses on pets, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to diversify my portfolio when clients inquire about portrait commissions. Although I generally refrain from incorporating text into my paintings, I recognised the significance of this phrase to the recipient. As a result, I was able to integrate it in a way that maintains both cohesiveness and visual appeal.  'Jimmy & Craig' Below are two time-lapse videos that highlight two key stages of the painting process. The first video illustrates the detailing of the jackets, while the second video focuses on the completion of the face and head. Although the videos are brief, they each represent around 2 hours of work.
" Hi Karen, I have reviewed the painting and it's exactly how you promised it would be. I'm sure he'll love it." Daniel Merseyside, UK If you’d like to dive deeper into the process, feel free to visit the dedicated page for Jimmy & Craig’s portrait, where I share my personal insights and an in-depth overview. Acrylic Painting of a Young Girl and her HorseGifted by Joan to her great-grand-daughter Lois This acrylic portrait was commissioned by my lovely neighbour, Joan, as a thoughtful gift for her great-granddaughter, Lois, who is 13 years old.  This image illustrates the chosen frame and painting, presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. This portrait was created from a physical photograph, which presents a greater challenge compared to digital images due to limited editing capabilities. While it is possible to adjust brightness and contrast in the scanned photo, extracting additional detail as one would with a digital file is not feasible, which added complexity to the process. Additionally, I designed a new background, as the original photo lacked visual appeal.  In this case, the original image presented a concrete road, a few sparse trees, and a dreary overcast sky, which inspired me to explore ways to improve the scene. By transforming the background with lush greenery and a brighter sky, I turned a rather mundane setting into a more visually appealing landscape. A Coloured Pencil Memorial Drawing of Elsa, the Golden RetrieverIn memory of Elsa - October 2024 This was gifted from Melvin and Kay to two dear friends in honour of their cherished Golden Retriever (and ex guide dog), Elsa, who recently passed away. Due to the nature of this presentation as a surprise gift for the two recipients, the commissioner was only able to supply a limited selection of photos of Elsa. Although the available details were minimal, I was able to create a new composition based on one of the photos, featuring Elsa in a recognisable area of the garden, positioned beneath the Hydrangea bush with a tennis ball in front of her. " We are looking to place a commission for a portrait of a dog and we are very impressed with your body of work. The subject doesn’t belong to us but is very dear to us. The dog is named Elsa and she is a retired guide dog and she lives with two very special friends of ours. Very sadly, Elsa is coming to the end of her life and we are hoping a portrait will give our friends a lasting memory of Elsa."  This image illustrates the final drawing, with framing presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. Elsa frequently found comfort beneath the hydrangea bush, highlighting the importance of creating a composition that would serve as a lasting tribute to her in her favourite spot in the garden. The portrait was developed using two distinct images, as the client was unable to provide a suitable photo of her in a lying position. I combined a photograph of Elsa's head with an image of the body from a different Golden Retriever to achieve a realistic representation of the desired pose. Additionally, I used other photographs of Elsa to ensure that the colouration accurately reflected her likeness, while also omitting any white hairs typical of her youthful age of eight years, in accordance with the client's request.  As you might expect, the most time-consuming aspect of the portrait was meticulously crafting the leaves and petals of the flowers. I found myself consistently underestimating the amount of time this intricate detail required, often losing track of how many hours I dedicated to perfecting the background detail. To give you a sense of the labour involved, I’ve included a couple of time-lapse videos. These clips capture the painstaking process and reveal the hours of effort that went into each stage of the artwork, with each video spanning approximately two and a half to three hours of my work. As previously mentioned, I have a deep passion for tackling challenges, and I found immense satisfaction in the process.
" We cannot thank you enough for the amazing portrait you have produced and we are in awe of your artistic skill. It is a beautiful composition and it truly encapsulates Elsa in a very typical pose we have all witnessed many times." Melvin & Kay West Midlands, UK Maggot the Boxer dog in Coloured PencilsLast year, Jet commissioned coloured pencil portraits of her Boxer dogs. However, two additional Boxer dogs belonging to Jet and her friend Mark had not reached maturity at that time. To ensure their portraits could be displayed alongside the previously commissioned pieces, Jet decided it would be prudent to wait an extra year. Maggot is Jet's third Boxer dog, joining her other two, Carrot and Fungus. The framed examples are presented as a simulation for display purposes, but have yet to be framed. The portraits of all three dogs together are also showcased further down the page.  This image illustrates the final drawing, with framing presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. Although the reference photograph was of exceptional detail, I used an additional reference image to make adjustments to the left ear, which was protruding and could potentially disrupt the balance of the overall presentation. It is uncommon for me to produce a portrait based solely on a single photograph; typically, I incorporate a combination of elements from multiple images to achieve the desired outcome.  The image above was taken during the final stages of completing Maggot's portrait. This process involved the meticulous addition of whiskers and final adjustments to ensure the artwork’s completion. At this stage, I proceed to sign the portrait, followed by the application of two to three layers of fixative spray to provide enhanced protection for the finished piece. This image illustrates the final drawings, with all framing presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. The three portraits are showcased here through a simulation application that allows you to visualise how they may appear when framed and displayed together. To ensure consistency in size among the portraits, particularly since two of them were completed a year ago, I always maintain a printed reference image that allows me to accurately evaluate and align the dimensions of any subsequent portraits. Rooster the Boxer dog in Coloured PencilsThis Christmas, my friend Jet commissioned a second portrait as a gift for her friend Mark. This piece features Mark's now-matured male Boxer dog, Rooster, and is designed to complement the previously commissioned portrait of his brindle Boxer, Watson, which was created last year. The framed examples presented are simulations for display purposes, as the actual portraits have yet to be framed. Additionally, further down the page, both portraits of the dogs are showcased together.  This image illustrates the final drawing, with framing presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. Throughout various stages of my creative process, I capture time-lapse recordings that give viewers a deeper understanding of the techniques involved in my portrait creation. The two videos featured here, though they are only a few seconds long, encapsulate a considerable amount of time and effort; each represents approximately 2 to 3 hours of meticulous work. These recordings serve not only to showcase the final product but also to highlight the intricate steps taken and the evolution of the artwork from initial concept to completion.
