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

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oil pastels paintings of labrador retrievers

how to commission a portrait

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Capturing the Timeless Beauty: Sycamore Gap Tree Oil Pastel Painting Artwork

28/7/2023

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I recently finished an oil pastel painting of the famous 'Sycamore Gap' tree in Northumberland. This tree has been an iconic landmark in the landscape since the 19th century, as stated by the National Trust, the organisation that owns the land where it stands.

Neopastels and Sennelier oil pastels in wooden trays next to an oil pastel painting of the Sycamore Gap Tree in Northumberland, UK

What subject could be more fitting for an oil pastel painting than the iconic Sycamore Tree beside Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland National Park? The highly abrasive Fisher400 paper enhances the application's effectiveness, creating subtle peaks of texture. The creamy texture of the oil pastels ensures the pigment spreads smoothly and quickly, culminating in a stunning impasto effect.

In this painting, my intention is to apply pastels in a deliberately loose and patchy manner, offering a unique interpretation of the subject. This method gives the artwork a distinct quality that sets it apart from my other pieces created with acrylics and coloured pencils. With oil pastels, I find I can express myself more freely, while still pursuing a degree of realism that presents a challenge, which is my primary goal in any artwork I complete.

White oil pastel from Sennelier resting on an oil pastel painting of the Sycamore tree in Northumberland, UK

As is the case with any form of art, the ultimate judgment of the finish of a piece lies with the viewer. Personally, oil pastels, a relatively recent addition to my artistic repertoire, rank among my preferred mediums due to their versatile manipulability and capacity for expressiveness, especially when working on larger canvases. The drawback of oil pastel artwork is its tendency to attract debris, necessitating a protective cover during non-working periods. While they mimic the polished look of oil paintings, oil pastel works should invariably be displayed behind glass when framed.

Hadrian's Wall

A little background on the tree and surrounding area

The Sycamore Gap Tree, also known as the Robin Hood Tree, is a popular attraction near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England. It stands in a dramatic dip, created by glacial meltwater, next to Hadrian's Wall and is situated within the landscape, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rising walls. The tree gained its alternative name from its appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the music video for Bryan Adams 'Everything I do, I do it for you' a song from the film's soundtrack. In 2016, it won the England Tree of the Year award. The National Trust owns the wall and the land around the tree, a favourite spot for tourists and photographers. It is visible from the nearby Military Road and is considered one of the most photographed trees in the country, possibly the most photographed point, even in all of Northumberland National Park.

The Felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree

On the 28th of September 2023, during the chaos of Storm Agnes, the Sycamore Gap tree was intentionally felled in an act of vandalism, whilst under the influence of alcohol. In just a few minutes, the tree that had stood for nearly 150 years was cut through with a chainsaw, while the act was recorded on a phone. The felling also caused damage to the section of Hadrian’s Wall where it had stood, adding to the seriousness of the offence. After a lengthy investigation and trial, the two men responsible were convicted of criminal damage both to the tree and to the ancient wall, and each received prison terms of more than four years.

The beauty of the surrounding area of the Sycamore Gap Tree and Hadrian's wall

New growth and preservation efforts

The site itself is showing signs of resilience, with the stump sending out fresh shoots. The National Trust has also been cultivating saplings grown from the tree’s seeds, with the hope that one day they might return to the Gap. Meanwhile, a large section of the trunk has been saved and moved by crane to be displayed at the nearby visitor centre, giving people a chance to reflect on both the loss and the enduring legacy of the iconic tree.

A framed oil pastel painting of a 1950's scene of a green Mercury Montclair car and a lady hanging her legs out of the window wearing green high-heels

OIL PASTELS GALLERY & PRICING

A lifelike oil pastel painting of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

PET PORTRAITS GALLERY

An acrylic painting of a Weasel amongst the rocks on Newbiggin by the sea beach

ART GALLERY & ART FOR SALE

A collection of oil pastel paintings including Sycamore Gap Tree, Black Labrador dog, Pink Flamingo and Green shoes and Mercury Montclair car with Sennelier oil pastels and Caran d'Ache Neopastels

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Exploring Art Materials: Derwent Chromaflow, Sennelier Oil Pastels, plus: Soft Pastel Poppy Fields Tutorial

26/2/2023

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Note: This article was originally published in 2023 and has been updated in 2025 to expand the tutorial and product review write-ups, and include new information about our downloadable resources.

Whether you're exploring new materials or refining your technique, this blog offers practical insights into coloured pencils, oil pastels, and a soft pastel tutorial, all designed to support your creative development. Originally published in 2023, this post has been updated in 2025 to reflect new resources, expanded content, and additional ways to stay connected.

Here, you'll find detailed reviews of popular art products, step-by-step tutorials, and links to downloadable resources that cater to artists at every stage. Each article is crafted to offer clarity, accuracy, and hands-on value, not just surface impressions.
If you're looking for reliable guidance and a place to deepen your understanding of art materials and techniques, you're in the right place.

Derwent Chromaflow Coloured Pencils

Derwent’s Chromaflow range, released in 2021, offers a bold and affordable option for artists seeking vibrant colour and smooth application. In our review, we analyse the overall quality and usability of the pencils, comparing Derwent’s marketing claims with our own hands-on experience. We also examine their lightfastness ratings, discuss how they perform in practice, and include feedback from other artists to provide a balanced perspective.

