Commissioned Portraits Part III - Ahlani Nicole, Shepherd/Husky (preliminary sketch)

Ahlani Nicole's preliminary sketch

When I first saw Ahlani's shots, I immediately sensed that she was a big sweet teddy bear. She has one blue eye and one brown eye with a touch of blue in it, giving her that beautifully quirky expression.

In Lindsey's words:

Ahlani Nicole is 7 years old and has been with us since she was a puppy. Her nickname of Little Girl has grown with her since a puppy to her 115 lb self today. She is the most vocal dog I have ever met. Ahlani "talks" to you about any and everything. If you stop rubbing her, she needs water, wants to go outside; she will definitely let you know when she's in need of something. Our two children can pull, jump, or try to ride her without ever getting the slightest growl or nip. She is honestly the most loving, sweet, all around good dog. Ahlani loves the snow and being outside chewing a bone is her favorite thing to do. She has been accepting every time our family has grown and will forever be a fixture in it.

This shot of her conveyed her gentle, happy, innocent 'chatty Cathy' personality. Unlike Boji's shot, Ahlani looks up at us, appearing smaller than she is, similar to how we see children. Her nickname,  Little Girl, is still used today, which is very telling.