I began my first commission in July, and as I received more requests, I effectively adapted my schedule, working on each project every other day. This approach allowed me to prioritise those with upcoming deadlines and ensure timely completion. I coordinated the ordering of acrylic paintings and their frames at the same time as starting each portrait, which proved to be a smart strategy for ensuring everything was ready for the final varnishing.  By mid-November, I was fully booked, leaving no room for additional commissions until Jet reached out to me with a photo of Rooster at the end of November. Drawing from my experience in creating Boxer dog illustrations, I was able to efficiently integrate this new project into my workflow and remarkably finished it in just eight days! The constrained timeframe presented an intriguing challenge, leading to the surprising realisation that I was able to complete a large 10" x 12" coloured pencil portrait in a remarkably short period. Typically, I would not work at such a pace for a piece of this size, making this experience a notable exception.  This image illustrates the final drawings, with all framing presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. If you are interested in commissioning a lifelike, custom-made coloured pencil portrait or an acrylic painting of your pet, a loved one, or any other subject, you can find out more on my commissions page or contact me via email at: [email protected] to discuss your ideas for the portrait. 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. " I commissioned Karen to paint two acrylic portraits of our one-eyed rescue cat, Mindy, based upon photos that I had taken. These were a surprise Golden Wedding Anniversary present for my wife & we were both absolutely delighted with the final results; my wife described them as being absolutely stunning & was amazed by their detail & accurate colours, with every hair & whisker clearly visible. Karen kept me fully informed as the paintings progressed, via emails & a specially designed website, so that I could be part of each step of the process. She also compiled a video to help me select suitable frames, which perfectly complemented the colours of the completed paintings. I thoroughly recommend Karen to anyone wanting a very special piece of artwork; she is incredibly talented. " Michael I Harrison UK 
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.   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.   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.   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 If you’d like to commission your own portrait, explore the galleries below to learn more about the process and view my portfolio. You’re also welcome to request a no-obligation quote or contact me directly. I’ve recently completed a commissioned portrait of Dougal, a Red Fox Labrador, and I’m delighted with the result. Pet portraits are the cornerstone of my work, and this particular piece was commissioned by a returning client who wanted to give a thoughtful birthday gift to a family member. As with every commission, I approached Dougal’s portrait with care and attention to detail, working to reflect not only his physical markings but the personality that shines through them. It’s always a privilege to be entrusted with such a task, knowing how much these portraits mean to the families who request them.  The primary reference photograph provided had a strong composition, with Dougal looking every inch the proud Labrador, but it lacked natural colour and detail. Fortunately, the client supplied additional photographs, which proved invaluable for teasing out the finer details, such as the warmth in Dougal’s eyes and the rich, russet hues of his coat. I chose to omit the leash from the final portrait, as it distracted from his presence and added little to the overall effect. Living in Northumberland, Labradors are a common sight, and as the owner of two myself, I regularly see Red Fox Labradors while walking my dogs. Their distinctive reddish coats are a hallmark of the breed, and this familiarity helped me ensure Dougal’s portrait was authentic. The original photograph’s unnatural hue required careful adjustment to reflect the true vibrancy of his colouring. To ensure accuracy, I supplemented this with online research, studying images of other Red Fox Labradors to capture the breed’s unique characteristics.  For me, a pet portrait is never just a copy of a photograph, it’s a study in character. Capturing the essence of a Labrador means honouring that quiet loyalty, gentle warmth, and the subtle expressions that make them such cherished companions. This particular commission was a genuine pleasure to undertake, from the initial reference selection to the final pencil strokes. I aimed to reflect not only the physical likeness but the personality so well known and loved by the family and I hope the portrait brings joy to the recipient for many years to come. Not long after delivery, I received this thoughtful testimonial from the client:
