Tiger black and grey surrealism tattoo

Featured Artist: James Strickland
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A Surreal Tiger with Blue Eyes

This black and grey tiger tattoo is a standout piece from James Strickland at Montana Tattoo Company. It combines a realistic animal portrait with a surrealist twist, anchored by those intense blue eyes. The piece sits on the hand, a challenging and visible spot that demands precision.

We see a lot of animal tattoos in Missoula, but this one pushes the style. The surrealism comes through in the composition and the unexpected color. While primarily black and grey, the blue eyes create a focal point that feels both lifelike and dreamlike. It’s a custom tattoo designed to make a statement.

The Work: Black and Grey Realism Meets Surrealism

This is a black and grey realism tattoo at its core. The challenge was rendering the tiger's fur texture and facial structure with accurate light and shadow on the hand's curved surface. The realism had to be flawless to support the surreal element.

The surrealism is integrated, not just added on. It’s in the gaze and the slight abstraction around the edges where the fur meets the skin. This approach is what makes James Strickland a sought-after surrealism tattoo artist in Montana. He builds the strange upon a foundation of solid, technical realism.

Book With James Strickland

If you want a custom, surreal black and grey tattoo in Missoula, talk to James. He specializes in blending realism with surreal concepts for truly unique pieces. To start your own design, contact Montana Tattoo Company in Missoula at 406-626-8688 to book a consultation with James Strickland.