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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 Seamus, 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.
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In this article, I am pleased to share my latest commissions, completed as gifts for Christmas. Four new acrylic paintings, which include a double portrait of two mixed breed dogs, a Chow Chow dog, a boxer dog and a Cocker Spaniel. Additionally, I also had three coloured pencil commissions, featuring a Boxer dog and two individual portraits gifted by a mother to her two children of a Cocker Spaniel and a Tabby cat.
In 2017, I started receiving Christmas orders as early as September, which kept me busy throughout the entire season. Since my work is highly detailed, I can only take on a limited number of portraits in the lead-up to Christmas. Beginning in mid-October, I needed to dedicate 10 to 12 hours each day to ensure I could complete all the portraits on time. To navigate this intense workload and ensure that each portrait was completed on schedule, I had to organise a daily schedule, to manage my workload effectively.
Early December marks the final varnish before this portrait travels to the USA.
Given that some of the orders originated from overseas, it was imperative to ensure that the portraits were finished promptly, as the shipping process typically takes between 5 to 7 working days. Additionally, I needed to proactively arrange for the frames well ahead of time, particularly considering the surge in demand that framers often face during the holiday season. This careful planning would help guarantee that each piece arrive in time for Christmas.
My objective was to complete all outstanding orders one week ahead of my trip back to Chesterfield, where I could enjoy quality time with my family. Despite the challenges of this busy period, I found myself needing to work late into the night before my departure, ensuring that everything completed. Star - Acrylic Painting of a Chow Chow dogCommissioned as a Christmas gift for the client's parents, this portrait of their Chow Chow was created with careful attention to detail. Executed in acrylic on a 16" x 20" canvas, the composition features a scenic background thoughtfully selected to complement the Chow's unique colouring without detracting from the focal subject. The portrait provided an opportunity to engage with texture and tonal layering, particularly in capturing the complexity of the coat. It was a time-intensive process, but one that allowed for a more nuanced and considered result, both technically and emotionally. 
The completed acrylic portrait, shown in a simulated frame created with Artstage to visualise presentation.
This portrait was commissioned by a lady from Chesterfield, where I am originally from. As I planned to return to Chesterfield for the Christmas holiday, it was arranged for her to collect the painting at the Chesterfield train station. The portrait of Star the Chow Chow was carefully transported in my suitcase, ensuring its safety during a six-hour journey. Upon our meeting, Rachel thoughtfully presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, which added a lovely touch to our exchange.
For those interested in how this portrait of Star the Chow Chow came together, you can follow the full progression on his dedicated page. It offers a closer look at the layering process, and the techniques used to bring his painting to life.
Ben - Acrylic Painting of a Cocker SpanielThis Christmas commission was arranged by an aunt as a gift for her niece. Kathleen, the client, was only able to provide a couple of printed photographs rather than high-resolution digital images. While I generally advise against working from physical prints due to the lack of fine detail, I asked her to send what she had. I scanned them carefully and, using supplementary references of Cocker Spaniels sourced online, was able to gather the key anatomical and tonal information needed to build an accurate portrait. 
Ben the Cocker Spaniel, shown in the completed acrylic portrait with the chosen teak frame, previewed in a simulated display setting.
One of the photographs captured an ideal pose, though the colour and image quality was less than perfect. Nevertheless, I worked diligently to enhance the image, keeping the client informed throughout the process via a dedicated webpage where she could monitor progress and request adjustments. We selected a vibrant landscape background that beautifully complemented the dog, and the client chose a teak-coloured frame to complete the painting, resulting in a polished and meaningful gift.
" 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! "
If you’d like to learn more about how this portrait of Ben developed, from initial reference to final brushwork, you can view the full process here.
BuBu - A Coloured Pencil Drawing of a Boxer dogJoanne commissioned this portrait of BuBu as a Christmas gift for her husband, following the recent loss of their much-loved Boxer. The chosen 12" x 12" format allowed for greater precision and offered space to include a scenic background, a park they had often walked in together. It was important that the composition felt personal and accurate, not just visually pleasing. 
Before the drawing could begin, the first task was to build a reference image that reflected BuBu’s natural proportions. The most suitable photo had been taken indoors, with uneven lighting and an ear position that didn’t reflect his usual stance. Several adjustments were made to correct these issues, combining elements from the original photo with anatomical reference to ensure the final portrait felt true to him.
" Just wanted to let you know that I absolutely love BuBu. He has now gone for framing and I will send a picture to you when I get him back next week. Once Christmas is over and Shane has received the gift, you are more than welcome to Bu's progress and final image online. It is just amazing. "
Joanne later shared a photo of BuBu’s portrait after it had been framed. She selected an ivory mount paired with a slim white frame, choices that kept the focus on BuBu and complemented the artwork without distraction.
To see more images and read about how the portrait came together, you can visit BuBu's blog here. Tank - An Acrylic Painting of a Boxer dogDavid discovered my work through mutual friends and contacted me to create a portrait of his dog, Tank. He shared several reference photos, but one stood out as ideal. The digital format allowed me to zoom in and capture fine details with clarity, and because it was taken in natural daylight, it accurately reflected Tank’s colouring. With this image, no further references were needed to achieve the level of realism and tonal accuracy required. 
For head and shoulder portraits like Tank’s, 9" x 12" is a popular format. It provides enough space to capture fine detail while keeping the composition focused. Although I had access to multiple images, the final result depended on the strength of the chosen reference. A well-lit, high-resolution photo makes all the difference. I always recommend providing a range of images and selecting the most suitable one to ensure the best possible outcome.
