Spartan Leg black and grey surrealism tattoo

Featured Artist: James Strickland
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Spartan Surrealism on a Montana Leg

This black and grey tattoo by James Strickland at Montana Tattoo Company is a powerful statement piece. It features a hyper-realistic Spartan helmet, complete with intricate rivets and a textured crest, rendered in stunning detail. Below it, a surreal, ghostly figure emerges, blending classical iconography with a modern, dreamlike twist.

This isn't your average Spartan tattoo. James Strickland, a premier realism tattoo artist in Missoula, specializes in this fusion of styles. He took a timeless symbol of strength and gave it a unique, personal narrative that flows perfectly with the client's leg. The piece shows what's possible with a custom tattoo in Missoula when you work with the right artist.

The Work

This is a masterclass in black and grey realism with a surrealist edge. The challenge was creating the hard, metallic texture of the ancient helmet against the soft, ethereal quality of the figure below. James used precise shading and contrast to make the helmet look like it could be picked right off the skin.

The surrealism comes from the seamless integration of the two elements. They coexist in the same space but feel like they're from different planes. This requires a deep understanding of composition and light, hallmarks of James's work as a fine art tattoo artist in Montana.

Book With James Strickland

If you want a custom, black and grey realism tattoo in Missoula, you need to talk to James. He specializes in detailed, surrealistic fine art pieces that tell a story. Ready to start your own? Call Montana Tattoo Company at 406-626-8688 to book a consultation. We're your destination for world-class, custom tattoos right here in Missoula, Montana.