Sternum Dragon black and grey surrealism tattoo

Featured Artist: James Strickland
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Black and Grey Surrealism Dragon Tattoo on the Sternum

This piece is a powerful example of what we do here at Montana Tattoo Company. It's a custom black and grey tattoo, a dragon anchored on the sternum. The design blends surrealism and realism, creating a creature that feels both ancient and otherworldly right here in Missoula.

Artist James Strickland built this dragon from the ground up for the client. It's not a flash piece. The goal was to create a focal point of personal strength, using the natural canvas of the chest. The dragon's piercing gaze and intricate, layered scales are the center of the story.

James Strickland is known for this kind of detailed, custom tattoo work in Missoula. The surrounding dark, swirling patterns aren't just background. They frame the dragon, adding depth and that signature surrealist touch that makes the piece uniquely his.

The Work: Black and Grey Realism Meets Surrealism

This is a black and grey realism tattoo with a surrealist twist. The technical challenge is always the sternum's anatomy. The bone structure and muscle movement require a design that flows and settles correctly. James had to map the dragon's form to this specific terrain.

The realism comes through in the texture of the scales and the depth in the dragon's features. The surrealism is in the composition and the abstract, flowing elements that intertwine with the realistic form. It's a balance of precise detail and imaginative, dark art, a style James has mastered.

Book With James Strickland

If you want a custom black and grey tattoo in Missoula, talk to James. He specializes in detailed realism and surrealism, creating one-of-a-kind pieces like this dragon. To start your own custom tattoo project, call Montana Tattoo Company in Missoula at 406-626-8688. Ask for James Strickland, a premier realism tattoo artist in Montana.