Ep 4. The Art of Ink: Watercolor
- May 11, 2017
The Art of Ink is a TV show that explores traditional and modern techniques of tattooing. In season one, episode four, the focus is on watercolor tattooing. Watercolor tattooing is a relatively new style that mimics the free-form brush strokes of watercolor paintings. It's a style that is gaining in popularity, and this episode delves into the world of watercolor tattooing and the artists who create them.
The show begins with a brief history of watercolor painting, and how it has influenced tattooing. Watercolor painting has been around for centuries and is known for its free-form brushstrokes and vibrant colors. These same attributes have been incorporated into tattooing to create stunning and unique designs. Watercolor tattoos don't have strict lines or strict forms. They're an artistic representation of the design being tattooed, giving the artist creative freedom to make each piece one of a kind.
The show introduces viewers to two artists who specialize in watercolor tattoos. The first is Hollis Cantrell, an artist based out of Los Angeles. Cantrell has been tattooing for 15 years and began gravitating towards watercolor tattooing about five years ago. She explains that watercolor tattoos are a more fluid style of tattooing that allows for more freedom and creativity than the traditional styles. Cantrell works on a client who wants a watercolor tattoo of a hummingbird on their shoulder. She begins by sketching out the design in marker, then proceeds to fill in the colors with a paintbrush. The end result is a beautiful design that looks as if it were lifted straight from the pages of an art book.
The second artist featured in this episode is John O'Hara, a tattoo artist based out of New York. O'Hara has been tattooing for over 20 years and found himself drawn to watercolor tattooing because of its unique style. He explains that watercolor tattooing is a more natural approach to tattooing and it allows him to create something that looks like a painting rather than a tattoo. O'Hara works on a client who wants a watercolor tattoo of a butterfly on her ankle. He begins by drawing the design on tracing paper, then he uses a stencil to transfer it onto the skin. O'Hara then proceeds to fill in the colors using a paintbrush. The end result is a stunning tattoo that looks like a piece of art.
The show also explores the challenges of watercolor tattooing. Because watercolor tattoos are more free-form and fluid, they can be more challenging to execute than traditional tattoos. Watercolor tattoos require a lot of skill and precision to create, as well as knowledge of the unique challenges that watercolor ink presents. For example, watercolor tattoos can blur and bleed more than traditional tattoos if not done correctly. The artists featured in this episode discuss the importance of using the right ink, tools, and techniques to ensure the best results.
The episode also delves into the creative process behind watercolor tattooing. The artists featured in this episode explain how they draw inspiration from watercolor paintings, nature, and their clients' ideas to create unique designs. They discuss how they experiment with different color palettes and techniques to create something that is both beautiful and meaningful to their clients.
Overall, The Art of Ink: Watercolor is an insightful and inspiring episode that showcases the beauty and creativity of watercolor tattooing. It's a style that is gaining in popularity and this episode gives viewers an inside look at the artists who are leading the way in the watercolor tattooing world. The episode is engaging, informative, and visually stunning, making it a must-watch for tattoo enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
