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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.  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. 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.  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:
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.  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.
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Creating Realistic Pet Portraits: Dougal A Red Fox Labrador in Coloured Pencils - Private Commission4/3/2022 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.  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.  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.  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. Interested in commissioning a portrait? Browse the galleries below for details and examples of my work, or request a no-obligation quote. You can also get in touch direct through my Contact page. HEXHAM HOUSE Hexham, Northumberland, UK Portrait size: 8" x 10" Completed 29th October 2020 8th October 2020 " Hi Karen It’s our daughter’s first wedding anniversary on 2 November, and as that’s paper, I was thinking of finding them a small sketch of the venue where they married - Hexham House ( in Hexham ) Is this something you would undertake & could it be done in the time we have available? "  The commissioned coloured pencil portrait of Hexham House in Northumberland was undertaken for a returning client, Julia. She had previously arranged for a portrait of her beautiful black Labrador, Dusky, 2 months prior. The reference image was provided by Julia through email, containing several photos she had taken on the wedding day. This eliminates potential copyright violations from using online photographs, which are the sole property of the respective photographers and require explicit permission for usage. From the array of provided photos, Julia selected a composition that she deemed the most suitable from the mock-ups I had created.  It is a rare occurrence to receive requests for architecture portraits, which is regrettable as I find enjoyment in producing such intricate and detailed artwork. This departure from the ordinary is a source of great satisfaction and provides me with an opportunity to engage with the technical aspects of the subject and uncover its historical significance of such buildings. The most recent undertaking of this nature dates back to 2013, when I portrayed Wynyard Hall in Stockton-on-Tees,UK.  When a completion date is requested, I always make every effort to work within the specified timeframe. Certain projects, such as a large and intricate 16 x 20 inch painting, may not be feasible to complete within a week, despite having been requested. Conversely, a small portrait is more manageable within a short span of time. For example, in this case, I began the project on the 12th, finalised it on the 29th of October, and subsequently dispatched to the customer on the following day via Royal Mail special delivery.  " It looks great Karen, Thanks for all your hard work "  If you're interested in learning more about my bespoke portraits, or if you're considering commissioning a specific portrait, please visit my Commissions page for more information. Additionally, feel free to contact me direct with your ideas. I was recently commissioned to create a stunning coloured pencil drawing of an English Bulldog for a client. This client, Carol, had previously asked me to create two beautiful portraits of her beloved pets: a red English Bulldog named Buster and a white English Bulldog named Reggie. Now, she has another adorable Bulldog named Rufus, and she wanted a third portrait to join the collection, creating a lovely trio of coloured pencil portraits to display in her home.  Prior to working on the portraits of Buster and Reggie, I had not had the opportunity to create a pet portrait of an English Bulldog. Their unique character is truly remarkable, with the distinctive wrinkles and folds in their faces that are somewhat reminiscent of those of the Boxer dog. Having completed over 40 portraits of the Boxer dog breed, I have always thoroughly enjoyed the creative process for each one. My extensive experience in creating Boxer dog portraits, coupled with the excellent reference photograph provided, greatly simplified the process.  The realism of my coloured pencil portraits is greatly influenced by the quality of the photographs provided. High-resolution images enable me to capture even the minutest details by zooming in. Working from subjects photographed in natural light is significantly easier, as it eliminates the need to interpret details lost to overexposure or distortion from artificial lighting conditions. The precision of my pencil work will reveal the areas in the photograph that may lack essential detail, which can lead to a less refined portrait. With more than 35 years of experience in working with coloured pencils, I gravitate towards high realism because I relish the challenge it presents.  If you're considering commissioning a custom pet portrait of your English Bulldog or another breed, I will provide useful links for you to learn more about the process before contacting me. You're welcome to reach out directly as your initial inquiry, but if you're just looking to gather information before deciding, feel free to explore my pencil gallery and/or pet portraits gallery to view the range of portraits I've crafted over the years. In addition to Coloured Pencils, I also work with Acrylics and Oil Pastels, each providing unique finishes. You can visit each gallery by clicking on the provided links below. The weather in Newbiggin by the Sea has been delightful. My partner, John Graham, and I have seized the opportunity to go cycling along the coast, basking in the warm, sunny days. The freedom to explore the Northumberland coastline once more, after seven weeks of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, has been exhilarating. Below are some photographs from our cycling adventures and a glimpse of my latest artwork. Furthermore, John has been fortunate to observe a bird at Newbiggin by the Sea that has not been previously documented in this area. Continue reading to discover which bird it was. Newbiggin in the sunLast week, John and I went for a bike ride along the coast. We took a break at Beacon's Point, a popular spot for birdwatchers known to have rare birds occasionally. We enjoyed the warm weather and took some time to relax on the cliff edge before moving on towards Lynemouth power station, hoping to spot some Flycatchers and Whinchats. We followed a path alongside the golf course covered in gorse bushes, providing an ideal bird nesting place.  