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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.
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.
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.
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.
The completed portrait of Storm - An oil pastel painting of a Yellow Labrador in a wheat field
The History of the Oil Pastels
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.
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!
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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. 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.  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.  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.  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.
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.
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. The creation process of my acrylic pet paintingsI'd like to share the process involved in creating my acrylic paintings. Even when I have several dog portraits on the easel, my method remains consistent, however, I may choose to enhance the artwork by incorporating different mediums or adding specialist colours. Here are two of my latest dog portraits: one features a Springer Spaniel swimming, and the other, a young female white Boxer. Springer Spaniel - Acrylic Painting on Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 11" x 14"Creating an acrylic portrait involves significant transformations of the artwork. I make it a point to photograph the painting at various stages. Observing the evolution of the painting is not only intriguing but also serves as a valuable tool to demonstrate its progression to others. In this segment, I will detail the process behind the creation of a painting featuring our Springer Spaniel, Casper. This piece is one of a quartet, each illustrating our dogs in water, which will be displayed together upon completion. 
Laying the Groundwork: Tonal Foundations and ContrastIn all my artwork, I begin with the foundational layers, starting by establishing tones and introducing contrasts. Initially, it may appear quite chaotic, but this process is essential for building upon these initial layers. This stage is critical for establishing tonal values and focusing on the different elements that make up the subject. 
Refining the Subject: Enhancing Form and PrecisionAt this current stage, the detail is somewhat lacking in precision, however, it could potentially be perceived as a more exaggerated interpretation of a subject. As an artist who relishes a challenge, I then move forward to further refine the painting in order to render the main subject with a greater sense of realism, ameliorating both the finer details and overall appearance. 
Balancing Realism and Interpretation in Photo-Based WorkMy paintings maintain a realistic quality whether viewed from afar or up close. However, not all of my works require the same level of precision; at times, a more relaxed interpretation yields a better result. Working from photographs often means dealing with images that aren't high-resolution and may lack essential details. This propels me into the exciting challenge of finding a balance between realism and artistic interpretation. 
Achieving the correct contrast can give a painting a three-dimensional appearance, even when viewed from a flat angle.
Now, let's explore the creation of another acrylic painting, featuring a charming little white Boxer puppy named Sprout. White Boxer Pup - Acrylic Painting on Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 8" x 8"At 8" x 8", this small painting is perfect for an intimate depiction of a nine-month-old Boxer puppy named Sprout. Recently welcomed into her new home with four other Boxer dogs, Sprout, like many puppies, dozed off in an unusual spot, snug in the bend of a friend's arm, with her little head resting in their hand. Choosing to craft a monochromatic portrait against a stark black backdrop guarantees that the attention is solely on the subject. 
Establishing Fur Flow and Tonal StructureDuring this preliminary phase, I carefully incorporate the fur details in a general manner to illustrate the flow and texture of the fur. Furthermore, I tentatively arrange the highlights and shadows, laying the groundwork for the meticulous addition of more intricate details in the next phase. 
Layering Detail with Precision BrushworkHere, the two stages are evident: the first with a thicker application, followed by a second with a finer touch. Each hair is individually painted using an ultra-fine brush, with a rigger brush being the perfect tool for such detailed work. To achieve a natural flow in the application of each hair, I rotate the canvas board as needed, even working upside down at times. 
Refining Contours and Preparing for Final VarnishHere, the fineness of the fur is evident. Although the painting is incomplete, the meticulous addition of each hair strand showcases the intricate contours of the Boxer dog's mouth and nose region. The concluding phase involves meticulously detailing the hand, and upon completion, the painting will be sealed with two layers of varnish for maximum preservation.
Thank you for exploring my article on how I create my acrylic paintings. Should you wish to commission a custom portrait, you can click any of the links below to visit the pages of interest. There, you can peruse my previous works, learn about the commissioning process, and either request a quote or book directly using the form. Alternatively, you can contact me direct at: [email protected]
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