Latest News for the UK Artist Karen M Berisford

My Latest Lifelike Coloured Pencil Art Celebrating Four Canine Companions

7/1/2024

In October 2023, my friend Jet asked me to create four coloured pencil portraits. One portrait was intended as a gift for Jet's friend, another for her mother, and the other two were portraits of her beloved Boxer dogs. I have known Jet for over three decades, and during this time, I have had the pleasure of creating pencil portraits of her dogs on several occasions.

Here are all four portraits displayed with additional information about each individual. You can access a link below each image to learn more.

Carrot

Creating a drawing of a white dog on white paper may seem challenging at first, but it's quite easy. Since white fur is composed of shades of grey, white paper provides the perfect base for such a portrait. Drawing this particular portrait of a white boxer dog required a bit of creative problem-solving regarding the body. Still, I was able to use a different dog's body to complete the portrait.
If you're interested in learning more about this portrait, you can click on the link below.

Working on a lifelike coloured pencil drawing of a white Boxer dog

Discover more about Carrot

White Boxer dog custom-made coloured pencil drawing

Watson

The reference photo for the portrait depicted Watson wearing a thick blue collar. However, the photo was cropped short, leaving little of his body visible. Additional images were required, particularly in a similar pose, to complete the body and ensure accuracy. I also used some artistic license too.
If you want to learn more about this portrait, please follow the link below.

Working on a lifelike coloured pencil drawing of a Brindle Boxer dog

Discover More about Watson

Boxer dog custom-made coloured pencil drawing

Fungus

Jet's reference photo of Fungus was ideal. The image was a large, high-resolution file with incredible detailing that remained sharp even when zooming in. Taken outdoors, it had a perfect balance of light thanks to natural daylight, which is always the best option for pet photos. The collar, which was present in the photo but not included in the drawing, covered the throat area. To ensure accuracy, I referenced a second image of Fungus. Also, the chest area was not fully visible in the photo, so I had to extend it to complete the image.
Click the link below to read more.

Boxer dog coloured pencil portrait in progress

Discover More about Fungus

Fawn Boxer dog custom-made coloured pencil drawing

This video shows the three drawings side by side. There is no sound.

Kudu (Left) and Masuda

Creating this drawing was difficult, especially Kudu, the little grey dog. In the reference image, Kudu was wearing a harness that covered most of his body, so much of the details were missing. To ensure precision, I had to use other reference photos. Ordinarily, I may research a breed before embarking on such a challenging drawing. However, in this case, both dogs were mixed breeds, which made it even more difficult. Despite this, my friend was aware of the difficulties involved and graciously accepted that the final result may not be an accurate representation.

Working on a lifelike coloured pencil drawing of two small mixed breed rescue dogs

Discover More about Masuda & Kudu

Double portrait of two mixed breed dogs custom-made coloured pencil drawing

THE PROBLEMS WITH REMOVING COLLARS

All the dogs in the photos wore either a collar or a harness, which were removed in the drawing as per Jet's request. Fortunately, Jet provided me with a collection of photos of each dog to make the process relatively easy. The photos were incredibly helpful as they provided me with a clear view of the intricate details that were obscured by the collars in the reference photos. However, there may be instances where the removal of collars, especially harnesses, is a difficult task, especially if they hide crucial details. In such a scenario, removing them can only be considered if additional photographs are made available.

If you're interested in a custom coloured pencil portrait of your pet, a loved one, or any other subject, you can visit my commissions page or send me an email at: [email protected] to share your ideas for the portrait.

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Watson - Progress of a coloured pencil drawing of a brindle Boxer dog

7/12/2023

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This is one of a set of four coloured pencil dog portraits that I am completing for christmas commissions. There are three single boxer dog portraits, Fungus and Carrot are the other two and a double portrait of two small rescue dogs called Kudu and Masuda.

You can follow the step-by-step development of the creation by viewing a series of images and time-lapse videos below that capture every detail of the process.

