Latest News for the UK Artist Karen M Berisford - The Northumberland Artist

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

21/8/2023

Having recently finished an oil pastel painting of our late black Labrador, Haze, I decided to create one of our beautiful Yellow Labrador Storm. Since Storm is 14, every day with him is precious. I have not yet completed his portrait, so I thought this composition would make the perfect portrait.

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.

Oil pastel painting of a Yellow Labrador in a wheat field

Completed oil pastel painting of Storm

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 goal is to accentuate the unique features of each subject through careful layering and definition, ultimately bringing the portrait to life in a way that feels both authentic and captivating.

Early stages of a Yellow Labrador oil pastel painting on Ampersand Pastelbord

I loosely apply the base colours, ensuring they are blended smoothly for a soft finish. Using paper stumps of varying sizes proves to be extremely helpful in manipulating the pastels. I usually work with large and small oil pastels from Sennelier, so I can quickly cover different areas.

Yellow Labrador oil pastel painting on Ampersand Pastelbord and Sennelier oil pastels

For my paintings, I exclusively use artist-quality, lightfast oil pastels from Sennelier and Neopastels by Caran d'Ache. I use a surface by Ampersand Art called Pastelbord, which is an archival medium-textured and highly absorbent surface coated with an acid-free clay and gesso ground with a marble dust finish. To explore the products mentioned and learn more about them, you can easily access their individual pages on my other website Step by Step Art. If you are an artist, you may find the articles helpful.

An oil pastel painting of a Yellow Labrador called Storm sat in a wheat field. The blending process.

In loving memory of Storm
20th of October 2023

If you are interested in my oil pastel paintings, I invite you to my oil pastel commissions page. There, you will discover my other pastel works. I am always happy to collaborate with new clients and create a unique portrait that captures their vision. Please contact me if you have any questions or want to discuss your ideas further.

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

24/4/2023

I enjoy using oil pastels to create portraits in addition to coloured pencils and acrylics, and I find it to be one of the most versatile mediums available. When it comes to creating beautiful and unique works of art, oil pastels offer an unmatched finish that can be applied to any subject with ease.

One of my latest portraits is of our late black Labrador Haze.

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

When creating my oil pastel paintings, I use professional pastel brands such as Sennelier and Caran d'Ache. One of the most significant advantages of using Sennelier and other soft pastel brands is their superior coverage and pigmentation. These pastels offer a rich and vibrant color that makes each stroke stand out and come to life. On the other hand, harder pastels such as Neopastel enable me to produce fine lines, which is essential when creating intricate details and textures in my portraits.

Building up the layers on a black Labrador oil pastel painting

Progress so far on a black Labrador oil pastel painting

When it comes time to store or frame my oil pastel portraits, I always take great care to ensure that they are protected. Since oil pastels never dry, it is highly recommended to store them in a secure location until they are framed. When framing, I highly recommend using glass to prevent debris such as hair and dust particles from damaging the painting's surface. Improper removal of debris can damage the painting's surface, but using glass can prevent this from happening.

Blending oil pastels with a tortillion on a black Labrador painting

It is important that a spacer is present between the painting and glass. This is done to prevent them from touching and adhering to each other, which can cause irreversible damage to the artwork. The spacer is a thin strip that adheres to the glass surface, creating a gap between it and the glass. When viewed from a close distance and at an angle, the spacer can be seen, but it is designed to be discreet and does not detract from the artwork itself. The material used for this oil pastel painting is known as acrylic glass. This particular product boasts exceptional durability and a reduced risk of breakage.

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

An oil pastel painting of a black Labrador using Sennelier and Caran d'Ache Neopastel oil pastels framed in a black ornate frame

Overall, oil pastels are an incredibly versatile and beautiful medium that can create stunning works of art. Should you wish to inquire about ordering an oil pastel portrait, please get in touch.

Feel free to share this post via your social media or email someone who may find this article of interest.

Read more about this painting

Charming Calico Cat Duo: Acrylic Pet Portraits for a Golden Wedding Anniversary

9/8/2022

I want to share my recent art commissions with you. The portraits feature Mindy, a lovely Calico shorthair with one eye. A loving husband commissioned them as a special gift for his wife on their golden wedding anniversary, which is today. I am hoping that Maureen will cherish them.

