Professional tattoo by Mickey Schlick at Montana Tattoo Company in Missoula, MT.

Viking lord black and grey surrealism tattoo

January 03, 20262 min read

Book with James TODAY - Our system is designed to get you connected to the artist directly asap

Viking Lord Black and Grey Surrealism Tattoo

This piece by James Strickland at Montana Tattoo Company is a powerful take on Norse iconography. It moves beyond a simple historical portrait into something more evocative. The subject is a Viking lord, rendered with intense realism but framed by surreal, almost architectural helmet designs.

The focus is on the lord's weathered face and piercing gaze. You can see the texture in the skin and the individual hairs of the beard. This hyper-detailed realism is what makes the tattoo so compelling. It feels less like a drawing and more like a window to another time.

James Strickland is known for this kind of work. He blends accurate realism with imaginative elements to create unique custom tattoos in Missoula. This Viking lord is a perfect example of his skill as a black and grey tattoo artist in Montana.

The Black and Grey Surrealism Work

This is a black and grey realism tattoo with surrealist flair. The technical challenge is creating form and depth without color. James uses a full range of values, from the deepest blacks to the softest greys, to sculpt the face and helmet.

The surrealism comes through in the helmet's design. Its intricate patterns and structures have a dreamlike quality, contrasting with the lifelike face. Achieving this balance between a believable portrait and imaginative art is where the skill lies. It requires precise control over shading and contrast.

Book With James Strickland

If you are looking for a custom black and grey realism tattoo in Missoula, James Strickland is your artist. He specializes in detailed, immersive pieces that tell a story. To discuss your own surrealism or realism tattoo concept, contact Montana Tattoo Company in Missoula at 406-626-8688 to book a consultation.

Mickey Schlick

Mickey Schlick has been a tattoo artist for 22 years, owned Montana Tattoo Company for 10 and also runs Lowbrow Knowhow in his limited free time. Get in touch!!

Instagram logo icon
Youtube logo icon
LinkedIn logo icon
Back to Blog