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Hello, and welcome to my blog!
Here, I’ll be sharing my journey as both a pet portrait artist and a volunteer with Guide Dogs UK. You’ll find posts about my daily adventures at the drawing table, insights into the tools and techniques I use, and stories about the wonderful pets I have the joy of capturing in art. Along the way, I’ll also share thoughts on creativity, inspiration, and the little things that keep me motivated.
I’ll also be sharing our Guide Dogs Puppy Raiser journey with you. My husband and I will be opening our home to a beautiful Labrador cross puppy for over a year. During this time, we’ll be guiding her training, helping her with socialisation, and introducing her to new environments and experiences. We have no doubt it will be a rewarding and joyful adventure, filled with plenty of heart-warming and memorable stories to share along the way!
If you'd like to, you can subscribe to my blog via the form at the bottom of this page. I hope you’ll enjoy following along!
All Posts
A Quiet Month - But an Important One
Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well. September has arrived - one of my favourite months and the beginning of autumn, which is perhaps my favourite season of all. There’s something about the change in the air, the cooler mornings and the promise of those beautiful autumn colours that I absolutely love. Ulani turned 13 months old today, and I think she is rather relieved that the temperature has finally dropped and there’s a slightly different feel in the air. The hot weathe
Nicola Bird
Sep 33 min read
Happy 1st Birthday, Ulani!
Today is a very special day - our beautiful Guide Dogs puppy, Ulani, is officially one year old!
It’s hard to believe that ten months have passed since this tiny black Labrador cross bounded into our lives. It really does feel like only yesterday that we welcomed a curious little puppy into our home, wondering what adventures lay ahead.
Nicola Bird
Aug 34 min read
June Update: Keeping Cool with Ulani
A blog about raising a Guide Dog puppy called Ulani.
Nicola Bird
Jul 23 min read
May Musings from the Studio and the Garden
It's been a busy month here, filled with puppy adventures, drawing projects, warmer weather and plenty of memorable moments with Ulani. As always, I thought I'd share a little update on what we've been up to.
Nicola Bird
Jun 14 min read
Little Paws, Big Adventures: Ulani at 9 Months
An update on Guide Dog puppy Ulani's development at 9 months old.
Nicola Bird
May 12 min read
The Joy of Collaboration: Creating Pet Portraits Together
Read about the joy of an artist and client collaborating to create a perfect pet portrait.
Nicola Bird
Apr 143 min read
Eight Months of Ulani: Cuddles, Chaos, and Confidence
An update on Ulani's progress at eight months old and her journey to becoming a Guide Dog.
Nicola Bird
Mar 253 min read
Falling in Love with Smooth Paper Again: Creating a Realistic Tabby Cat Portrait
I recently had the pleasure of drawing a very beautiful tabby cat, and the experience inspired me to write this blog because I’ve fallen in love with smooth paper all over again.
Nicola Bird
Mar 252 min read
Raising Ulani: Seven Months of Love, Learning & Leaps Forward
The trials and tribulations of raising a seven month old Guide Dogs puppy. It's a joy and a privilege.
Nicola Bird
Mar 24 min read
Life With a Guide Dog Puppy: Ulani at 6 Months 💛
On 3rd February, Ulani, our Guide Dog puppy, turned six months old, and it’s hard to believe just how quickly she’s growing. She’s blossoming into such a beautiful, gentle, and affectionate girl, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of her journey. Every week brings new changes — more confidence, calmer behaviour, and a deeper bond between us. Read my blog to find out more!
Nicola Bird
Feb 93 min read
Life With Ulani: Growing, Learning and Lots of Fur
A little update on our beautiful Guide Dogs pup and her training progress.
Nicola Bird
Jan 135 min read
Exploring Drafting Film: A New Challenge for Coloured Pencil Portraits
Hello everyone, and Happy New Year! I hope you’ve had a wonderful start to the year. This is my first blog of 2026, and I thought I’d begin by sharing a little challenge I set myself over the festive period — drawing a wildlife portrait on drafting film . I’ve seen so many artists talk about the benefits of this surface, particularly the level of detail that can be achieved, so I decided it was time to find out for myself how it feels and performs for coloured pencil work. Wh
Nicola Bird
Jan 93 min read
Puppy Paws and Christmas Reflections
As the festive season unfolds, the past few weeks with Ulani have been full of learning, laughter, muddy paws, and moments of reflection. From joyful chaos at puppy class to peaceful walks and growing confidence, it’s been a time of both celebration and adjustment. Alongside the excitement of raising a young puppy, this season has also carried a deeper poignancy as we navigate our first Christmas without Vesper — reminding us of the profound role dogs play in our lives, and t
Nicola Bird
Dec 21, 20256 min read
Milestones, Mud, and Meaningful Moments: A Puppy Update
Hello everyone, I hope you’re keeping warm and enjoying the start of the festive season. It’s hard to believe we’re only a few weeks away from Christmas. Time is absolutely flying in our household—I’m lucky if I know what day it is at the moment! Things still feel a little chaotic here, but we’re making steady progress. Ulani is now 18 weeks old! She had a weigh-in at the vets this week and is officially over 17kg. We can no longer scoop her up quite so easily, and when we’re
Nicola Bird
Dec 8, 20254 min read
A Custom Pet Portrait: The Perfect Christmas Gift for Pet Lovers
Why a pet portrait is a truly meaningful gift for pet lovers; a beautiful way to celebrate the special bond they share with their furry companions.
Nicola Bird
Nov 26, 20253 min read
Behind The Scenes of a Realistic Pet Portrait
A blog explaining the artist's process of drawing a pet portrait in coloured pencil.
Nicola Bird
Nov 20, 20253 min read
Ulani at 15 Weeks: Growing Fast, Learning Lots, and Keeping Us on Our Toes
Ulani at 15 Weeks: Growing Fast, Learning Lots, and Keeping Us on Our Toes
Nicola Bird
Nov 17, 20253 min read
Vet Trips, Puppy Class, and Our First Garden Centre Visit!
Read about our future Guide Dog's first adventures at the vets, a puppy class and a garden centre and cafe!
Nicola Bird
Nov 4, 20253 min read
5 Things to Think About Before Ordering a Custom Pet Portrait
Here are five things to think about before ordering your custom pet portrait, so you'll end up with a piece that truly captures your pet's spirit.
Nicola Bird
Oct 29, 20253 min read
Week 2 – Training Commences and Our First Puppy Development Adviser (PDA) Visit!
It’s been another lively week as we continue settling Ulani into her new home and establishing a routine. She’s becoming more relaxed and is now sleeping through the night without any toilet trips — a small victory that feels huge ! Her crate has been a real success; having her own cosy space with a blanket and a few toys has proven invaluable. We’re usually greeted at 6:30am by our furry alarm clock, which conveniently matches our usual wake-up time — so we’re feeling slight
Nicola Bird
Oct 19, 20253 min read
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