" I commissioned Karen to paint two acrylic portraits of our one-eyed rescue cat, Mindy, based upon photos that I had taken. These were a surprise Golden Wedding Anniversary present for my wife & we were both absolutely delighted with the final results; my wife described them as being absolutely stunning & was amazed by their detail & accurate colours, with every hair & whisker clearly visible. Karen kept me fully informed as the paintings progressed, via emails & a specially designed website, so that I could be part of each step of the process. She also compiled a video to help me select suitable frames, which perfectly complemented the colours of the completed paintings. I thoroughly recommend Karen to anyone wanting a very special piece of artwork; she is incredibly talented. "

Michael I Harrison
UK

Mindy calico shorthaired cat

An acrylic painting of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat

I spent about seven weeks creating these paintings using GOLDEN heavy body acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord. I am very detail-oriented and used a sword liner to apply every strand of fur, from short hairs to long whiskers. I worked on both paintings intermittently in between other tasks.

Acrylic painting of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat

Acrylic painting of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat in a bronze frame

The painting is 12" x 12" in size and was framed in the beautiful Windermere Bronze moulding. An acrylic painting is not framed behind glass, but a couple of protective layers were applied, to preserve it for many years to come.

Photograph of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat

Acrylic painting of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat

This is the final painting of the second portrait of Mindy, which measures 12" x 16" and is painted with acrylic. Mindy's owner, Michael, provided me with numerous high-quality digital photos of Mindy. These photos were used as a reference for creating the portrait, ensuring that every detail and colour was accurately represented.

Acrylic painting of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat in a bronze frame

If you are interested in commissioning your own bespoke portrait, you can find out more on our COMMISSIONS page.

Two acrylic paintings of Mindy, a calico shorthaired cat in a bronze frame

The completed paintings were carefully wrapped and packed with two certificates of authenticity and a sheet on how to care for acrylic paintings. I'm sure these paintings will be appreciated for many years to come.

Happy anniversary to Michael and Maureen

Lifelike Pet Portraits: Coloured Pencil Portrait of Dougal, the Red Fox Labrador

29/3/2022

I've recently completed a commissioned portrait of Dougal. Pet portraits are what I'm most often requested to paint, and a loyal customer requested Dougal's portrait as a birthday gift for a family member.

coloured pencil drawing of a Red Fox Labrador

Red fox Labrador

The reference image

The reference image used for this drawing was a great composition, but the detail and colour, was unfortunately lacking. Extra photos of Dougal were provided, which allowed me to gather additional detail. The leash was removed from the drawing, as this added nothing to his portrait.

Drawing a Red Fox Labrador using Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils

Residing in Northumberland, I find that Labradors are a favoured breed, and owning two myself, we frequently meet Red Fox Labradors and their owners. This has given me the opportunity to observe their distinctive colouration. In every portrait, I strive to balance the values, adjusting the colour tones as necessary, particularly when the original photograph's colours are faded or underexposed. Additionally, I dedicate time to online research, gathering images of other Red Fox Labradors to serve as a reference.

Northumberland Artist Karen M Berisford drawing a Red fox Labrador in coloured pencils

If you are thinking about booking a commission of your own pet, get in touch. If you want to find out more about my commissions first, you can click one of the tabs below and read about the process or view my art gallery. I work in coloured pencils and acrylic paints, both offer very different outcomes, but are highly detailed.

Coloured pencils

Creating Realistic Pet Portraits: Dougal A Red Fox Labrador in Coloured Pencils - Private Commission

4/3/2022

The latest commission on the easel is this stunning Red Fox Labrador called Dougal.

For this 10" x 12" drawing of Dougal, I am using the lightfast coloured pencils, Caran d'Ache Luminance on Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper.

Coloured pencil drawing of a Red fox labrador - early stages

I create my drawings using a layering process, which help to create the depth and realism that can be seen in all my work. This process starts from the lighter tones and builds up to heavy and bold applications. The realism is created at the end, when I use both light and dark tones to manipulate the layers and create the final pieces you see within the pages of my website.

Progression of a coloured pencil drawing of a Red Fox Labrador on Strathmore Bristol 500 Vellum paper

Creating a drawing like this can take many hours and to ensure I stay fully focused on each piece, I work on other drawings and paintings in between sessions. The length of time it takes to create a portrait depends entirely on the complexity of the composition, but a 4 - 6 week timescale is normal, unless a specific timeframe is requested.

