21May 2016 by tabernacle
Skull and Water

Skull and Water

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There's a lot of colorful ink work I have done, but doing black and grey tattoos can be just as visually appealing too. This guy right here is a skull popping out of some finger waves and wind bars with stars in his eyes. Why? Because he's probably a reaper looking into the future, past and present or maybe just staring into the abyss of your soul. Again, smaller tattoos are always a blast to work on and create depth within them.
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21May 2016 by tabernacle
Small Butterfly Tattoo

Small Butterfly Tattoo

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As much I love having big arm pieces, back pieces, leg pieces, body suits to do, doing small one shot tattoos are always a good time. Doesn't have to be a butterfly or just in black and grey, but this cool guy right here is a perfect example of even though it looks tiny there's a lot of intricate detail within these things. And we can put color on these little guys all day.
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21May 2016 by tabernacle
Snake vs Rose Battle

Snake vs Rose Battle

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This is a water color painting study for a tattoo of this snake guy doing battle with a rose. Why? Probably jealous of the beauty of the flower. I call it The Battle of Tears. Either way, between the snake's fangs or the roses' thorns, some one is going to get pricked and cry. Also, it's a battle some days finding inner creativity to make these drawings more valid and appeasing to the eyes. The snake hasn't really been seen in a positive light throughout history or mythology but he holds a certain beauty about him.
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21May 2016 by tabernacle
Dragon Party!

Dragon Party!

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This is another fun, water color painting I did as a study for a Japanese Dragon tattoo. He's busting out with flames creating some Traditional Japanese puffy clouds and wind. Who wouldn't want to party with this dude? Day in and day out I strive to enhance or maybe perfect in a creative light how these magical creatures should be projected. Sometimes that leads to Dragon Parties. As always I am very appreciative of the work I have been tasked to do and the ability to express how I see things through this art.
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12May 2016 by tabernacle
Traditional Japanese Hannya Mask

Traditional Japanese Hannya Mask

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He's big and he's scary looking, but never judge a mask by it's leering mouth. Traditionally Hannya masks were used in many "noh"(Japanese Plays) to represent the souls of women who have become demons due to obsession and jealousy. These "demons" can be demonic and dangerous, but they are truly tormented and full of sorrow. They've also been depicted as being serpent like, so here in this tattoo I've incorporated a snake wrapping itself around the mask. Traditional Japanese creatures; the dragon, tiger, the kitsune (fox), Hannya Masks, snakes, foo dogs, food myoos, plus many many more are what I'm about and what I've loved tattooing and had the pleasure of delving a bit into their legends.
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06May 2016 by tabernacle
Half Sleeve Kraken Tattoo

Half Sleeve Kraken Tattoo

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Release the Kraken! This beautiful Squid Monster has been in legends since man took his first sailing trip across the seas. Actually deriving from Norway and Greenland, the term "Kraken" means an unhealthy creature or something twisted, which squids generally look. But not this guy and if you look closely, he's even accompanied by a few divers in the deep.
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06May 2016 by tabernacle
The Tough Mandala

The Tough Mandala

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Mandalas are going hard these days! Might as well make 'em look tough. This one here has more of a Tibetan influence, done in black and grey on the back of a female's leg. I've noticed these are more attractive to Women, but honestly, this idea could go either way. I am very fortunate for these concepts to come to life and for the clients who allow me to create magical inspirations on them!
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23Mar 2016 by tabernacle
Reaper Tattoo

Reaper Tattoo

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Reapers! They come in many forms. This one has wings and lightning, so he's a bit more electrifying than ever. If you take a moment to get in depth with this picture, you see an eye. He's there to see the future, past and present. Death is a constant of the times, he keeps his sight on all things Worldly or Underworldly. As always I am very thankful for the dedication of this client to see this process through.
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