The beginning of a sleeve

350_ericsleevesession01.jpg

I went into the shop on my day off to begin what will be a full sleeve on my brother-in-law.

We've much to do, but so far I'm happy with the skull. I tried my best to apply the mixing and blending techniques that have filled my head from the seminar (awhile back) with Nate Beavers. Usually I love to leave negative space all over, but I went for complete coverage mixing yellow with purple to get the shades of olive, brown, and yellow.

Eric sat for so long. I was proud.

There will be a curvature coming out below his upper jaw and it will extend around to the other side of his arm. (this is on his inner left forearm)

Update: After stepping back and looking at this, I realize I want to darken the darkest areas for more contrast. That and make some of the lines more precise with a 7 round. The best part of session work, for me, is being able to tweak and make adjustments after it has healed.

Comments

good gosh, i want to be tattooed by you. why do you have to live so far away.

Chris   on October 18, 2007 8:30 AM

Nate would be proud!

Marcus M   on October 18, 2007 9:04 AM

The composition of this is really well done. Nice one! Any chance you are doing any shows on the East Coast in the coming year?

DiabolikDVD   on October 18, 2007 12:48 PM

how full will this sleeve be? just wondering since most tattoo artists sketch the whole sleeve and outline it before anything else. to get the composition down and what not.

Anonymous   on October 18, 2007 1:21 PM

The entire arm - shoulder to wrist.

The whole sleeve has been sketched out. I spent forever with my arm template and a bunch of ideas. I'm happy with the composition I have planned. Laying down the outline is what "usually" takes place first. But Eric didn't want that. He wanted to start on his forearm with something substantial so he wouldn't back out down the road.

Even though I did tattoo more than just the skull, I chose not to show that yet. There is a ton of work and preparation going on behind what you see here... on this blog. Some of which falls into standard tattoo practice. And some of which I take whatever route I see fit.

Registered User  Author Profile Page on October 18, 2007 1:46 PM

I love the seven round! It is my new favorite tool. So dense! So smooth and black! Hooray! Why have I been pulling my hair out because of loose fives that are like tattooing with a feather??!!

kai smart   on October 22, 2007 3:45 AM

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This entry was published on
October 17, 2007 5:12 PM
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