Coloured pencil art of a Red fox Labrador in progress using Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils

This is the current stage of Dougal's portrait. There is still much to do on the colouration, but you can see how soft his fur now looks from the first post above, after numerous layers have been applied. You can view Dougal's progress page HERE.

I also completed a portrait of a Red Fox Labrador last year. This is Rua, who is Dougal's sister. You can view her portrait HERE.

If you are looking to commission your own portrait, visit one of the galleries below to find out more about each medium.

COLOURED PENCILS

Capturing Kira: A Lifelike Drawing of a Rottweiler in Coloured Pencils

6/9/2019

I've completed a stunning pet portrait of a Rottweiler named Kira. The reference photo was rather small, and the black fur lacked detail, but after researching online for similar images of the breed, I managed to produce a highly detailed 12" x 16" coloured pencil portrait. Today, Kira's portrait made its way home and will be presented as a birthday gift to the commissioner's husband later this month. I trust that both will cherish Kira's portrait for many years. You can learn more about the completion process on her dedicated page here.

You can explore a variety of Pet Portraits I've completed throughout the years. My work includes Acrylic Paintings, Oil Pastel Paintings, and Coloured Pencil Drawings, each offering a unique finish to suit your preferences.

For more information on my custom-made portraits, please follow the commissions link. Additionally, you're invited to browse my full gallery, showcasing a diverse array of subjects beyond pet portraits.

Paws and Pencils: A Newfoundland Dog Portrait in Coloured Pencils

26/12/2018

JETSON
Newfoundland Pup
Coloured Pencil Portrait

PORTRAIT COMPLETED: November 2018
Portrait size: 11" x 14"

I was recently contacted by a client named Mel, who was asked by a close friend to facilitate the creation of a pencil portrait of their nine-month-old Newfoundland puppy, Jetson, as a Christmas gift from husband to wife. Mel kindly provided several photographs of Jetson, allowing me to select the most suitable reference image. One particular photo prominently featured a charming detail of Jetson with his tongue playfully sticking out, which I felt would make an excellent choice for the portrait.

Photograph of a black Newfoundland 9 month old dog sat in a graden

A coloured pencil drawing of a black Newfoundland dog

Photographing dogs with dark fur can present significant challenges, primarily due to issues related to contrast. Often, the shadows lack detail, and overexposure can occur when adjustments are made to enhance the image. However, utilising a high-resolution digital image proved to be highly beneficial in overcoming these issues. As a result, I used several photographs to guarantee that the portrait I created had the proper balance of highlights and contrasts.

Early progress of a coloured pencil drawing of a black 9-month Newfoundland pup

Secondary progression of a coloured pencil drawing of a black 9-month Newfoundland pup

The progression of a coloured pencil drawing of a black 9-month Newfoundland pup

Finishing up a coloured pencil drawing of a black 9-month Newfoundland pup

I utilise Caran d'Ache Luminance coloured pencils for all my pencil portraits. Employing professional-grade pencils is crucial due to their high pigmentation, which enables effective layering. This technique enables me to overlay highlights on darker base tones, which helps maintain accurate perspectives, especially in compositions that feature extensive dark pigmentation.

Finishing up on a coloured pencil drawing of a 9-month Newfoundland pup

" Aww Karen...
You wonderful, lovely girl. He’s gorgeous.
Must confess, might have shed a little tear...
THANK YOU SO SO much "

Should you consider commissioning a portrait, whatever the subject may be, you can find out how the process works on my Commissions page or drop me an email at: [email protected]

I provide three mediums, each offering a distinctive finish: Coloured Pencils, Acrylics, and Oil Pastels. More of my work is available for viewing on my Art Gallery page and in the Pet Portraits Gallery.

Custom Made Dog Portrait: Shih Poo Acrylic Portrait Gift

18/6/2018

Ernie is a little Shih Poo dog. A Shih poo is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle He is a very sweet and affectionate dog and whenever I visited, I would offer him a treat. He would eagerly stand on his hind legs with his paws up, waiting for me to feed him. Ernie had been living with my auntie since he was a puppy, but when she sadly died in 2018, he found a new home with a very kind lady.

During a visit to my aunt, I brought my camera along to capture pictures of Ernie. Unfortunately, the weather was dismal, and I couldn't get any satisfactory shots. However, I managed to take one photo that had a certain appeal, even though it could have been better. I planned to edit it and transform it into a beautiful painting as a surprise gift for my aunt, who was going through some health issues.

