Latest News for the UK Artist Karen M Berisford

Portraits as Gifts: A Guide to Commissioning Meaningful Art

4/7/2025

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.

If you’ve left it too late to secure a portrait in time for the special event, there’s still a thoughtful option available. I provide gift vouchers in any amount, giving your recipient the freedom to commission their own portrait whenever they choose. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to ensure they receive a truly personal gift, even if the deadline has passed.

Northumberland artist Karen M Berisford working on a coloured pencil drawing of a Springer Spaniel on Newbiggin by the sea beach

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.

An acrylic painting of bottlenosed dolphins leaping from waves

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 colored 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.

Portrait of a couple and their French Bulldog in coloured pencils

A coloured pencil drawing of a couple and their French Bulldog in a simulated frame

Which medium should I choose?

If you are interested in exploring the different mediums featured in my artwork and would like to gain insight into the detailed process involved in creating my portraits, I have included a selection of informative YouTube videos below. These videos demonstrate techniques such as the careful layering of vibrant coloured pencils and the dynamic application of acrylic paints.

VISIT MY ACRYLIC PAINTINGS GALLERY & PRICES

These videos offer an in-depth exploration of each medium, illustrating not only the techniques I employ but also the thought and creativity that go into every piece. Both provide a rich and engaging insight into my artistic approach and the journey of bringing a portrait to life.

VISIT MY COLOURED PENCIL GALLERY & PRICES

Feel free to subscribe to my You Tube channel if you wish to stay up-to-date on my latest work, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming projects.

How to Book Your Custom Portrait: A Simple Guide

If 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.

Step 1: Select your favourite photograph(s) of the subject.
Step 2: Choose the medium you’d like the portrait created in. See Acrylics or Coloured pencils.
Step 3: Decide on the size and whether you’d like a background included.
Step 4: If you’re commissioning an acrylic painting, let me know if you’d like it framed.
Step 5: Submit a no-obligation quote or booking via my online form to request your portrait.

Oil pastel drawing of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog

An oil pastel painting in progress of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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.

Grey Horse and young girl - Acrylic painting

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.

Portrait of a father and son embracing at his wedding - memorial acrylic painting

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.

A graphite pencil drawing of Wynyard Hall commissioned for a special wedding gift

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.

An acrylic painting of a grey horse and young rider commissioned portrait

acrylics gallery & prices

A coloured pencil drawing in progress of a Boxer dog

coloured pencil gallery & prices

A coloured pencil drawing in progress of a little girl and her best friend, a Boxer dog

Ordering process & prices

An acrylic painting of a ShihPoo dog in a gold frame

Framing for Acrylic Paintings

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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

how to commission a portrait

acrylic paintings gallery & prices

request a quote or book here

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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 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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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

Portraits as Gifts: A Guide to Commissioning Meaningful Art

Why Should You Book a Portrait with Me?

Which medium should I choose?

How to Book Your Custom Portrait: A Simple Guide

Timescales

What happens next?

Do you Only Create Pet Portraits?

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

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

OBIE

Portrait size: 11" x 14"
Completed August 2016

Author

Categories

Archives

Get In Touch

SERVICES

COMMISSIONS

HELP & INFORMATION

Portraits as Gifts: A Guide to Commissioning Meaningful Art

Why Should You Book a Portrait with Me?

Which medium should I choose?

How to Book Your Custom Portrait: A Simple Guide

Timescales

What happens next?

Do you Only Create Pet Portraits?

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

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

OBIE

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

Author

Categories

Archives

Get In Touch

​SERVICES

​COMMISSIONS

​HELP & INFORMATION

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

Portrait size: 11" x 14"
Completed August 2016

SERVICES

COMMISSIONS

HELP & INFORMATION