Latest News for the UK Artist Karen M Berisford

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

21/8/2023

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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A Heartfelt Testimonial: Red Fox Labrador Pet Portrait Commission in Coloured Pencils

29/5/2022

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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.

UK artist Karen M Berisford working on a coloured pencil drawing of a Red Fox Labrador

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.

Red Fox Labrador image for a pet portrait commission

REFERENCE IMAGE

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.

Work in progress - A coloured pencil drawing of a Red Fox Labrador called Dougal, by Northumberland artist Karen M Berisford

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:

A coloured pencil drawing of a Red fox Labrador in a teak frame with name plate

A BIG THANK YOU to Karen for her fantastic piece of work to complete
the portrait of Dougal.

This was a gift for my cousin and he loved it! It's got pride of place on his wall!

Karen has managed to capture Dougal exactly with the exquisite colour and
detail and professional finish.

I couldn't recommend Karen's service enough, she has been proactive in communication and I felt part of the commission throughout the process.

Thank you again, Mike

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.

Red Fox Labradors and black Labrador coloured pencil drawings by Karen M Berisford

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.

Black Labrador Retriever and Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils

COLOURED PENCIL GALLERY & PRICES

English Bulldog coloured pencil drawing by Northumberland artist Karen M Berisford

HOW TO COMMISSION A PORTRAIT

Double pet portrait of two mixed breed rescue dogs in coloured pencils

VISIT THE 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
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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

A Heartfelt Testimonial: Red Fox Labrador Pet Portrait Commission in Coloured Pencils

Author

Categories

Archives

Get In Touch

SERVICES

COMMISSIONS

HELP & INFORMATION

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

A Heartfelt Testimonial: Red Fox Labrador Pet Portrait Commission in Coloured Pencils

Author

Categories

Archives

Get In Touch

​SERVICES

​COMMISSIONS

​HELP & INFORMATION

In loving memory of Storm
20th of October 2023

SERVICES

COMMISSIONS

HELP & INFORMATION