Latest News for the UK Artist Karen M Berisford

Capturing the Timeless Beauty: Sycamore Gap Tree Oil Pastel Painting Artwork

28/7/2023

I recently finished an oil pastel painting of the famous 'Sycamore Gap' tree in Northumberland. This tree has been an iconic landmark in the landscape since the 19th century, as stated by the National Trust, the organisation that owns the land where it stands.

Neopastels and Sennelier oil pastels in wooden trays next to an oil pastel painting of the Sycamore Gap Tree in Northumberland, UK

What subject could be more fitting for an oil pastel painting than the iconic Sycamore Tree beside Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland National Park? The highly abrasive Fisher400 paper enhances the application's effectiveness, creating subtle peaks of texture. The creamy texture of the oil pastels ensures the pigment spreads smoothly and quickly, culminating in a stunning impasto effect.

In this painting, my intention is to apply pastels in a deliberately loose and patchy manner, offering a unique interpretation of the subject. This method gives the artwork a distinct quality that sets it apart from my other pieces created with acrylics and coloured pencils. With oil pastels, I find I can express myself more freely, while still pursuing a degree of realism that presents a challenge, which is my primary goal in any artwork I complete.

White oil pastel from Sennelier resting on an oil pastel painting of the Sycamore tree in Northumberland, UK

As is the case with any form of art, the ultimate judgment of the finish of a piece lies with the viewer. Personally, oil pastels, a relatively recent addition to my artistic repertoire, rank among my preferred mediums due to their versatile manipulability and capacity for expressiveness, especially when working on larger canvases. The drawback of oil pastel artwork is its tendency to attract debris, necessitating a protective cover during non-working periods. While they mimic the polished look of oil paintings, oil pastel works should invariably be displayed behind glass when framed.

Hadrian's Wall

A little background on the tree and surrounding area

The Sycamore Gap Tree, also known as the Robin Hood Tree, is a popular attraction near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England. It stands in a dramatic dip, created by glacial meltwater, next to Hadrian's Wall and is situated 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 and the music video for Bryan Adams 'Everything I do, I do it for you' a song from the film's soundtrack. 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.

The Felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree

On the 28th of September 2023, during the chaos of Storm Agnes, the Sycamore Gap tree was intentionally felled in an act of vandalism, whilst under the influence of alcohol. In just a few minutes, the tree that had stood for nearly 150 years was cut through with a chainsaw, while the act was recorded on a phone. The felling also caused damage to the section of Hadrian’s Wall where it had stood, adding to the seriousness of the offence. After a lengthy investigation and trial, the two men responsible were convicted of criminal damage both to the tree and to the ancient wall, and each received prison terms of more than four years.

The beauty of the surrounding area of the Sycamore Gap Tree and Hadrian's wall

New growth and preservation efforts

The site itself is showing signs of resilience, with the stump sending out fresh shoots. The National Trust has also been cultivating saplings grown from the tree’s seeds, with the hope that one day they might return to the Gap. Meanwhile, a large section of the trunk has been saved and moved by crane to be displayed at the nearby visitor centre, giving people a chance to reflect on both the loss and the enduring legacy of the iconic tree.

A framed oil pastel painting of a 1950's scene of a green Mercury Montclair car and a lady hanging her legs out of the window wearing green high-heels

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A lifelike oil pastel painting of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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An acrylic painting of a Weasel amongst the rocks on Newbiggin by the sea beach

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A collection of oil pastel paintings including Sycamore Gap Tree, Black Labrador dog, Pink Flamingo and Green shoes and Mercury Montclair car with Sennelier oil pastels and Caran d'Ache Neopastels

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Hexham House Pencil Portrait: A 1st Wedding Anniversary Gift

2/11/2020

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HEXHAM HOUSE
Hexham, Northumberland, UK
Portrait size: 8" x 10"
Completed 29th October 2020

8th October 2020
" Hi Karen
It’s our daughter’s first wedding anniversary on 2 November, and as that’s paper, I was thinking of finding them a small sketch of the venue where they married - Hexham House ( in Hexham ) Is this something you would undertake & could it be done in the time we have available? "

Coloured pencil drawing of Hexham House for a bespoke first anniversary gift

The commissioned coloured pencil portrait of Hexham House in Northumberland was undertaken for a returning client, Julia. She had previously arranged for a portrait of her beautiful black Labrador, Dusky, 2 months prior. The reference image was provided by Julia through email, containing several photos she had taken on the wedding day. This eliminates potential copyright violations from using online photographs, which are the sole property of the respective photographers and require explicit permission for usage. From the array of provided photos, Julia selected a composition that she deemed the most suitable from the mock-ups I had created.

