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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Commission A Hand-Painted Oil Pastel Portrait Of Your Pet

19/3/2025

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I recently began working with oil pastels. After decades of creating highly detailed artwork with coloured pencils and acrylics, I wanted to try out a different 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.

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

An oil pastel painting of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - click the image to view progress of this portrait.

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 - Black Labrador Oil Pastel Painting on Pastelbord

Featured below is a portrait of my beloved late black Labrador Retriever, Haze. This piece holds a truly special place in my heart, marking it as the very first pet portrait I created using oil pastels. It beautifully illustrates the depth, vibrancy and character that I love about this medium. For Haze's portrait, I chose Ampersand Pastelbord, a durable, archival surface ideal for works that, like this one, are best presented simply framed behind glass, without the need for a mount or additional features.

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

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

Comparing an oil pastel painting (left) to the original photograph (right)

I find oil pastels offer incredible expressive freedom, creating artwork with both vibrant colour and a gentle way of defining shapes and textures, much like the classic allure of an oil painting. With Haze's comparison above, you can clearly see how this oil pastel painting goes beyond a simple copy of the photograph, instead highlighting and interpreting his unique features.

discover the story behind this oil pastel painting

Storm - Oil Pastel Painting of a Yellow Labrador in a Field of Wheat

I painted a second oil pastel portrait of my much-missed yellow Labrador, Storm, specifically to hang alongside Haze's painting. Though its composition is notably different and carries a softer vibrancy, Storm's chosen stance truly complements his warm colouring and beautifully conveys the gentle nature of both him and the Labrador breed. This portrait, too, was created on the archival Ampersand Pastelbord. For their presentation, both Haze's and Storm's portraits are housed in matching wide, cream frames, complete with a protective spacer to keep the painting safely separated from the glass.

Yellow Labrador oil pastel painting by Northumberland artist

The completed portrait of Storm - An oil pastel painting of a Yellow Labrador in a wheat field

Blending an oil pastel painting of a yellow labrador called Storm

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

The History of the Oil Pastels

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.

My Essential Art Supplies for Oil Pastel Painting

My oil pastel work relies on a blend of Sennelier and Caran d'Ache Neopastel oil pastels, plus a few essential blending tools and accessories. This approach enables the fine details that are difficult to achieve with pastels alone. The soft, creamy texture of Sennelier oil pastels is perfectly suited for foundational layers and impasto effects. In contrast, the firmer Caran d'Ache Neopastels excel at creating precise lines and subtle details. Occasionally, I also use coloured pencils for exceptionally fine details like whiskers or individual strands of hair.

An oil pastel painting of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on Pastelmat

My selection of painting surfaces depends on the desired framing presentation. I choose Ampersand Pastelbord for portraits designed to be framed similarly to traditional oil paintings, without a mount. For pieces that will be matted and framed like a pencil portrait, Pastelmat is my preferred surface. It's essential to frame all oil pastel paintings under glass, complete with a spacer, as the medium never completely dries, making the artwork vulnerable to dust and smudging.

Oil pastel painting of Sycamore Gap tree in a white mock frame

The 'Sycamore Gap' tree oil pastel painting on Pastelmat

While I truly enjoy creating pet portraits, my oil pastel paintings aren't limited to just animals. I offer bespoke portraits of many subjects, including cherished landscapes or even people. Every piece of art I create is unique, showing different levels of expressiveness. This is one of the great things about working with oil pastels. My goal isn't just to make a perfect copy. Instead, I aim for a custom result that captures the true character and life of the subject and its surroundings, always with my own artistic touch.

Interested in Commissioning Your Own Portrait?

If you're interested in a unique, custom portrait, you can find details and pricing for my oil pastel portraits on the links below. If oil pastels aren't quite what you're looking for, I also create lifelike portraits in coloured pencil and vibrant acrylic paintings. Use the links below to explore my other styles, or feel free to contact me directly to discuss your ideas!

A collection of oil pastel paintings including a black Labrador, Sycamore Gap tree, green shoes and a 1956 Mercury Montclair and a pink flamingo

oil pastels gallery & pricing

The progression of a King Charles Spaniel oil pastel painting

photography tips

Young girl and her grey horse acrylic painting

ACRYLIC PAINTINGS GALLERY

A coloured pencil drawing of an English Bulldog

COLOURED PENCILS GALLERY

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

21/8/2023

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After completing an oil pastel portrait of our beloved late black Labrador, Haze, I knew it was time to create one for our beautiful yellow Labrador, Storm. At 14 years old, every day with him is precious, and I wanted to capture his likeness in a piece of art that I could cherish forever. As Storm is very photogenic, we have so many stunning references of him, and finding the perfect photo was a challenge, but I thought this particular composition would make an ideal portrait, showcasing his gentle nature and unique character.

