Tracery lady black and grey surrealism tattoo

Featured Artist: James Strickland
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A Surrealist Portrait in Black and Grey

This piece is a black and grey surrealism tattoo by James Strickland at Montana Tattoo Company. It features a woman's portrait where anatomical realism meets abstract design. The focal point is an intricate network of tracery across the throat and jawline, creating a detailed and thought-provoking image.

The style blends fine art tattoos with technical precision. James Strickland, a realism tattoo artist in Montana, built this custom tattoo around the client's vision. It’s a powerful example of the custom, surrealist work we do here in Missoula.

The Work: Blending Realism and Surrealism

Executing this piece required mastery of two distinct styles. The woman's face is rendered in soft, realistic black and grey shading. This provides a grounded, human element. The challenge was integrating the surreal, lace-like throat tracery seamlessly.

The tracery itself is pure blackwork, using line weight and negative space to suggest depth and texture. The contrast between the organic realism of the skin and the precise, geometric patterns is what makes this black and grey tattoo so compelling. It’s a technical balance that defines James's approach to surrealism tattoos.

Book With James Strickland

If you are looking for a custom, surrealism tattoo in Missoula, James Strickland is your artist. He specializes in black and grey realism and surrealist fine art tattoos. Contact Montana Tattoo Company in Missoula at 406-626-8688 to discuss your idea and book a consultation. Let’s create something unique.