Accompanying the testimonial is Dougal’s portrait, expertly framed by a local artisan in a style that matches the earlier portraits of Seamus and Rua, Dougal’s sister. While I do not provide framing as part of my pencil portrait service due to the potential risk of damage during transit, it is always gratifying to see the finished artwork beautifully presented and ready to be cherished in its new home. It’s always lovely to receive feedback from clients. Every commission is created with care, and it’s impossible not to become attached to the pet you're portraying. You know you’ll likely never meet them in person, yet after hours spent studying their features, every tiny marking and (im)perfection, you could pick them out in a crowd.  The photograph above shows all three Labrador portraits I created for Mike and his family. The top two feature Rua and Sseamus, completed last year as a birthday gift for Mike’s father. Although each was drawn independently from individual reference images, it’s rewarding to see them displayed together as a complete trio. If you're interested in commissioning a pet portrait, the image links below will take you to the relevant pages. Each section offers a different route, whether you're browsing more of my work, exploring portrait options, or wish to request a quote or make a booking, or get in touch direct. The creation process of my acrylic pet paintingsI'd like to share the process involved in creating my acrylic paintings. Even when I have several dog portraits on the easel, my method remains consistent, however, I may choose to enhance the artwork by incorporating different mediums or adding specialist colours. Here are two of my latest dog portraits: one features a Springer Spaniel swimming, and the other, a young female white Boxer. Springer Spaniel - Acrylic Painting on Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 11" x 14"Creating an acrylic portrait involves significant transformations of the artwork. I make it a point to photograph the painting at various stages. Observing the evolution of the painting is not only intriguing but also serves as a valuable tool to demonstrate its progression to others. In this segment, I will detail the process behind the creation of a painting featuring our Springer Spaniel, Casper. This piece is one of a quartet, each illustrating our dogs in water, which will be displayed together upon completion. 
Laying the Groundwork: Tonal Foundations and ContrastIn all my artwork, I begin with the foundational layers, starting by establishing tones and introducing contrasts. Initially, it may appear quite chaotic, but this process is essential for building upon these initial layers. This stage is critical for establishing tonal values and focusing on the different elements that make up the subject. 
Refining the Subject: Enhancing Form and PrecisionAt this current stage, the detail is somewhat lacking in precision, however, it could potentially be perceived as a more exaggerated interpretation of a subject. As an artist who relishes a challenge, I then move forward to further refine the painting in order to render the main subject with a greater sense of realism, ameliorating both the finer details and overall appearance. 
Balancing Realism and Interpretation in Photo-Based WorkMy paintings maintain a realistic quality whether viewed from afar or up close. However, not all of my works require the same level of precision; at times, a more relaxed interpretation yields a better result. Working from photographs often means dealing with images that aren't high-resolution and may lack essential details. This propels me into the exciting challenge of finding a balance between realism and artistic interpretation. 
Achieving the correct contrast can give a painting a three-dimensional appearance, even when viewed from a flat angle.
Now, let's explore the creation of another acrylic painting, featuring a charming little white Boxer puppy named Sprout. White Boxer Pup - Acrylic Painting on Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 8" x 8"At 8" x 8", this small painting is perfect for an intimate depiction of a nine-month-old Boxer puppy named Sprout. Recently welcomed into her new home with four other Boxer dogs, Sprout, like many puppies, dozed off in an unusual spot, snug in the bend of a friend's arm, with her little head resting in their hand. Choosing to craft a monochromatic portrait against a stark black backdrop guarantees that the attention is solely on the subject. 
Establishing Fur Flow and Tonal StructureDuring this preliminary phase, I carefully incorporate the fur details in a general manner to illustrate the flow and texture of the fur. Furthermore, I tentatively arrange the highlights and shadows, laying the groundwork for the meticulous addition of more intricate details in the next phase. 
Layering Detail with Precision BrushworkHere, the two stages are evident: the first with a thicker application, followed by a second with a finer touch. Each hair is individually painted using an ultra-fine brush, with a rigger brush being the perfect tool for such detailed work. To achieve a natural flow in the application of each hair, I rotate the canvas board as needed, even working upside down at times. 
Refining Contours and Preparing for Final VarnishHere, the fineness of the fur is evident. Although the painting is incomplete, the meticulous addition of each hair strand showcases the intricate contours of the Boxer dog's mouth and nose region. The concluding phase involves meticulously detailing the hand, and upon completion, the painting will be sealed with two layers of varnish for maximum preservation.
Thank you for exploring my article on how I create my acrylic paintings. Should you wish to commission a custom portrait, you can click any of the links below to visit the pages of interest. There, you can peruse my previous works, learn about the commissioning process, and either request a quote or book directly using the form. Alternatively, you can contact me direct at: [email protected]
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AuthorKaren M Berisford Choose tags below to search the news blog directory, or quickly find each blog through the News Blog Archives page.
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Images and text within this website are Copyright of Karen M Berisford 2010 - 2026
No content should be used, copied or distributed in any way without express consent from Karen M Berisford
No content should be used, copied or distributed in any way without express consent from Karen M Berisford