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A message from Karen:
While I have loved creating bespoke commissions over the years, I will soon be closing my books to custom pet and portraits work, though you can still place an order up until the end of August 2026. After decades of having the absolute privilege to paint your loved ones, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every single customer who has trusted me with such deeply personal and special portraits over the years.
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. 
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. 
Triple portraits of Boxer dogs created in coloured pencils
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 coloured 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.
An acrylic painting of a yellow labrador retriever
How to Book Your Custom Portrait: A Simple GuideIf 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.
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. 
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. 
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.
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.
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Spectres of the Past: My Acrylic Painting of The Lion Tower at Warkworth Castle, Northumberland, UK22/9/2024
I am pleased to share one of my recent acrylic paintings entitled 'Keeper of The Castle'. This piece showcases the 'Lion Tower' located at Warkworth Castle in Northumberland, UK.
In this blog post, I provide historical insights related to the subject of my painting, describe the creative process involved in its development, and discuss the reasons behind my choice of this captivating theme. Additionally, this painting is currently available for purchase through my Art Store.
Nestled along the banks of the River Coquet, Warkworth Castle stands as a silent sentinel, a testament to centuries past. Its ancient stones echo with whispers of battles, love, and intrigue.
And there, on the little stair, a Jackdaw perches, a spectral observer bridging the gap between now and then. 
About 'Keeper of the Castle' Acrylic Painting of Warkworth Castle
As an artist with a focus on birds, I find myself fascinated by the rich history embodied in locations such as Warkworth Castle. The feet that have walked those steps through the centuries, and the wildlife that has traversed those grounds over time, have both played a role. It is this intertwining of history and nature that inspired the creation of this specific composition.
My goal is not only to express texture through the brushstrokes but also to incorporate detailed textures into my paintings by enriching compositions that require such intricacy. The ancient stone steps, weathered by time, were depicted with an added layer of textured medium. This technique allows you to not only see the stonework within the paint but also to perceive it through the painting's tactile, raised surfaces.
The Enigmatic Jackdaw
And then there’s the Jackdaw, a bird steeped in symbolism. Intelligent, curious, and mysterious, it perches on the stair, its coal-black feathers catching the light. While the bird is the central figure in the painting, the artwork primarily depicts the history of the castle and its adjacent structures. The Jackdaw appeared to trail me as I took photographs of the weathered stone steps and the window, thus becoming a symbol of a ghostly spectre of bygone days.
A Brief History of Warkworth Castle
Warkworth Castle, with its imposing keep and curtain walls, stands as a medieval masterpiece, perched atop a hill overlooking the River Coquet. It is one of northern England’s largest and most impressive castles. The castle’s origins are veiled in antiquity, possibly dating back to the Iron Age. The exact founding date remains uncertain, but its current form, including the 'Lion Tower', the subject of my latest acrylic painting, emerged in the 14th century under the patronage of the formidable Percy family.
Overview of the Lion Tower and its Historical Significance
The Lion Tower at Warkworth Castle boasts a captivating history. Constructed circa 1480 by the 4th Earl of Northumberland, it functioned as the principal entry to the newly established bailey residence. The tower is distinguished by its remarkable heraldic sculptures, featuring a striking lion that represents the Percy family's power and prestige. The Lion Tower was intended as a majestic gateway, leading to the great hall where the household would convene. This hall was a 15th-century renovation of a pre-existing edifice dating back to around 1200. The architectural and ornamental features of the tower were designed to display the family's dynastic achievements and elevated status.
For those fascinated by the history of Warkworth Castle in Northumberland, a valuable video from the YouTube channel Castles and Legends. has been included. Spanning 12 minutes, it delves into the captivating history of the castle.
" Warkworth Castle, a once majestic fortress steeped in drama and history located in Northumberland, England. Its story is one of power, betrayal, and enduring legacy. "
Did You Know?
Northumberland is renowned for its impressive collection of over 70 castle sites, the highest in the UK. This abundance is a testament to the region's rich history and its strategic position near the Scottish border, which has led to the construction of numerous fortifications over the years. 
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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
No content should be used, copied or distributed in any way without express consent from Karen M Berisford