Watercolor Tattoo Photo #283

Soft gradients bleed into each other, splatter marks trail off the main image, and the whole piece feels lighter and more spontaneous than traditional ink. That painterly quality is what makes the style so appealing - and so divisive, because longevity depends heavily on technique.

Using lines of varying thickness to define shape and depth, linework tattoos achieve expression through economy. The absence of shading keeps the focus on the quality and flow of each stroke.

A spine tattoo draws attention to the body's natural symmetry, creating a bold centerline that works well with flowing or geometric designs. The placement is dramatic and easily hidden under clothing.