viking lady black and grey surrealism tattoo

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Viking Lady Black and Grey Surrealism Tattoo

This custom tattoo piece by James Strickland at Montana Tattoo Company blends history with imagination. It features a Viking woman, her expression solemn and powerful beneath an ornate helmet. The design moves beyond a simple portrait into something more evocative.

The style is a distinct mix of black and grey realism and surrealism. The helmet and facial features are rendered with precise detail, creating a solid, tangible presence. This realistic core is then surrounded by flowing, abstract elements that introduce a dreamlike quality.

James Strickland is known for this kind of artistic fusion at our Missoula studio. He builds a foundation of technical skill, then layers in conceptual depth. The result is a piece that feels both ancient and timeless, grounded yet open to interpretation.

The Work: Blending Realism and Surrealism

Executing this piece required mastery of two distinct styles. The black and grey realism on the helmet and face demanded careful attention to texture, metalwork, and anatomical shading. Every rivet and shadow had to feel physically real.

The challenge was seamlessly integrating the surrealistic elements. The swirling, abstract patterns aren't just a background; they interact with the figure. This required a soft, gradient approach to the black and grey palette, allowing the realistic subject to emerge from and melt back into the dreamscape.

Book With James Strickland

If you are looking for a custom black and grey surrealism tattoo in Missoula, James is the artist to see. He specializes in blending realistic detail with imaginative concepts for truly unique personal art. Contact Montana Tattoo Company in Missoula at 406-626-8688 to discuss your idea and book a consultation with James Strickland, a leading surrealism tattoo artist in Montana.