Chromaflow pencils are particularly well-suited to artists who enjoy expressive colour work or are transitioning from student-grade materials. Their soft core makes them ideal for quick coverage and rich saturation, though they may require a lighter touch when working on detailed areas. Chromaflow is positioned as a softer, more saturated alternative within Derwent’s coloured pencil lineup, and we explore how it compares to the Prismacolor Premier range in terms of handling, layering, and suitability for detailed work. If you're looking for a pencil that balances affordability with performance, this article offers practical insights and side-by-side comparisons to guide your choice.

Read the full review for performance tests, comparisons, and user feedback.

Sennelier Oil Pastels

Sennelier’s oil pastels are renowned for their buttery texture and intense pigmentation, making them a favourite among mixed media artists and those working in expressive styles. In this article, we explore the history of the brand and its development of this unique medium, offering context for its enduring popularity among artists. Unlike traditional dry pastels, oil pastels do not require fixative and can be used on a variety of surfaces including paper, canvas, and even wood.

We share practical hints and tips for working with oil pastels, including how to achieve painterly effects, manage layering, and blend effectively using recommended accessories. This article is especially useful for artists exploring oil pastels for the first time, or those seeking to expand their toolkit with a medium that offers both painterly effects and direct mark-making. The review also covers lightfastness ratings, surface compatibility, and customer feedback, helping you understand what these pastels can realistically achieve and how best to use them.

Explore the full review for swatches, layering tests, and practical advice on working with this vibrant medium.

Poppy Field - Soft Pastels Tutorial

This tutorial guides you through the creation of a vibrant poppy field using soft pastels, with a focus on tonal layering, atmospheric depth, and colour harmony. Designed for beginners and intermediate artists alike, the tutorial breaks down each stage of the process with clear, actionable steps.

We cover how to block in major shapes, build tonal contrast, and use blending techniques to create a sense of movement and light. The tutorial also includes guidance on choosing suitable paper, managing pastel dust, and refining details without overworking the surface.
Whether you're new to soft pastels or looking to improve your landscape work, this tutorial offers a structured approach that encourages experimentation while building confidence. It’s a great way to explore colour relationships and develop your understanding of composition.
Access the full tutorial and follow along with step-by-step images and practical tips.

Mungyo Inscribe half stick soft pastels article

This tutorial features Colourfix black paper and Mungyo Inscribe half-stick pastels, but you're welcome to use materials you already have on hand. A dark, textured surface will give you the best results. Inscribe pastels are student-grade, with pigments that tend to be less opaque than professional options such as Sennelier or Unison, though exact colour matching isn’t required. In fact, it’s a chance to experiment and develop a pastel piece that reflects your own choices and style.

About Step by Step Art

Step by Step Art is an independent educational resource for artists who value precision and practical instruction. Whether you're working in coloured pencils, oil pastels, soft pastels, acrylics, or graphite, it offers structured tutorials, product reviews, and downloadable tools to help you build confidence and improve your results.
The site is designed to be accessible and informative, with content tailored to both beginners and experienced artists. You’ll find:

In-depth tutorials that break down complex subjects into manageable stages
Reviews on a multitude of products, based on real-world use, not promotional fluff
Downloadable resources including colour charts, reference packs, and technique sheets in our kofi shop

Every article is written with editorial care and tested experience, so you can trust the information to be accurate, relevant, and free from marketing bias. Step by Step Art is not affiliated with any manufacturer, reviews and recommendations are based solely on performance and usability.

step by step art kofi community and shop link

2025 Updates: What’s New on SBSA

Since this blog was first published in 2023, Step by Step Art has continued to grow, with new resources added to support artists across a range of mediums. In 2025, we’ve expanded our downloadable content, refined tutorial layouts, and introduced new ways to stay connected. Recent additions include a shop with downloadable content, both free and premium.

Our Ko-fi page is the social hub for Step by Step Art, a streamlined space where you can follow the latest updates, access exclusive downloads, and support the site if you wish.
What you’ll find there:

Free digital downloads: tutorial outlines, colour charts, and reference images
Premium packs: curated royalty-free image sets and technique guides
eBooks: in development for oil pastels, coloured pencils, graphite, soft pastels, and acrylics
Blog posts and video updates: insights and new releases

Unlike traditional social media platforms, Ko-fi offers a distraction-free experience focused entirely on art education and resources. You won’t encounter ads (which we hate as much as you do), or unrelated content, just clear, timely updates and tools to support your practice.

Ko-fi Page: Follow, Download, Support

If you’d like to stay informed or access new materials as they’re released, following the Ko-fi page is the simplest way to do so. You’re welcome to follow us on our other social media platforms via the links below. While these pages are still in the early stages, we’re actively working to populate them with useful content and updates. You can also find us on other social media sites, with links available below.

Find us on YouTube

Find us on Pinterest

Thanks for reading, we hope this expanded blog has offered useful insights and helped you discover new tools and techniques to support your art practice. Whether you're here for tutorials, reviews, or downloadable resources, Step by Step Art is committed to providing clear, practical guidance for artists at every stage.

If you’ve tried any of the materials or tutorials mentioned, or have suggestions for future content, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps shape the direction of future articles and ensures the site continues to meet the needs of its readers.

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Images and text within this website are Copyright of Karen M Berisford 2010 - 2025
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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 the Timeless Beauty: Sycamore Gap Tree Oil Pastel Painting Artwork

A little background on the tree and surrounding area