On the left is the image I was given for a tattoo. On the right is a color study on vellum with prisma color pencils. I wanted the image to be a little brighter, than the original.

Here is the tattooed version I did today. I would like some critiquing on this piece. So please feel free to message below. Thank you.

Here is a project I've been working on for months. I'm not done with the background. It's entitled "Daughter of the Moon" and is what I think of when I think of my dear friend Nikki. Doesn't look like her at all because it's no portrait, but it "feels" like her to me.

Whatcha think so far?

And some details close up...

Street shop magic!

I made this today. The body position of the eagle globe and anchor is based on Bullseye flash (forgot who drew the original) but every element I drew custom to be more neo-traditional.

This piece I did yesterday. The client found a drawing he liked on the internet. I kept the layout, added antlers that wrapped onto the chest/back, changed the diamond in the owl head to a shamrock, changed all the interior designs/skull art in the sugar skull, changed the eye sockets to enhance aggression but All other elements we kept from the artwork (no signature -no idea who drew it). I wish I got to do things like this more.

Here we have a hunting/fishing and fall/summer add on. This client has very small arms - about 12 inches in circumference so this will wrap on both sides. The old existing piece is a 30 year old Hanna Barbara cartoon of a redneck bear; looks like it was lined with a 14 round. I wanted to cover it but he wanted to keep it even though it's kind of off center. I am incorporating a very minor cover up of old initials on his shoulder blade which I will draw in more tree front and back to cover the initials and balance the tree canopy. Dunno if he will like this. Left side is deer hunting and autumn transitioning to trout fishing and summer on the right side. We shall see.

 

Client decided after seeing the art, that I could cover the old tattoo....yes! I will use the scales of the bass to create visual confusion in order to disguise and cover up the old tattoo. I'm VERY happy he changed his opinion.

Last but not least I started this sleeve of water and flowers. Here is the initial art.

I'm doing a flower sleeve on a customer, these are some of the flowers she wants. I did color studies to help me know what to do before, instead of in the skin. The hibiscus I borrowed from Teresa Sharpe, I changed the color but, I really liked her design. The orchid and sunflower are pics I got from google.

Now, she also wants a rose, a tulip, a cherry blossom (not a branch, just the blossom) and a butterfly. My question, is how to put it together?

1. Put the flowers on, with space in between for some connective vine work and the blossoms floating, instead of stationary.
2. Collage them going up her arm, that way they can be big enough and to make the color easier to pack in.

I used prisma color pencils on vellum, love vellum. I am open to criticism, so if you see something wrong or anything that might help with my blending, please comment on this post. Thank you

Creative or competitive?

Creative spirit and competitive mind can not coexist. We only thrive as creators when we let go of our desire to compete. Our true voice will not flow freely as we seek to topple and destroy fellow creatives.

Stink Masters....

I am proud to say I have NEVER watched an episode of inkmasters. I did however just watch the artist intros video for the upcoming season. With all due respect and good fortune to the artists participating, that is one embarrassing piece of video. The shits as we say. Making all of you look foolish and competitive. I blame the producers. I know the casting call had already gone out for the next season, and I'm sure there will be more, but know that the powers that be are making you the "Duck Dynasty" of the art world. Take the fame and possible fortune and turn it into something worthwhile. Feed your families, not the beast. Peace and Love. ~K

Monday Madness!

These tattoos aren't recent, but they are some of my favorites. You can comment publically or privately if you prefer (my direct email is tattoo.studio(at)yahoo.com). I'm here to grow not to be spared the truth by my peers - whatever it might be - but I do appreciate constructiveness and civil discourse ;)

 

And some art. The inked panels are from Batman and Wonder Woman respectively on 11 x 17 velum with a rapidograph pen. The bottom is just a model study on cold pressed Bristol board with graphite.

 

 

Have a creative day.

Cat