A year ago at this location, John photographed a Red-spotted Bluethroat, a rare bird that drew photographers from far and wide. Sadly, not everyone had the opportunity to witness it, myself included. Information about the most recent rare bird sighting in Newbiggin can be found further down this article. 'On the Easel' - Bullfinch & Apple Blossom acrylic paintingThis painting was created by merging two reference images: one of a Bullfinch and the other featuring apple blossoms. Close to home, there's a cycle path adorned with apple blossom trees, a common habitat for Bullfinches. Capturing a photo of both the bird and blossoms together proved elusive, so I utilised an image of a Bullfinch captured by John. You can read about the process of this Bullfinch painting here. What a find!One morning, John was lucky to spot a beautiful European Bee-Eater flying over a nearby lake. Despite being far away, the Bee-Eater was easily recognisable due to its long beak and bright colours. While there have been reports of Bee-Eaters in other parts of the country, this was the first sighting of one in Newbiggin by the sea.  European Bee-Eater in Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland,UK Portrait size: 12" x 16" This portrait of Kira was commissioned by Georgina as a thoughtful birthday gift for her husband. Despite working from a small, low-detail photo, I was able to create a richly detailed drawing that captured Kira's character. Early ideas for a tonal background were set aside to keep the focus entirely on her. Read on to see how the portrait came together.  The reference photo was quite small, so zooming in caused pixelation and loss of detail, especially in the shadows of the black fur. To bridge those gaps, I spent time researching the breed online, gathering visual references that matched both the stance and the key features I could make out. This helped ensure anatomical accuracy while preserving the integrity of Kira’s likeness. While I don’t normally recommend working from low-resolution images, careful research made it possible to produce a highly detailed 12" x 16" coloured pencil portrait that reflected Kira’s character beautifully. Georgina was initially open to the idea of a background but unsure of the direction she wanted to take. To help explore the possibilities, I created five different options, three featuring soft-focus outdoor backgrounds and two with simple, soft hues. She selected one as a starting point, but as the portrait progressed, she felt the background might detract from Kira and ultimately chose to omit it altogether. I agreed with her decision, as it allowed Kira to remain the clear focal point of the piece. Here are a few progress images showing how the portrait developed over time. 
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. 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.
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. 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.  " 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 more by clicking any of the links below or drop me an email at: [email protected] I provide three mediums: Coloured Pencils, Acrylics, and Oil Pastels, each offering a distinctive finish. 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 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.
In this article, I am pleased to share my latest commissions, completed as gifts for Christmas. Four new acrylic paintings, which include a double portrait of two mixed breed dogs, a Chow Chow dog, a boxer dog and a Cocker Spaniel. Additionally, I also had three coloured pencil commissions, featuring a Boxer dog and two individual portraits gifted by a mother to her two children of a Cocker Spaniel and a Tabby cat.
In 2017, I started receiving Christmas orders as early as September, which kept me busy throughout the entire season. Since my work is highly detailed, I can only take on a limited number of portraits in the lead-up to Christmas. Beginning in mid-October, I needed to dedicate 10 to 12 hours each day to ensure I could complete all the portraits on time. To navigate this intense workload and ensure that each portrait was completed on schedule, I had to organise a daily schedule, to manage my workload effectively.
Early December marks the final varnish before this portrait travels to the USA.
Given that some of the orders originated from overseas, it was imperative to ensure that the portraits were finished promptly, as the shipping process typically takes between 5 to 7 working days. Additionally, I needed to proactively arrange for the frames well ahead of time, particularly considering the surge in demand that framers often face during the holiday season. This careful planning would help guarantee that each piece arrive in time for Christmas.
My objective was to complete all outstanding orders one week ahead of my trip back to Chesterfield, where I could enjoy quality time with my family. Despite the challenges of this busy period, I found myself needing to work late into the night before my departure, ensuring that everything completed. Star - Acrylic Painting of a Chow Chow dogCommissioned as a Christmas gift for the client's parents, this portrait of their Chow Chow was created with careful attention to detail. Executed in acrylic on a 16" x 20" canvas, the composition features a scenic background thoughtfully selected to complement the Chow's unique colouring without detracting from the focal subject. The portrait provided an opportunity to engage with texture and tonal layering, particularly in capturing the complexity of the coat. It was a time-intensive process, but one that allowed for a more nuanced and considered result, both technically and emotionally. 