Working on a coloured pencil drawing of Hexham House as a 1-year wedding anniversary gift from a loving mum to her daughter and son-in-law

It is a rare occurrence to receive requests for architecture portraits, which is regrettable as I find enjoyment in producing such intricate and detailed artwork. This departure from the ordinary is a source of great satisfaction and provides me with an opportunity to engage with the technical aspects of the subject and uncover its historical significance of such buildings. The most recent undertaking of this nature dates back to 2013, when I portrayed Wynyard Hall in Stockton-on-Tees,UK.

Coloured pencil drawing of Hexham House in progress for a bespoke first anniversary gift

When a completion date is requested, I always make every effort to work within the specified timeframe. Certain projects, such as a large and intricate 16 x 20 inch painting, may not be feasible to complete within a week, despite having been requested. Conversely, a small portrait is more manageable within a short span of time. For example, in this case, I began the project on the 12th, finalised it on the 29th of October, and subsequently dispatched to the customer on the following day via Royal Mail special delivery.

Coloured pencil drawing of Hexham House in progress

" It looks great Karen, Thanks for all your hard work "

Coloured pencil drawing of Hexham House in Northumberland, UK

If you're interested in learning more about my bespoke portraits, or if you're considering commissioning a specific portrait, please visit my Commissions page for more information. Additionally, feel free to contact me direct with your ideas.

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Cocker Spaniel Art: Acrylic Painting from Traditional Photographs

17/12/2017

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BEN
Cocker Spaniel in Acrylics

Size: 9" x 12"
Completed: 16th December 2017

This article provides insight into the meticulous process of creating an acrylic painting portraying Ben, a Cocker Spaniel, from the initial photograph to the final framed piece. Sadly, Ben had died in January 2016, prompting Kathleen to contact me with a request to create a portrait of him as a Christmas gift for her niece. Continue reading for a detailed account of this process.

Acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel in a beautiful field

Kathleen only had physical photographs of Ben, and although I typically work with digital images, I understand that there are times when only physical photos are available. Ideally, it is best to scan these and email them to me, allowing me to determine if I can work from one of them. Since Kathleen did not have access to a scanner, she sent the photos directly to me via special delivery so that I could scan them. I kept the photos safe and returned them to her along with the painting.

Photograph of a Cocker Spaniel for an acrylic painting

Working from physical photographs

The image above served as the reference for Sam's portrait. As evident from the magnified version, it possesses almost no definition. Digital photographs provide me with the ability to enhance detail through adjustments. In contrast, physical photographs typically lack the level of detail found in digital images, so zooming in on a scanned file yields very little clarity. When I am creating a pet portrait and can access additional photographs of the same breed online, it almost always provides a beneficial solution.

Early progress of an acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel

Progress of an acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel

Refining the detail of an acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel

Completed acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel

In this case, I was able to provide a generalised interpretation of Sam, suggesting that a full-body portrait is the most feasible option due to the absence of fine detail. Although head-and-shoulders portraits are the most commonly requested format, full-body portraits deliver a more classical presentation. The background was chosen from my personal photographic collection, following a collaborative process with Kathleen to identify the most appropriate option.

Acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel in a teak frame

Kathleen requested that the painting be framed to enhance the presentation of the portrait as a complete package. I presented her with a selection of frame samples for her consideration. She ultimately selected a teak moulding. Upon receiving her confirmation that no further modifications were required, I moved on to the varnishing stage. After ensuring safe packaging, I dispatched the item with a 24-hour express delivery service to ensure its arrival the following day.

Acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel in a tranquil surroundings within a teak frame

" Portrait arrived safely and I am delighted with it. The likeness is amazing and I know my niece is going to love it. Here's wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year! "
Kathleen R

For more information about my custom-made portraits, please explore the links below. You can view the complete collection of my work in the pet portraits gallery, which includes pieces created with Coloured Pencils as well as Oil Pastels.

Should you be interested in commissioning a custom portrait, find out more on the 'How to commission a portrait' link below.

Northumberland artist Karen M Berisford working on an acrylic painting of a bay horse

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acrylic paintings gallery & prices

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Bespoke Portraits: Springer Spaniels plus a Couple and their Adorable French Bulldog

29/12/2016

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This Christmas, I was inundated with commissions. I had to complete five within six weeks, presenting a significant challenge. Typically, a single portrait takes three to five weeks, so this period was exceptionally hectic. Nevertheless, all commissions were finished and dispatched to customers well within the deadline. Below, I have provided the details of each commission, the final portraits, and the accompanying customer testimonials.
Discover three bespoke commissions: two vibrant Springer Spaniels in acrylics and a heartwarming triple portrait featuring a couple and their adorable French Bulldog, meticulously rendered in coloured pencils.