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.

In loving memory of Storm
20th of October 2023

A Look at My Artistic Style

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 aim is always to bring the subject to life by accentuating their unique features through careful layering and definition, resulting in a piece that is both authentic and captivating.

An oil pastel painting of a yellow labrador in progress

Building up the foundations - adding the base tones before blending on an oil pastel painting

The Foundation of the Painting

The artistic process begins with a loose application of base colours. To manipulate the soft pastels and achieve soft backgrounds with seamless blends, I rely on essential tools such as paper stumps and silicone blending tools, which are invaluable assets in my studio. I work with both standard and large oil pastels from the Sennelier brand, which allows me to cover expansive areas, effortlessly, with rich colour. For more intricate details and enhanced precision, I turn to the Caran d'Ache Neopastel pastels, which offer a firmer application. I occasionally use coloured pencils when detailed work is required.

Here are several images that showcase the progress of the oil pastel painting and how it came together.

Adding the base layers to an oil pastel painting of a yellow Labrador retriever in a field of wheat

Refining the detail of a yellow labrador in a wheat field

blending an oil paste; painting of a yellow labrador retriever with a paper stump

photograph for the oil pastel painting of a yellow labrador in a field of wheat

reference image

Considering a Portrait of Your Own?

By sharing my process, I hope to provide you with a deeper understanding of the thought and care that goes into an oil pastel portrait. From selecting the perfect composition to choosing the highest quality materials, every step is taken to ensure that the final piece is a beautiful and lasting tribute. This insight can be especially helpful if you're considering commissioning a portrait of your own cherished companion.

Oil pastel painting of a Yellow Labrador in a wheat field

Completed oil pastel painting of Storm

Understanding the techniques and materials I use can give you confidence in the quality and craftsmanship of my work. If you are interested in commissioning a custom portrait of your pet in oil pastels, visit the gallery below. You can also visit the Pet Portraits gallery to explore my work in coloured pencil and acrylic mediums, allowing you to compare different styles and techniques. Click the links below to visit my portfolio or contact me directly to start the conversation or if you have any questions.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel oil pastel painting in a walnut mock frame

oil pastels gallery & pricing

black labrador retriever in oil pastels and sennelier and neopastels

pet portraits gallery

An oil pastel painting of a dashboard of a two-tone green Mercury Montclair 1956 car

request a quote or book here

oil pastels paintings of labrador retrievers

how to commission a portrait

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

24/4/2023

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I’ve just completed an oil pastel portrait of our black Labrador, Haze, which gave me the chance to explore a medium that has become one of my favourites. Alongside my long-standing work with coloured pencils and acrylics, I’ve come to value oil pastels for their versatility. They allow me to build rich layers of colour with a real sense of energy, while also refining them into subtle marks that bring out texture and detail. This balance between strength and delicacy makes oil pastels an ideal medium for capturing the individuality of a subject.

Here I share the stages of creating an oil pastel portrait, from materials and techniques to protection during the process and the finishing touch of framing. It offers an insight for those thinking about commissioning a pet portrait in this medium.

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

My latest oil pastel portrait is of our much-loved black Labrador, Haze. I had always admired this photograph of him, knowing it would make a strong composition. As my first pet portrait in this medium, I was especially curious to see how oil pastels would handle the challenge of black fur, which is notoriously difficult to capture. To my delight, their blendability made the task easier than expected and allowed me to portray Haze’s silky coat with real depth and softness.

Through Haze’s portrait, you’ll see how an oil pastel painting grows, from early foundations to the final frame.

For my oil pastel portraits, I rely on a combination of professional-grade materials and carefully chosen surfaces. I usually work on either Ampersand Pastelbord, a rigid archival board that is simply framed with protective glass, or Clairfontaine Pastelmat, a high-quality paper designed to be mounted and framed in a more traditional style. For the pastels themselves, I favour leading brands such as Sennelier and Caran d’Ache.

Oil pastel painting in progress, showing the first layers of color being applied before details are added.