The completed acrylic portrait, shown in a simulated frame created with Artstage to visualise presentation.
This portrait was commissioned by a lady from Chesterfield, where I am originally from. As I planned to return to Chesterfield for the Christmas holiday, it was arranged for her to collect the painting at the Chesterfield train station. The portrait of Star the Chow Chow was carefully transported in my suitcase, ensuring its safety during a six-hour journey. Upon our meeting, Rachel thoughtfully presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, which added a lovely touch to our exchange.
For those interested in how this portrait of Star the Chow Chow came together, you can follow the full progression on his dedicated page. It offers a closer look at the layering process, and the techniques used to bring his painting to life.
Ben - Acrylic Painting of a Cocker SpanielThis Christmas commission was arranged by an aunt as a gift for her niece. Kathleen, the client, was only able to provide a couple of printed photographs rather than high-resolution digital images. While I generally advise against working from physical prints due to the lack of fine detail, I asked her to send what she had. I scanned them carefully and, using supplementary references of Cocker Spaniels sourced online, was able to gather the key anatomical and tonal information needed to build an accurate portrait. 
Ben the Cocker Spaniel, shown in the completed acrylic portrait with the chosen teak frame, previewed in a simulated display setting.
One of the photographs captured an ideal pose, though the colour and image quality was less than perfect. Nevertheless, I worked diligently to enhance the image, keeping the client informed throughout the process via a dedicated webpage where she could monitor progress and request adjustments. We selected a vibrant landscape background that beautifully complemented the dog, and the client chose a teak-coloured frame to complete the painting, resulting in a polished and meaningful gift.
" 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! "
If you’d like to learn more about how this portrait of Ben developed, from initial reference to final brushwork, you can view the full process here.
BuBu - A Coloured Pencil Drawing of a Boxer dogJoanne commissioned this portrait of BuBu as a Christmas gift for her husband, following the recent loss of their much-loved Boxer. The chosen 12" x 12" format allowed for greater precision and offered space to include a scenic background, a park they had often walked in together. It was important that the composition felt personal and accurate, not just visually pleasing. 
Before the drawing could begin, the first task was to build a reference image that reflected BuBu’s natural proportions. The most suitable photo had been taken indoors, with uneven lighting and an ear position that didn’t reflect his usual stance. Several adjustments were made to correct these issues, combining elements from the original photo with anatomical reference to ensure the final portrait felt true to him.
" Just wanted to let you know that I absolutely love BuBu. He has now gone for framing and I will send a picture to you when I get him back next week. Once Christmas is over and Shane has received the gift, you are more than welcome to Bu's progress and final image online. It is just amazing. "
Joanne later shared a photo of BuBu’s portrait after it had been framed. She selected an ivory mount paired with a slim white frame, choices that kept the focus on BuBu and complemented the artwork without distraction.
To see more images and read about how the portrait came together, you can visit BuBu's blog here. Tank - An Acrylic Painting of a Boxer dogDavid discovered my work through mutual friends and contacted me to create a portrait of his dog, Tank. He shared several reference photos, but one stood out as ideal. The digital format allowed me to zoom in and capture fine details with clarity, and because it was taken in natural daylight, it accurately reflected Tank’s colouring. With this image, no further references were needed to achieve the level of realism and tonal accuracy required. 
For head and shoulder portraits like Tank’s, 9" x 12" is a popular format. It provides enough space to capture fine detail while keeping the composition focused. Although I had access to multiple images, the final result depended on the strength of the chosen reference. A well-lit, high-resolution photo makes all the difference. I always recommend providing a range of images and selecting the most suitable one to ensure the best possible outcome.
" Hello Karen, I just received the painting, it is absolutely beautiful. It arrived unscathed, and thank you so much, this will be hung on my wall, with great pride. You have a god given talent, that is heartfelt. You make a lot of people happy, so we can keep our beautiful babies forever in our hearts and we can see them every day and give us a smile. Chaz & Lucy - An Acrylic Painting of two mixed breed dogsA lady contacted me about a Christmas portrait of her sister’s two dogs, Chaz and Lucy, both of whom had sadly passed away. With only a few reference photos available, it was difficult to gather enough detail to meet my usual standards. Luckily, I was able to create an ideal composition that honours their memory and offers a heartfelt tribute to these much-loved companions. 
