A Week of Inspiration: Portraits, Puppies, and Lake Garda

Hello everyone,

I hope you’re well and enjoying September. It’s one of my favourite months of the year — that gentle overlap where summer drifts into autumn. The first hints of leaves turning, hedgerows full of ripening berries, and the promise of cosy days ahead always makes me feel inspired.

I’ve been delighted to hear from a number of past clients recently, asking me to draw their newest four-legged family members. There’s something very special about being invited to create a second portrait — it means the first has found a cherished place in their lives. I feel truly honoured when someone chooses me again to capture their pet in artwork.

This week I’ve been immersed in a beautiful piece: a black Labrador standing in long grass on a cliff above a beach. It’s a wonderful challenge. Backgrounds can feel intimidating — they need to complement the pet, set the mood, and tell a story, all without stealing the spotlight. For this portrait, I’m keeping the grasses soft and swaying, letting the Labrador remain the star while still evoking the warmth of light and sea air. He has such a joyful, alert pose — paw lifted mid-step — and I hope I can capture that spark.

I’m working on Clairefontaine pastelmat, which has a lovely sandpaper-like texture that lets me build up layer upon layer of pigment. I chose a rich yellow mid-tone as the base, perfect for enhancing the sunshine and beach atmosphere. There’s still a way to go, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it — and, if I’m honest, it might just be helping me overcome my nervousness about drawing background. A recent short trip to Italy may have played its part in that shift, too. My husband and I escaped to Lake Garda for a few days, and the views across the lake and mountains were breathtaking. Being surrounded by so much beauty left me feeling refreshed and inspired — and I can feel that influence in my work this week.

My work in progress...a sunny scene.

Back at home, we’ve also been busy preparing for the arrival of our new Guide Dogs puppy. The garden has had a tidy-up, a little step has been added to the back door to help tiny paws, and we’ve even installed a light for those inevitable night-time trips outside during toilet training. I treated myself to a good waterproof dog-walking coat, too — memories of shivering in the rain with our beloved Vesper are still very vivid! Experience has taught me it’s best to be prepared!

As I look back on the last week or so — balancing time at the drawing board with preparing our home for a new puppy — I’m reminded how much joy animals bring into every corner of life. Whether it’s capturing their spirit in a portrait, or making space for muddy paws in the garden, they have a way of shaping our days for the better. And really, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thanks for stopping by and see you soon.

Nicola x