Other pencil portraits in progress

Carrot

Fungus

Kudu

Masuda

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Latest Pet Portraits: Dogs and Cats in Coloured Pencils and Acrylics - A busy few months with commissions

22/1/2018

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In 2017, I began receiving Christmas orders as early as September, which kept me occupied for the entire season. Starting in mid-October, I dedicated 10-12 hours daily to work, organizing a daily schedule to guarantee the timely completion of all portraits. With some orders coming from overseas, it was crucial to secure any needed frames well ahead of time, considering the high demand framers face during the holidays. My aim was to complete all orders a week before my trip to Chesterfield, yet I found myself working late into the night preceding my departure.

Everything proceeded without a hitch, and the individual who commissioned the piece met me at the Chesterfield train station to pick up the portrait of Star the Chow Chow. The painting travelled with me for six hours via various modes of transport, safely tucked inside my suitcase. The lady who requested the painting presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It was heartwarming to read the recipients' joyful remarks on Christmas Day upon receiving the portrait of their cherished pet. You can view the progress of Star's portrait on this page.

Acrylic painting of a Chow Chow dog laid in grass

Star the Chow Chow dog next to his acrylic painting

Find Out About our Commissions

Visit the Step by Step Art Website

I've completed all the Christmas commissions and took a well-deserved break to recharge. Now, I'm back in the studio, creating new articles for my Step by Step Art website. There are numerous tasks to accomplish behind the scenes. If you're interested in booking a personalised commission or are an artist searching for helpful articles, and mini-tutorials, click on the links below to visit my website.

Here's hoping 2018 is a wonderful year for you!

Karen

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Capturing Obie: A Heartfelt Acrylic Painting Tribute of a Boxer dog

15/8/2016

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OBIE

Portrait size: 11" x 14"
Completed August 2016

Back in 2016, I had the pleasure of creating a beautiful portrait for a Boxer dog group on Facebook. They wanted to surprise one of their members called Di, who lives in the United States, with a stunning painting of their beloved dog, Obie. Almost 40 Facebook friends joined forces to arrange this surprise portrait, and it was heartwarming to learn of her joy upon receiving such a considerate gift from wonderful friends.
Continue reading to discover the creation process of the painting.

Progress of an acrylic painting depicting a Fawn Boxer dog

Painting the fine detail on an acrylic painting of a Boxer dog

The diligent and experienced photographer, Obie's owner, had provided me with a reference image of exceptional quality. The single, large digital image allowed me to zoom in and carefully capture all the intricate details, ensuring that the resulting painting of Obie was highly detailed and fully showcased his unique and handsome features.

Close up of the fine detail in an acrylic Boxer dog portrait

A Boxer dog acrylic painting on a 3mm Ampersand Gessobord surfaace

The technique starts with a basic layer of colour, followed by roughly placed markings that help to establish the contrasts and highlights. This phase enables the refinement of details to an even greater extent in the subsequent layers. This refinement progresses until the details are sufficiently defined to my satisfaction, at which point I then proceed to the varnishing phase.

A custom made acrylic painting of a Fawn Boxer dog

Boxer dog acrylic painting in a teak coloured frame

" Karen, Your painting brought tears to my eyes and a huge smile to my lips.
He's home, on my wall. You did an awesome job of capturing my beautiful boy, Obie.
He looks like you could reach out and touch him. Thank you! I love it. "

Northumberland artist Karen M Berisford holding an acrylic painting of a fawn Boxer dog in a washed ivory frame

My acrylic paintings are created using a mixture of vibrant pigment and sometimes I will include a medium or two, which provides texture. This painting involves applying the paste onto the canvas using a palette knife, before applying the paint, which adds more texture and detail to my artwork and enhances its overall quality. I used this technique when creating Obie's portrait, giving the painting a stronger sense of structure and character.

Upon completing the painting, I added a layer of varnish for protection. Although the painting was commissioned unframed, I located an extra frame in my studio which I utilised for the display image provided. Upon receipt of the portrait, Di shared a photo of the painting once it had been placed in its forever frame.