To paint Lucy, the larger dog, I combined two photos, one for the body and one for the head. This method can work well, but it depends heavily on the clarity of the images. When references are limited or unclear, it becomes harder to ensure accuracy. Including the customer in the process helps guide decisions and improves the final result.
Taz & Benny - Two Coloured Pencil Drawings of a Tabby Cat and a Black Cocker SpanielI was recently contacted by a client named Pat, who was looking to commission two small pencil portraits as Christmas gifts for their son and daughter, one of a dog named Benny and one of a cat named Taz. The requested size was 8" x 10", though she was open to advice, especially for Taz’s portrait. Due to the composition, it was decided that a 7" x 11" would fit better. 
Pat had limited reference photos and wasn’t sure if they would be suitable. For Benny, a head and shoulders pose was preferred, showing him as he often appeared, wet from swimming, with a slight brown tinge likely caused by sunlight on his black coat. For Taz, she favoured a full-body image and included an extra photo in case it better showed his eye colour. She were open to guidance throughout to ensure the portraits captured each pet accurately.
"Just received the portraits. They are stunning and so lifelike. I've just left them to be framed and they will be ready for Christmas. Thanks again, you are so talented."
Once I completed all the Christmas commissions, I took a well-deserved break to recharge. Now, I'm back in the studio, creating new articles for my Step by Step Art website. There are numerous tasks to accomplish behind the scenes. If you're interested in booking a personalised commission or are an artist searching for helpful articles, and mini-tutorials, click on the links below to visit my website.
Here's hoping 2018 is a wonderful year for you! Karen BEN |
| | " 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 |
Should you be interested in commissioning a custom portrait, find out more on the 'How to commission a portrait' link below.
 This image illustrates the final drawing, with framing in a simulated display using the ArtStage app | " Just wanted to let you know that I absolutely love BuBu. He has now gone for framing and I will send a picture to you when I get him back next week. Once Christmas is over and Shane has received the gift, you are more than welcome to Bu's progress and final image online. It is just amazing. " Joanne Keane Dublin, Ireland |
Update July 2025: At the moment, I’m unable to ship to the EU and Northern Ireland due to current GSPR regulations. You can find more information about this on my Terms & Service page.
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 Acrylics
The 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.
You can discover more about the process of Buddy's portrait here.
The base layer - Very messy but important
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The final completed painting
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"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."
Esther
Dudley - Springer Spaniel Portrait in Acrylics
The 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.
To learn more about how Dudley’s portrait came together, visit his page here.
Finalising the painting with a tonal wash
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The final painting
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"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!
Andrea xx."
Diarmid, Max & Kyla - A Couple and their French Bulldog Drawing in Coloured Pencils
Diarmid 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.
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The final portrait treated with an application of UV fixative
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"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 pencils
This 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.
Kita - Akita dog in Acrylics
You can read more about his portrait and how it came together here.
To request a no-obligation quote or book a portrait, you’re welcome to fill in the form or contact me directly.
 The reference photo |  The acrylic painting |
Although the image was slightly out of focus, I discovered that by intensively working on the fur, I found that I could enhance the details by meticulously refining the fur, resulting in a final portrait that was more lifelike than I had anticipated. The completed painting was set in a black frame called Brockwell.
"I just wanted you to know that I absolutely love my painting of Kita. You have done the most amazing portrait of him, he was my best friend and my little boy. I love him so much and the painting of him has been put up in the living room so we can all admire him everyday!!!
Thank you again" xx
Rachel
Receiving such feedback is always special, and I eagerly wait to hear how my other portraits have been received this Christmas. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
How to book your own bespoke portrait:
For those interested in commissioning a custom portrait of your pet, a loved one, or any other subject, information on the commission process, or to see more examples of my work, click on any of the links below. In addition to acrylics, I also create pieces using coloured pencils and oil pastels.
 22mm board with painted corners |  Wall protectors are applied to every unframed 22mm painting |
Karen, I was the lucky one to receive this beautiful painting. I can't tell you what a lovely gift it is, thank you so much for capturing Willow's character so well. I absolutely love it, it's beautiful and one to be treasured for many years to come.
Victoria D.M
Are you looking to commission a custom-made portrait?
OBIE
Portrait size: 11" x 14"
Completed August 2016
Continue reading to discover the creation process of the painting.
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 | " Karen, Your painting brought tears to my eyes and a huge smile to my lips. |
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Karen M Berisford
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