Latest News for the UK Artist Karen M Berisford

Commission A Hand-Painted Oil Pastel Portrait Of Your Pet

13/9/2024

I have recently expanded my repertoire of artistic mediums to include oil pastels. After decades of creating highly detailed artwork with coloured pencils and acrylics, I wanted to provide an additional medium that allows for greater flexibility and expressiveness, offering a complement to my traditional emphasis on realism. While my passion remains rooted in capturing realism, my oil pastel paintings reflect this focus, albeit with a different level of intricacy compared to my pencil drawings and acrylic paintings.

Sennelier and Neopastel oil pastels alongside an oil pastel painting of a black labrador and his squeaky raspberry

What are oil pastels?

Oil pastels are a fascinating art medium that consist of vibrant pigments, non-drying oils, and a wax binding agent. Their smooth and creamy texture makes them effortless to apply and blend, allowing for seamless transitions between colours. What sets them apart from traditional pastels is their ability to remain malleable and never fully dry, allowing the flexibility to apply various techniques for blending, shaping, and creating intricate details.

Haze the black Labrador Retriever with his squeaky raspberry dog toy

An oil pastel painting of a black Labrador Retriever with his squeaky raspberry toy and the reference photograph for comparison.

Oil pastels are suitable for a wide range of subjects, offering an expressive interpretation that provides vibrancy and a gentle delineation of form and texture, reminiscent of the allure of an oil painting. The following comparison of a black Labrador Retriever emphasises the unique features of my oil pastel paintings in relation to the physical subject depicted in the photograph, enabling you to explore these characteristics firsthand.

The History of the Oil Pastel

Oil pastels were first developed in the early 1920s by the Japanese company Sakura. Initially designed for educational purposes, these pastels quickly gained popularity for their vibrant colours and ease of use.
In 1947, the renowned artist Pablo Picasso collaborated with Henri Sennelier, a French art supply manufacturer, to create a professional-grade oil pastel. Sennelier’s oil pastels, introduced in 1949, featured superior wax viscosity, texture, and pigment quality, making them ideal for professional artists.
Other notable artists, such as Henri Goetz, also embraced oil pastels, delving into their distinctive characteristics and expressive capabilities.
In contemporary practice, oil pastels are highly regarded for their flexibility and capacity to yield vibrant, durable artworks.

Storm the yellow Labrador Retriever in a field of wheat

Oil pastel painting of a yellow Labrador Retriever in a wheat field

In the world of photography, there are certain images that appear incredibly well-suited for artistic representation. This specific photograph beautifully captured our late Labrador, Storm, in a field of wheat. The reference image was taken during a leisurely walk with our two other sadly departed dogs, Haze and Casper. The backdrop of wheat was of perfect height and its colour spectrum harmonised flawlessly with Storm's distinctive features, resulting in an exceptionally balanced composition. Storm was always a natural in front of the camera, and for me, this photo is a poignant portrayal of his happy character.

A yellow Labrador, a black Labrador and a Springer Spaniel in a field of wheat

Our late dogs Storm, Haze and Casper. (L-R)

The products I use

I employ a combination of Sennelier and Neopastel oil pastels, complemented by blending tools and accessories, which enable me to incorporate fine details that are unachievable with oil pastels alone. The Sennelier oil pastels' soft and creamy texture is ideal for applying base layers and impasto techniques. In contrast, the slightly harder Caran d'Ache Neopastels are perfect for creating fine lines and delicate details. Occasionally, I also use coloured pencils to add the tiniest details, like whiskers and fine hairs.

Oil pastel painting of a yellow Labrador called Storm stood in a wheat field framed in a cream frame - Plus Sennelier and Neopastel oil pastels

Each artwork I produce presents a unique conclusion, with varying degrees of expressiveness inherent to them. This exemplifies the advantages of using oil pastels. The objective is not merely to achieve a replica; rather, it is to provide a customised outcome that reflects the character and vibrancy of both the subject and its environment, complemented by a touch of creative interpretation.

Oil pastel paintings of yellow and black labrador retrievers in cream frames

To discover more about my oil pastel artwork, you can explore my oil pastel gallery, learn about commissioning a unique oil pastel painting, or reach out to me directly to discuss your ideas.

Please note that you can find all my other news blogs on the news blog archives page. This feature simplifies navigation, enabling you to choose the blogs that interest you. To view the archives, click on this link.

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1956 Mercury Montclair Steering Wheel - Oil Pastel Painting

27/3/2024

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I am currently working on an art project featuring three oil pastel paintings. Each painting is a crucial element of a photo shoot which showcases a blonde-haired woman sporting authentic 1950s attire, driving a magnificent bright green 1956 Mercury Montclair.
In this painting, the spotlight is on the car's dashboard, mainly the steering wheel and instrument panel.
After researching the car, I observed that the original gauges have been replaced with more modern analogue ones, although the rest of the dashboard remains the same.

