I suppose this falls under the “&Such” part of WebDesign&Such. I recently started a full sleeve Japanese style arm tattoo. I’ve always loved tattoos, and have been thinking of this tattoo for a while. I wanted a koi fish with a pagoda and some water lilies. After looking around at a variety of artists, I decided that Phil Young from Hope Gallery Tattoo, of CT was the artist for the job.

Four hours in the chair, and the outlining is done. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks to start the shading. I’ve decided to stick with black and grays instead of doing any color. I saw a painting the other day at the California State Fair. The painting was black and grays with no color. Artist Michael Sly explained the reason for this choice to not use color
“My palette choice is black, white, and three shades of gray. I feel once the artist introduces color to the painting it eliminates the viewer’s imagination; everything is identified for them.”
I agree with that theory, which was the reason I chose to use grays. Here’s some pics from my first session in the chair. Check back for updates in a couple weeks!
UPDATE: I started the shading..check out the new pics here!









6 Responses to “Koi Fish – Pagoda Tattoo”
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good! i’ve made my own blog
Thank for sharing
Man that’s awesome, I’m looking to do a koi as well to cover up a fighting Irish i decided to get when i wanted to be cool
Thanks man.. i love it. Can’t wait for the next round. Check out the latest pics if you haven’t (the link is in the above post)
Your ink is exquisite. I have been searching for a koi to add to a lotus on my back. I have seen many pieces, but this one is truly unique. I like your idea to keep it in black and shades of gray. The mind wanders while looking at it. I’m a writer and I think I will make reference to it in a project I am working on. It’s lovely.
i have never seen such amazing koi fish, you have a talent, keep up the good work, i have some koi’s already but nothing good as this i wish i could get this kind of ink