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Beautifully detailed acrylic paintings of a Springer Spaniel & a white Boxer puppy

12/4/2016

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The creation process of my acrylic pet paintings

I'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
Canvas: 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.

Blocking in stages of an acrylic painting depicting a liver coloured Springer Spaniel swimming

In 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.

Progress of a liver springer spaniel swimming created in acrylic paints

At 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.

Northumberland artist Karen M Berisford creating and acrylic painting of a Springer Spaniel in water

My 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.

View the finished painting

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
Canvas: 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.

Acrylic painting of a white boxer dog pup called Sprout

During 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.

Here, 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.

View a short video on Instagram to see the process

Here, 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.

View the finished painting

Chow Chow acrylic pet portrait created using Golden acrylic paints

Click to view the Acrylics Art Gallery

Currently, my acrylic painting collection is in the early stages of development as I work towards establishing a robust portfolio. In the past, I utilised woven canvases as the foundation for my artwork, however, I have since transitioned to Ampersand boards for my newer pieces. This shift has enabled me to achieve a higher level of intricate detail due to the notably smoother surface of the boards.

If you are seeking further information regarding Ampersand boards, please feel free to visit my instructional art website for a detailed guide by clicking on this link.
If you're considering starting with acrylics, consider reading my Beginners Guide to Acrylics. It's filled with helpful hints and tips, along with links to acrylic painting tutorials to assist you on your journey.

Thank you for exploring my article on how I create my acrylic paintings. Should you wish to Commission a Custom Portrait, please visit my Acrylic Paintings Gallery or the Pet Portraits Gallery. There, you can peruse my previous works, learn about the commissioning process, and either request a quote or book directly using the form provided on the page. Alternatively, you can contact me direct at: [email protected]

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Images and text within this website are Copyright of Karen M Berisford 2010 - 2024
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My Latest Lifelike Coloured Pencil Art Celebrating Four Canine Companions

Carrot

Watson

Fungus

Kudu (Left) and Masuda

THE PROBLEMS WITH REMOVING COLLARS

Watson - Progress of a coloured pencil drawing of a brindle Boxer dog

Other pencil portraits in progress

Latest Pet Portraits: Dogs and Cats in Coloured Pencils and Acrylics - A busy few months with commissions

Capturing Obie: A Heartfelt Acrylic Painting Tribute of a Boxer dog

OBIE

Portrait size: 11" x 14"
Completed August 2016

Beautifully detailed acrylic paintings of a Springer Spaniel & a white Boxer puppy

The creation process of my acrylic pet paintings

Springer Spaniel
Canvas: Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 11" x 14"

White Boxer Pup
Canvas: Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 8" x 8"

Author

Categories

Archives

Get In Touch

SERVICES

COMMISSIONS

HELP & INFORMATION

My Latest Lifelike Coloured Pencil Art Celebrating Four Canine Companions

Carrot

Watson

Fungus

Kudu (Left) and Masuda

THE PROBLEMS WITH REMOVING COLLARS

Watson - Progress of a coloured pencil drawing of a brindle Boxer dog

Other pencil portraits in progress

Latest Pet Portraits: Dogs and Cats in Coloured Pencils and Acrylics - A busy few months with commissions

Capturing Obie: A Heartfelt Acrylic Painting Tribute of a Boxer dog

OBIE

Portrait size: 11" x 14"​Completed August 2016

Beautifully detailed acrylic paintings of a Springer Spaniel & a white Boxer puppy

The creation process of my acrylic pet paintings

Springer Spaniel​Canvas: Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 11" x 14"

White Boxer Pup​​Canvas: Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 8" x 8"

Author

Categories

Archives

Get In Touch

​SERVICES

​COMMISSIONS

​HELP & INFORMATION

Portrait size: 11" x 14"
Completed August 2016

Springer Spaniel
Canvas: Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 11" x 14"

White Boxer Pup
Canvas: Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 8" x 8"

SERVICES

COMMISSIONS

HELP & INFORMATION