Buddy - Springer Spaniel Portrait in Acrylics

The client, Esther, commissioned a portrait of her Springer Spaniel, Buddy, as a Christmas gift for her husband, Steve. She selected a favourite photo, and I created several mock-ups for her to choose from. The final reference was a composite of five images, body, head, tail, background, and flowers, all merged to form a cohesive scene. Balancing lighting across these sources was challenging, but the high-quality photos provided enough detail to achieve a natural, unified result.

Springer Spaniel sat on grass in front of border plants

The grass alone took the most time, with each blade applied in three layers to build depth. The chosen size allowed for a full-body portrait, which gave the piece its intended impact. For commissions with scenic backgrounds, I begin by painting the landscape in detail, then refine the areas where subject and setting meet. In Buddy’s portrait, I aimed for a richly textured foreground with a softly blurred background to draw focus to the subject.

You can discover more about the process of Buddy's portrait here.

First stages of a Springer Spaniel sat on grass Acrylic painting

The base layer - Very messy but important

Acrylic painting of a Springer Spaniel sat on grass with beautiful border flowers in the background

The final completed painting

"I'm sitting looking at Buddy in pride of place on the wall, photo attached! It is absolutely lovely and it had the desired effect on Steve when he unwrapped - there were tears!! Everyone that has seen it has said how amazing it is with the amount of fine detail and so Buddy. If I manage to get a decent photo of Buddy next to it I will send it on! Thank you once again, it is lovely to have a painting of Buddy forever."
Esther

Dudley - Springer Spaniel Portrait in Acrylics

The client, Andrea, commissioned a portrait of Dudley as a Christmas gift for her mother. Although they provided a favourite photo, it was too small and pixelated to support the level of detail required. However, she was able to provide additional images which was taken in natural light, which allowed me to accurately capture Dudley's distinctive features, rich brown tones, and subtle markings. These references were essential in achieving a realistic and characterful result.

Springer Spaniel jumping through long grass on a sunny day photograph

The early stages of an acrylic painting often appear chaotic. Acrylics dry quickly, which can be challenging at first, but with experience and control, this quality becomes an advantage. I find their fast drying time ideal for building detail with precision, allowing me to work efficiently and layer complex textures without delay. In Dudley's portrait, I spent particular care on the blades of grass, layering them to ensure the sunlight fell naturally and enhanced the warmth of the scene.
To learn more about how Dudley’s portrait came together, visit his page here.

Colour wash to complete a springer spaniel acrylic painting

Finalising the painting with a tonal wash

Acrylic painting on Ampersand Gessobord of a Springer spaniel running through long grass in the sun

The final painting

"Just wanted to let you know that mum loves her portrait and we all cried our eyes out when we first saw it. What you've done is so special and we couldn't have asked for a better painting to remember him by. It captures his brilliant personality so well. I'll definitely be recommending you to my spaniel loving friends!
Andrea xx."

Diarmid, Max & Kyla - A Couple and their French Bulldog Drawing in Coloured Pencils

Diarmid kindly sent over a lovely reference photo featuring himself, his partner Max, and their charming French Bulldog, Kyla, captured during a visit to Pennan in Aberdeenshire. They were standing in front of the iconic red telephone box made famous by the film Local Hero, a well-known landmark that adds a touch of cinematic history to the village. While the phone box itself was a strong compositional element, the remainder of the background offered little visual value, so we agreed to simplify the setting. To retain a sense of place without distraction, I inscribed ‘Pennan’ discreetly in the corner of the finished portrait, a subtle nod to the location that keeps the focus on the trio’s character and connection.

Couple and their French Bulldog at Pennan in Aberdeenshire

The original image, taken on a mobile phone, lacked clarity in some of the finer details, particularly around facial features and Kyla’s expression. Fortunately, the precision afforded by coloured pencils allowed me to restore the sharpness and bring out the individuality of each subject with care. I thoroughly enjoyed working on this piece, it was a pleasure to create such a meaningful moment into a highly realistic portrait. I always welcome a challenge, especially when it involves capturing the warmth and personality of both people and pets in a way that feels true to life.