For this particular painting, I opted for a simple background and used large brushstrokes to create the initial layers. This served as a foundation for adding finer details. It's worth noting that not all my acrylic paintings are created the same - some require a looser style, while others need more intricate details. The canvas size also plays a role in determining the painting style.

Fortunately, I had an extra Ashgate frame in my studio that matched the portrait flawlessly. The warm, golden hues of the frame perfectly complemented the painting's tones. When I showed the artwork to my aunt, she became emotional. She cherished the artwork and hung it in her kitchen. When she passed away, I requested that the painting be returned to me to keep that memory alive. He now hangs in my studio as a memory of that precious moment that made my auntie happy when she was so ill.

Cocker Spaniel Art: Acrylic Painting from Traditional Photographs

17/12/2017

BEN
Cocker Spaniel in Acrylics

Size: 9" x 12"
Completed: 16th December 2017

This article provides insight into the meticulous process of creating an acrylic painting portraying Ben, a Cocker Spaniel, from the initial photograph to the final framed piece. Sadly, Ben had died in January 2016, prompting Kathleen to contact me with a request to create a portrait of him as a Christmas gift for her niece. Continue reading for a detailed account of this process.

Acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel in a beautiful field

Kathleen only had physical photographs of Ben, and although I typically work with digital images, I understand that there are times when only physical photos are available. Ideally, it is best to scan these and email them to me, allowing me to determine if I can work from one of them. Since Kathleen did not have access to a scanner, she sent the photos directly to me via special delivery so that I could scan them. I kept the photos safe and returned them to her along with the painting.

Photograph of a Cocker Spaniel for an acrylic painting

Working from physical photographs

The image above served as the reference for Sam's portrait. As evident from the magnified version, it possesses almost no definition. Digital photographs provide me with the ability to enhance detail through adjustments. In contrast, physical photographs typically lack the level of detail found in digital images, so zooming in on a scanned file yields very little clarity. When I am creating a pet portrait and can access additional photographs of the same breed online, it almost always provides a beneficial solution.

Early progress of an acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel

Progress of an acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel

Refining the detail of an acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel

Completed acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel

In this case, I was able to provide a generalised interpretation of Sam, suggesting that a full-body portrait is the most feasible option due to the absence of fine detail. Although head-and-shoulders portraits are the most commonly requested format, full-body portraits deliver a more classical presentation. The background was chosen from my personal photographic collection, following a collaborative process with Kathleen to identify the most appropriate option.

Acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel in a teak frame

Kathleen requested that the painting be framed to enhance the presentation of the portrait as a complete package. I presented her with a selection of frame samples for her consideration. She ultimately selected a teak moulding. Upon receiving her confirmation that no further modifications were required, I moved on to the varnishing stage. After ensuring safe packaging, I dispatched the item with a 24-hour express delivery service to ensure its arrival the following day.

Acrylic painting of a Cocker Spaniel in a tranquil surroundings within a teak frame

" Portrait arrived safely and I am delighted with it. The likeness is amazing and I know my niece is going to love it. Here's wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year! "
Kathleen R

For more information about my custom-made portraits, please explore the Acrylic Paintings Gallery and the Pet Portraits Gallery. You can view the complete collection of my work in the Art Gallery, which includes pieces created with Coloured Pencils as well as Oil Pastels.

Should you be interested in commissioning a custom portrait, detailed information regarding the process is available on my Commissions page.

Capturing Obie: A Heartfelt Acrylic Painting Tribute of a Boxer dog

15/8/2016

OBIE

Portrait size: 11" x 14"
Completed August 2016

Back in 2016, I had the pleasure of creating a beautiful portrait for a Boxer dog group on Facebook. They wanted to surprise one of their members called Di, who lives in the United States, with a stunning painting of their beloved dog, Obie. Almost 40 Facebook friends joined forces to arrange this surprise portrait, and it was heartwarming to learn of her joy upon receiving such a considerate gift from wonderful friends.
Continue reading to discover the creation process of the painting.

Progress of an acrylic painting depicting a Fawn Boxer dog

Painting the fine detail on an acrylic painting of a Boxer dog

The diligent and experienced photographer, Obie's owner, had provided me with a reference image of exceptional quality. The single, large digital image allowed me to zoom in and carefully capture all the intricate details, ensuring that the resulting painting of Obie was highly detailed and fully showcased his unique and handsome features.