An oil pastel work in its early stage, where the base is built prior to refining the details

This is where an oil pastel portrait begins. The first priority is always the eyes, as their placement establishes the likeness and sets the character of the subject. Once that anchor point is in place, using the soft Sennelier oil pastels, I apply a loose base of pigment to block in the main shapes, highlights, and values. Sennelier’s soft pastels are renowned for their rich pigmentation and smooth application, perfect for layering vibrant tones and building the depth needed in fur or skin. At this stage the work looks rough and unfinished, but these early marks are essential for building structure. The background is generally left untouched until the foundational layers of the subject are established, providing a framework on which the rest of the portrait can grow.

Progress so far on a black Labrador oil pastel painting

At this stage the portrait begins to take on a more defined appearance. With the base layers established, I use the firmer Neopastels to introduce finer details, which help to define the contours of the face and body. These marks lay the groundwork for the next step, careful blending with paper stumps, which allows me to create the texture of fur, smooth out the background and sharpen the details that bring realism to the portrait. The combination of controlled pastel application and blending ensures the portrait develops depth, balance, and character.

Blending oil pastels with a tortillion on a black Labrador painting

I use a variety of blending tools, but I find that paper stumps and the smaller tortillions offer an effective and inexpensive way to soften oil pastels. I simply wipe the tips clean as I work so they can be reused, and if they become too worn or dirty they are easily replaced. More recently I’ve also introduced silicone-tipped tools, which are especially useful for creating very fine lines when blended with care.

Here is the portrait so far, with Haze keeping a watchful eye. At this stage I’ve begun to build up the background, which is now giving the piece a greater sense of depth and setting the subject more firmly within the scene. It's useful to start with a darker base layer for the background, as this provides contrast and makes the brighter tones stand out more vividly. In this case, the rich greens of the grass begin to glow against the darker foundation, adding both atmosphere and three-dimensionality to the portrait.

Framing and protecting oil pastel artworks require a bit of extra care, as the medium never fully dries. I always store my finished pieces in a safe, dust-free spot until they’re ready to be framed. When it comes to framing, I recommend using glass to shield the painting from dust, pet hair, or other debris that could stick to the surface. Without glass, attempting to clean the artwork risks smudging or damaging it. When commissioning a portrait, I always provide the customer with an after-care guide, which can also be shared with your framer to ensure the piece is presented and protected in the best possible way.

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

A key detail in framing oil pastels on Ampersand Pastelbord, is including a spacer between the artwork and the glass. This thin strip creates a small gap to prevent the pastel from sticking to the glass, which could otherwise cause permanent damage. The spacer is discreet, barely noticeable unless you’re inspecting the frame up close, and it ensures the artwork stays pristine. For Haze’s portrait, I chose acrylic glass for its durability and lower risk of shattering compared to traditional glass. It’s a practical choice that doesn’t compromise on clarity, making it ideal for showcasing the rich textures of an oil pastel piece. For oil pastel paintings created on Pastelmat, a spacer is unnecessary because the mount serves as a protective barrier between the artwork and the glass.

Oil pastels are a wonderful medium for creating heartfelt, striking portraits that truly reflect the character of your subject. Whether it’s a pet, a loved one or a cherished memory, I welcome the chance to create a portrait in oil pastels that feels both personal and lasting.

If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait or would simply like to find out more about the process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m always happy to answer questions and to create something personal and meaningful.

READ HAZE'S STORY HERE

oil pastel painting of a 1956 Mercury Montclair and driver wearing green high-heels

OIL PASTELS GALLERY & PRICES

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel oil pastel painting

PET PORTRAITS GALLERY

REQUEST A QUOTE OR BOOK HERE

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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?

Commission A Hand-Painted Oil Pastel Portrait Of Your Pet

What are Oil Pastels?

Haze - Black Labrador Oil Pastel Painting on Pastelbord

Storm - Oil Pastel Painting of a Yellow Labrador in a Field of Wheat

The History of the Oil Pastels

My Essential Art Supplies for Oil Pastel Painting

Interested in Commissioning Your Own Portrait?

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

In loving memory of Storm
20th of October 2023

A Look at My Artistic Style

The Foundation of the Painting

Considering a Portrait of Your Own?

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

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?

Commission A Hand-Painted Oil Pastel Portrait Of Your Pet

What are Oil Pastels?

Haze - Black Labrador Oil Pastel Painting on Pastelbord

Storm - Oil Pastel Painting of a Yellow Labrador in a Field of Wheat

The History of the Oil Pastels

My Essential Art Supplies for Oil Pastel Painting

Interested in Commissioning Your Own Portrait?

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

In loving memory of Storm 20th of October 2023

A Look at My Artistic Style

The Foundation of the Painting

Considering a Portrait of Your Own?

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