Early progress of a coloured pencil drawing of a couple and their French Bulldog

Highly detailed Coloured pencil portrait of a man and his girlfriend with their French Bulldog

The final portrait treated with an application of UV fixative

"Hi Karen , Hope you had a lovely Christmas. Wanted to drop you a note to say that Max absolutely loved the portrait! She couldn't believe how well you'd captured the detail from the photo and was thrilled to pieces! We've already recommended you to friends and family and am sure we'll use your amazing skills again in the the future. Have a great New Year!! Diarmid"

visit Diarmid's page

Pyppa & William - Bearded Collies in Coloured pencils

This portrait was commissioned by my friend Jet as a Christmas gift for her mum, Ann. At 11" x 17", it was a custom size chosen to accommodate a double portrait of her two Bearded Collies, Pyppa & William. Given the density and length of their coats, along with the need for anatomical accuracy, a larger format was essential to preserve detail and proportion.

A double portrait of Bearded Collie's created in coloured pencils

For every portrait I create, I retain a printed outline of the composition. If a client later requests a second piece to match an earlier one, I can use that outline to ensure the sizing and layout remain consistent. This portrait was designed to match a second portrait of Ann’s two dogs, 8 years apart, created after she lost Pyppa and William. The two portraits are shown below in a virtual room setting created using the ArtStage app.

2 coloured pencil drawings of Bearded Collie's and mixed breed rescue dogs

Kita - Akita dog in Acrylics

This Christmas commission was created from very limited reference material. Most of the photos were taken with flash, which distorted the colour and obscured finer details. Although the pose was strong, the image lacked clarity, so I researched the breed and used careful interpretation to guide the painting. Drawing on years of experience in pet portraiture, I added detail beyond what the photo provided. Each hair was painted with a fine brush, and through layered brushwork, I was able to enhance the realism and bring Kita’s likeness to life.
You can read more about his portrait and how it came together here.

If you're considering a commission, whether it's a portrait of your pet, a loved one, or a landscape that holds meaning, for a special moment or event, you can explore each option by clicking the images below to learn more about what’s involved.
To request a no-obligation quote or book a portrait, you’re welcome to fill in the form or contact me directly.

A highly detailed coloured pencil drawing of a boxer dog

COLOURED PENCILS GALLERY & PRICES

An acrylic painting commissioned of a grey horse and young girl

ACRYLIC PAINTINGS & PRICES

A realistic oil pastel painting of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT

An acrylic painting of a yellow labrador retriever swimming

HOW TO COMMISSION A PORTRAIT

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Capturing the Timeless Beauty: Sycamore Gap Tree Oil Pastel Painting Artwork

A little background on the tree and surrounding area

The Felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree

New growth and preservation efforts

Hexham House Pencil Portrait: A 1st Wedding Anniversary Gift

Cocker Spaniel Art: Acrylic Painting from Traditional Photographs

BEN
Cocker Spaniel in Acrylics

Working from physical photographs

Bespoke Portraits: Springer Spaniels plus a Couple and their Adorable French Bulldog

Buddy - Springer Spaniel Portrait in Acrylics

Dudley - Springer Spaniel Portrait in Acrylics

Diarmid, Max & Kyla - A Couple and their French Bulldog Drawing in Coloured Pencils

Pyppa & William - Bearded Collies in Coloured pencils

Kita - Akita dog in Acrylics

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Get In Touch

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HELP & INFORMATION

Capturing the Timeless Beauty: Sycamore Gap Tree Oil Pastel Painting Artwork

A little background on the tree and surrounding area

​​The Felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree

New growth and preservation efforts

Hexham House Pencil Portrait: A 1st Wedding Anniversary Gift​

Cocker Spaniel Art: Acrylic Painting from Traditional Photographs

BENCocker Spaniel in Acrylics

Working from physical photographs

Bespoke Portraits: Springer Spaniels plus a Couple and their Adorable French Bulldog

​​Buddy - Springer Spaniel Portrait in Acrylics

​​Dudley - Springer Spaniel Portrait in Acrylics

​​Diarmid, Max & Kyla - A Couple and their French Bulldog Drawing in Coloured Pencils

​​Pyppa & William - Bearded Collies in Coloured pencils

​​Kita - Akita dog in Acrylics

Author

Categories

Archives

Get In Touch

​SERVICES

​COMMISSIONS

​HELP & INFORMATION

The Felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree

Hexham House Pencil Portrait: A 1st Wedding Anniversary Gift

BEN
Cocker Spaniel in Acrylics

Buddy - Springer Spaniel Portrait in Acrylics

Dudley - Springer Spaniel Portrait in Acrylics

Diarmid, Max & Kyla - A Couple and their French Bulldog Drawing in Coloured Pencils

Pyppa & William - Bearded Collies in Coloured pencils

Kita - Akita dog in Acrylics

SERVICES

COMMISSIONS

HELP & INFORMATION