Close up of the fine detail in an acrylic Boxer dog portrait

A Boxer dog acrylic painting on a 3mm Ampersand Gessobord surfaace

The technique starts with a basic layer of colour, followed by roughly placed markings that help to establish the contrasts and highlights. This phase enables the refinement of details to an even greater extent in the subsequent layers. This refinement progresses until the details are sufficiently defined to my satisfaction, at which point I then proceed to the varnishing phase.

A custom made acrylic painting of a Fawn Boxer dog

Boxer dog acrylic painting in a teak coloured frame

" Karen, Your painting brought tears to my eyes and a huge smile to my lips.
He's home, on my wall. You did an awesome job of capturing my beautiful boy, Obie.
He looks like you could reach out and touch him. Thank you! I love it. "

Northumberland artist Karen M Berisford holding an acrylic painting of a fawn Boxer dog in a washed ivory frame

My acrylic paintings are created using a mixture of vibrant pigment and sometimes I will include a medium or two, which provides texture. This painting involves applying the paste onto the canvas using a palette knife, before applying the paint, which adds more texture and detail to my artwork and enhances its overall quality. I used this technique when creating Obie's portrait, giving the painting a stronger sense of structure and character.

Upon completing the painting, I added a layer of varnish for protection. Although the painting was commissioned unframed, I located an extra frame in my studio which I utilised for the display image provided. Upon receipt of the portrait, Di shared a photo of the painting once it had been placed in its forever frame.

Custom-made Lifelike Coloured Pencil Portrait: Tia the Jack Russell

18/12/2015

22nd November 2015

" Hi Karen,
I have just been looking at some of your work on your website and I am looking for someone to do a portrait of my dog for a Christmas present. What kind of prices do you charge please? I will attach some pictures as an idea of which one I would choose. Thank you :) "

A lady contacted me about a pet portrait of her Jack Russell, Tia, intended as a Christmas present for her mum. The lady, named Justine, sent three large digital photos of Tia. While any of the three could have served as the primary reference, Justine chose the third image.

Jack Russell dog

Jack Russell Terrier stood on hind paws

Jack Russell Terrier photo

Among the photographs provided by the commissioner, there is often one that stands out. As an artist, I possess an eye for the ideal pose that I believe would result in the finest portrait. However, the customer's choice is paramount. While I can provide guidance, I always encourage the customer to select their favorite photo of their pet, the one that they feel best captures their pet's personality. This portrait will adorn their wall long after their cherished pet has passed, making the choice of reference photo crucial. My selections are based solely on composition, lighting and photo quality, which, while important, do not necessarily contribute to capturing the pet's character.

Photograph of a female Jack Russell with feet on a wooden bench and a blue mosaic floor behind it.

Fawn Boxer dog in a park

The bright blue mosaic background was too distracting and lacked any connection or significance to the family, leading to the decision to opt for a portrait without a background. If a background was required, the options are endless. Here, a cherished photo of BuBu the Boxer dog, which was captured indoors, was seamlessly merged with a photo of a nearby park, where he and his family spent countless moments together. This unique addition enriches the final artwork with personal significance and meaning.

Creating a coloured pencil drawing of a Brown and white jack russell terrier

Coloured pencil drawing of a brown and white jack russell terrier

Jack Russell Terrier dog coloured pencil drawing

Caran d'Ache Luminance coloured pencils and a black Labrador Retriever coloured pencil drawing

Archival qualities of my artwork

Justine had a question that she thought may be trivial, yet it is a very important point to mention here.

" Do the pencil pictures keep? They don't fade or anything do they? "

I've spent numerous years sourcing the finest quality, archival, and lightfast art materials to ensure the durability of my portraits. The Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils I use in my colored pencil drawings are lightfast, ensuring they don't fade like regular pencils. The colours stay vivid for over a century, and the use of archival paper additionally prolongs the life of the portraits. I always provide an after care sheet with my portraits, which offers advice regarding framing. When you take it to a framer, the glass you choose with the frame can help to add extra protection to the portrait too. This can extend the lifespan of your portrait even more.

Feel free to browse my other Pet Portraits, or if you're considering commissioning a custom portrait of your dog or another pet, please review the information on my Commissions page.

Coloured pencil drawing off a Springer Spaniel

Chow Chow acrylic painting

black Labrador Retriever oil pastel painting

Explore the various mediums available for your custom portrait by clicking on the images. If you have any questions, feel free to Get In Touch.

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