The most popular tattoo styles don’t just appear out of thin air. While many traditional tattoo designs are derived from comic books and pop culture icons, tribal tattoo patterns can be traced back to prehistoric times.
These days, artists are incorporating an unexpected style into body art: watercolor. You might think watercolor designs and tattoos don’t mix, but just wait until you see some beautiful designs from the world’s top tattoo artists.
It may seem counterintuitive to blend these two styles, which are opposites in the art world, but watercolor tattoos are versatile, attractive, and work well on any skin type, from darker to fairer skin. and can be designed to last in a variety of colors and shades.
Let’s take a look at how tattoo artists discovered the watercolor style and how you can wear these works of art with watercolor tattoo ideas.
Why watercolor?
Watercolor tattoos are definitely trending right now, with many artists adopting the style with their own twists and additions. But before you start looking for your next tattoo design in watercolor style, you might want to know how and why this tattoo trend came about.
Here we take a look at a brief history of watercolor tattoos and the characteristics that define them.
history and origin
Watercolor tattoos are a relatively new phenomenon, but we have to go further back in art history to understand where these elements came from.
Watercolors are thought to have origins in ancient times, when artists used water-based pigments to create letters, designs, and illustrations on materials such as papyrus. Evidence of watercolor painting has been found from Egypt to Japan, and it advanced with the development of paper and pigment technology.
In the Middle Ages, manuscripts were often decorated with watercolor pigments to add beauty to manuscripts and other religious documents. These designs were closely related to stained glass, advanced architecture, and other forms of art and technology that emerged during this period. Contrary to its name, there was actually colorful art from the “Dark Ages”!
By the Renaissance, watercolor painting had advanced by leaps and bounds as the masters of the time sought to perfect these techniques. Artists like da Vinci utilized watercolor techniques in their sketchbooks, while other artists used water and paint to recreate landscapes and natural forms.
On the other hand, in tribal societies, tattooing was always considered a secretive and selective art form. Thanks to innovative artists such as Amanda Wachob, Nick Lucas, and Ivan Androsov, the technique of watercolor painting was brought to the tattoo world in an unexpected marriage.
These artists, among other things, began experimenting with bright colors and washed-out ink splashes that resembled a watercolor style on the skin. Although much of the black outline and familiar pigments remained in the technique, new pioneering watercolor tattoo artists sought to recreate the essence of the art form while staying true to the ink tradition.
It took hundreds of years for watercolors and tattoos to merge, but the results were worth the wait. Currently, watercolor tattoos are one of the most popular types of tattoos, especially from top artists with high technical skills and years of experience.
Function definition
We all recognize watercolors the moment we see them, but explaining watercolor tattoos is not so easy. What are the characteristics of watercolor tattoos and what makes them different from other forms of tattoos? Here are some notable characteristics:
- The use of black ink is limited, usually only as a contrast between black outlines and more vibrant colors. Black ink is used sparingly, whereas other tattoo styles (traditional, realism) rely heavily on black and gray.
- The soft, blurred splashes of color are meant to look like water interacting with the paint, with a lighter application and translucent appearance.
- Layering different colors with different depths and sizes. Multiple colors are often layered on top of each other to create new shades and unique effects.
- There is a mix of design formats, from traditional to tribal to neo-traditional. Watercolor splashes are typically used to embellish or extend more familiar designs.
- A wide and varied color palette not usually seen in more strict tattoo formats. An artist can use more than a dozen different colors in one of her works.
If you look for these characteristics, you’ll start seeing watercolor tattoo designs everywhere, including subtle traces of the style. Many tried-and-true tattoo techniques are starting to incorporate bright watercolors to create something fresh and unique.
21st century tattoo culture is a blend of the best of fine art, old-school tattooing, and general artistic freedom. Watercolor can be the star of your next tattoo or just a small way to enhance your existing ink.
of watercolor tattoo process
You might be intrigued by images of watercolor tattoos online or in the portfolios of your favorite artists. Maybe you have a friend or favorite celebrity who has a watercolor tattoo and would like to get one of your own.
No matter where you stand, we’ll help you understand the process behind watercolor tattoos and what you can expect on your journey.
consulting and design
As with any tattoo, the process begins by brainstorming ideas with your artist and working to arrive at a vision that suits your skin and style. Watercolor tattoos are open to interpretation, so you’re probably not going to choose a “design that came to mind” like you would with a traditional tattoo flash.
Instead, you can provide your tattoo artist with reference images so they can clearly communicate the design you want. The more details you can provide the artist, the easier it will be for them to realize your vision.
Be sure to be specific about the size, shape, and location of your tattoo, and also mention any colors you’d like to include or exclude. This helps artists narrow down their color palette and create something they want to wear for the rest of their lives.
Mixing and applying colors
Watercolor tattoos, like the paintings they are inspired by, require mixing colors to get the best results and ensure originality. The best watercolor tattoo artists don’t just grab the closest matching red, yellow, and blue ink, they carefully blend each color with precision before getting to work.
You may have to wait a little longer than usual for your tattoo artist to mix the colors and lay out all the materials. Still, your patience will be rewarded when you get a beautiful, original design that no one else on earth has.
When applying the first layer of color, artists typically start with a light, translucent color before darkening and contouring. This creates a delicate, intricate painterly look on the skin, with each layer building on top of each other.
Don’t be surprised if the artist uses unusual tools such as sponges or brushes during the application process. These are often used to create the “bleed” effect that makes watercolors special.
The tattoo application process can take several hours or require multiple sessions, depending on the area and number of layers needed. In the final stage of the application, the artist may add accents such as splatters, dots, or other forms of texture to create a cohesive look.
healing and maintenance
It can take a month or more for a new watercolor tattoo to fully heal, so be sure to use aftercare best practices and repair lotions to ensure a smooth recovery. Do not scratch as this may cause peeling or irritation, and allow it to heal naturally.
Watercolor tattoos are also important to take care of, as fine lines and details can easily fade in sunlight. Remember to protect your tattoo from UV rays by using a tattoo-specific SPF sunscreen and avoid prolonged overexposure.
watercolor tattoo ideas and inspiration
You know where watercolor tattoos come from and how they’re applied, but what should you choose for your first (or next) design? Here are some ideas to consider.
flowers and animals
From rose tattoos and peonies to wolves and eagles, wild animals are always great for tattoos. With watercolor tattoos, you might want to go off the beaten path with unique animals like owls, hummingbirds, fish, and even mythical creatures.
Splashes of color are great at highlighting the outline of bold animal or flower tattoos, so you can’t go wrong with any item you choose. Flower tattoos are always classic, but especially with this brushstroke style.
geometric and abstract
Many watercolor tattoos blaze new trails using geometric shapes and abstract designs. You can also find intricate sacred geometry outlines studded with color, or designs made entirely of blocks of color that blur into each other.
Many watercolor tattoos also incorporate street art styles such as graffiti and mural icons, opening up new artistic territory. You’re not limited to just watercolors, so think outside the box and let your artist take some creative license.
landscape and nature
From mountain ranges to tropical islands and everything in between, landscapes are perfect background images for watercolor effects. Take inspiration from natural formations and use vibrant splashes of color to make your designs stand out.
Please handle with care watercolor tattoo
Watercolor tattoos have a lot to offer, especially when you discover a wide range of styles that work well with watercolor techniques. Care for your new ink with lotion and sunscreen to ensure it looks great for years to come.
source:
Style Guide: Watercolor Tattoo | Tattoo
The greatest watercolorist of all time | Art in context
Art Medium Watercolor Painting | Arthistory.net
Everything you need to know about watercolor tattoos | Inside Out