" Hello Karen, I just received the painting, it is absolutely beautiful. It arrived unscathed, and thank you so much, this will be hung on my wall, with great pride. You have a god given talent, that is heartfelt. You make a lot of people happy, so we can keep our beautiful babies forever in our hearts and we can see them every day and give us a smile. Chaz & Lucy - An Acrylic Painting of two mixed breed dogsA lady contacted me about a Christmas portrait of her sister’s two dogs, Chaz and Lucy, both of whom had sadly passed away. With only a few reference photos available, it was difficult to gather enough detail to meet my usual standards. Luckily, I was able to create an ideal composition that honours their memory and offers a heartfelt tribute to these much-loved companions. 
To paint Lucy, the larger dog, I combined two photos, one for the body and one for the head. This method can work well, but it depends heavily on the clarity of the images. When references are limited or unclear, it becomes harder to ensure accuracy. Including the customer in the process helps guide decisions and improves the final result.
Taz & Benny - Two Coloured Pencil Drawings of a Tabby Cat and a Black Cocker SpanielI was recently contacted by a client named Pat, who was looking to commission two small pencil portraits as Christmas gifts for their son and daughter, one of a dog named Benny and one of a cat named Taz. The requested size was 8" x 10", though she was open to advice, especially for Taz’s portrait. Due to the composition, it was decided that a 7" x 11" would fit better. 
Pat had limited reference photos and wasn’t sure if they would be suitable. For Benny, a head and shoulders pose was preferred, showing him as he often appeared, wet from swimming, with a slight brown tinge likely caused by sunlight on his black coat. For Taz, she favoured a full-body image and included an extra photo in case it better showed his eye colour. She were open to guidance throughout to ensure the portraits captured each pet accurately.
"Just received the portraits. They are stunning and so lifelike. I've just left them to be framed and they will be ready for Christmas. Thanks again, you are so talented."
Once I completed all the Christmas commissions, I 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
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 AcrylicsThe 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. 
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.
"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." Dudley - Springer Spaniel Portrait in AcrylicsThe 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. 
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.
"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! Diarmid, Max & Kyla - A Couple and their French Bulldog Drawing in Coloured PencilsDiarmid 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. 
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.
"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" Pyppa & William - Bearded Collies in Coloured pencilsThis 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. 
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.
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. I have been creating pet portraits since the 1990s. Initially, I relied on physical photographs, which posed a challenge viewing any fine detail. The evolution in camera technology, which continues to improve year on year, provides me with high-resolution digital photos that I can zoom into, and allows me create the intricate detail you see in my work today. Nevertheless, my portraiture focuses less on mere photographic replication and more on delivering an outcome that achieves a harmonious balance of contrast and colour. By refining any imperfections, I aim to present a more natural and aesthetically pleasing portrait that will enhance your walls for many years to come. The article discusses a portrait that demanded much more than merely replicating the photo reference. It features Ern, a chocolate Labrador Retriever. The commission, intended as a birthday surprise for a husband, necessitated that the final artwork be a true representation of his beloved dog.  Introducing Ern the Chocolate Labrador... The photograph presented is a breathtaking capture, initially appearing to be the perfect reference image. However, it became evident that the mouth was not in a naturally relaxed state, presenting a distended appearance rather than a typical, relaxed posture. Furthermore, the intense sunlight resulted in both overexposed and underexposed areas of his face, and the intricate details in the neck region were obscured by dark shadows. Observe the change in his colour when he steps out of the sunlight in the images below. It's as if he's an entirely different dog!  First, correspond with and confirm important details.Discussing these details with the customer prior to beginning the portrait is crucial. After numerous email exchanges, the decisions were finalised. It was also requested to "give him a "normal mouth" I'd really appreciate it!" " Hi Kat, thank you for the lovely photos of Ernest. I've noticed that he has coppery brown fur in some images, but in others, his fur appears much darker. Which is his natural colour? " " His fur appears dark in the photos, typically when he is wet. However, he actually has a gingery tan colour around his ears and muzzle. One of the photos I sent was captured with a professional camera, which I believe showcases his natural colour more effectively. " " I like that photo, but I was unsure whether his colour might be too vivid, knowing the sun could have caused oversaturation. However, it's excellent that you've clarified this. "
Thorough research is crucial before commencing the portrait.To create a pet portrait from a photo needing significant alterations, I begin by searching online for pictures of the same breed in a similar pose and I will refer to them throughout the drawing process. In creating this portrait, I utilised approximately 15 different images, including some of Ern from provided photos and others found online. The search for 'matching' images can span a few hours, and often, I also need to edit the reference image. This is all done before I even begin the actual drawing process. Ensuring the accuracy of Ern's colour was a challenging task; however, the most complex aspect of the illustration was ensuring that the anatomical structure of his mouth was correct. Given that this gift is intended to be a surprise, I had to get this right. I even bribed our lovely black Labrador Haze, by encouraging him to pose in the garden. This allowed me to capture a series of images that provided valuable reference for ensuring that the detail was accurate. The time dedicated to the completion of this portrait was around 25 hours.  Thank you so much for all the hard work and effort put in to make the numerous photos I bombarded you with come to life! The portrait is just amazing, beautiful and captures Ern perfectly! If you are interested in a personalised pet portrait or any other subject matter, consider browsing my gallery to explore my work and the various mediums available. Feel free to visit the commissions page to request a quote, make a booking, or for direct inquiries, email me at [email protected]. If you have a question, please share them in the comments below. |
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Images and text within this website are Copyright of Karen M Berisford 2010 - 2025
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No content should be used, copied or distributed in any way without express consent from Karen M Berisford