An oil pastel painting in progress of the dashboard area of a green two-tone 1956 Mercury Montclair 2-door hardtop

I enjoy demonstrating the intricate process of my art creation through time-lapse videos that vividly showcases my layering technique. Although the video may only last a few seconds, the actual process takes a considerable amount of time, spanning over an hour in real-time. It is an arduous yet rewarding process that demands patience, dedication, and precision.

For this collection of works, I am using the dark grey Clairfontaine Pastelmat paper as it offers a smooth surface that enhances the vibrancy of the colours. My go-to pastels are the high-quality Sennelier oil pastels and Caran d'Ache Neopastels, which provide various hues and shades. I rely on Tortillions and paper stumps to create subtle blends to achieve the desired effects.

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Creating an Oil Pastel Portrait of Storm -A Yellow Labrador Retriever

21/8/2023

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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

Completed 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.

In loving memory of Storm
20th of October 2023

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.

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

28/7/2023

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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. On the 28th of September 2023, the Sycamore Tree, was intentionally felled in an act of vandalism.

For those keen on exploring oil pastels, I've authored a blog titled 'An Introduction to Oil Pastels' on Ken Bromley's art store website. It offers a detailed overview, along with useful hints and tips for mastering this lesser-known medium. Additionally, my extensive article about Sennelier oil pastels on the Step by Step Art website serves as a resource for artists wishing to delve deeper into these professional quality pastels.

Oil pastels paintings of a black labrador, green mercury montclair, sennelier oil pastels and The Sycamore Gap tree

To learn more about commissioning an oil pastel portrait with me, please explore my oil pastel gallery or visit my commissions page to book or request a quote. Alternatively, feel free to contact me directly.

Oil Pastels Gallery promo image depicting green shoes and a green mercury montclair 1956 car

Oil pastel painting of a black Labrador Retriever and oil pastels

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1956 Mercury Montclair & High-Heels | Oil Pastel Painting

5/7/2023

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I am working on an artistic project involving three 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.

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

£250.00*
(Unframed)
8.5" x 12" on Pastelmat

Free UK delivery
* The complete set is available for purchase at a price of £700.00.

Additional portraits

Included below are the other two compositions that will feature in the set. 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 two-tone 1956 Mercury Montclair

The steering wheel and dashboard of an upgraded 1956 Mercury Montclair

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Capturing Haze: A Lifelike Oil Pastel Portrait of a black Labrador Retriever

24/4/2023

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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 using glass can prevent this from happening.

Blending oil pastels with a tortillion on a black Labrador painting

It is important that a spacer is present between the painting and glass. This is done to prevent them from touching and adhering to each other, which can cause irreversible damage to the artwork. The spacer is a thin strip that adheres to the glass surface, creating a gap between it and the glass. When viewed from a close distance and at an angle, the spacer can be seen, but it is designed to be discreet and does not detract from the artwork itself. The material used for this oil pastel painting is known as acrylic glass. This particular product boasts exceptional durability and a reduced risk of breakage.

spacer and glass in an oil pastel painting of a black labrador

An oil pastel painting of a black Labrador using Sennelier and Caran d'Ache Neopastel oil pastels framed in a black ornate frame

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.

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Images and text within this website are Copyright of Karen M Berisford 2010 - 2024
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Commission A Hand-Painted Oil Pastel Portrait Of Your Pet

What are oil pastels?

Haze the black Labrador Retriever with his squeaky raspberry dog toy

The History of the Oil Pastel

Storm the yellow Labrador Retriever in a field of wheat

The products I use

1956 Mercury Montclair Steering Wheel - Oil Pastel Painting

Creating an Oil Pastel Portrait of Storm -A Yellow Labrador Retriever

In loving memory of Storm
20th of October 2023

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

A little background on the tree and surrounding area

1956 Mercury Montclair & High-Heels | Oil Pastel Painting

How the painting came together

Additional portraits

Capturing Haze: A Lifelike Oil Pastel Portrait of a black Labrador Retriever

Author

Categories

Archives

Get In Touch

SERVICES

COMMISSIONS

HELP & INFORMATION

Commission A Hand-Painted Oil Pastel Portrait Of Your Pet

What are oil pastels?

Haze the black Labrador Retriever with his squeaky raspberry dog toy

The History of the Oil Pastel

Storm the yellow Labrador Retriever in a field of wheat

The products I use

1956 Mercury Montclair Steering Wheel - Oil Pastel Painting

Creating an Oil Pastel Portrait of Storm -A Yellow Labrador Retriever

In loving memory of Storm20th of October 2023

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

A little background on the tree and surrounding area

1956 Mercury Montclair & High-Heels | Oil Pastel Painting

How the painting came together

Additional portraits

​

Capturing Haze: A Lifelike Oil Pastel Portrait of a black Labrador Retriever

Author

Categories

Archives

Get In Touch

​SERVICES

​COMMISSIONS

​HELP & INFORMATION

In loving memory of Storm
20th of October 2023

SERVICES

COMMISSIONS

HELP & INFORMATION