Hagoromo

The final(ish) line drawing. Tomorrow's the big day...

Snake and Peonies Sleeve

Well, pretty much a wrap for this one. Still might want to do a little dialing in on a few spots here and there...

It's been a really fun one and I like how things turned out. He sat great and we had a lot of fun. This is his second sleeve by me and all with in the last few years. I think he was even over 60 when we started, and I always enjoy tattooing people with some serious life experience...

(And he also burned me every Zatoichi episode and tons of other samurai movies)

Karashishi Back

Started this one about 5 years ago or so, just got back on it a while ago. Still have a session or two of dialing it in, then onto the cheeks and thighs.

Crysanthemum

I've been doing a lot of fun work lately, but forgetting to take pictures. Going to try to be more on it this week. Drew this one on and just the outline this session. Color and more flowers next time...

Dragon

Drew on the rest of the body and even started some of the scales. About 3 1/2 hours of work so far...

Giesha

Added the crane in the fan and some shading in the skin to finish it up.

Hagoromo

Starting this back piece pretty soon. Still have some sections to work out, but a few more versions and it should be there. Stayed up late the other night drawing and talking with Shad from Belgium, and really learned a lot and got plenty of inspiration for this piece. Check out his amazing traditional Japanese tattoo work at tattoobyshad.com. Hagoromo is a tennyo (buddhist angel) who wears a feathered cloak. It is a very old Japanese folk tale and famous Noh play. Looking forwrd to starting this one very much...

Shoki

Session #6. Should finish it next time, then start adding some oni and background down to the back of the thighs. He's 6' 6" so there should be plenty of room for more...

Foxy Lady

Almost finished with this 3/4 sleeve. Short session, just some patterning in the kimono. Should be done later this week...

Dragon Start

Stencil for the head and freehand on the body. Went pretty well, he sat great for the area covered. 2 hours tattoo time. We'll finish the body next time and start on some background...

Dragon

Starting this one up tomorrow. Stencil for the head and draw everything else on. Rib piece, goes from the armpit to almost the knee. He already has a back piece with matching 1/2 sleeves and chest, so this will finish off the front then tie in the background and on to the other side. Wish me luck...

Good Time Charlie's

Stopped through Modesto on the way back from LA to visit tattoo legend Good Time Charlie Cartwright and his family. Feel privileged to have visited his home and shop. He is an amazingly creative and kind man, a true one of a kind. Loretta even got him out of retirement for a small tattoo...

Bulletproof Tiger

This is how I want to feel every day...

Skull/Chrysanthemum Foot

Ouch. First color session on this project. He sat great though, pretty smooth sailing. Little different style for me at his request, and I'm having a lot of fun with it...

Crane and Maples

Outlined last year. Still loving the japanese white. Start of a sleeve with another crane and more flowers...

Tim's Knees

Did these a while back, but they're hanging in there...

Karashishi Finish

A few more hours today and finished! Feel pretty good about making it happen in 3 sessions (considering he is well over 6 feet tall). He sat great both days, and on to the back in a few more months...

Fun week, two great clients coming from out of town for two day Foo Dog tattoo sessions.

Purple Day

These were my two appointments today. Started both of these pieces last year. 1st color session for the Foo Dog rib piece. He's up from the city to get tattooed and will be back tomorrow for a few more hours (hopefully finish it). Only had an hour for the rooster and peony backpiece, so just the purple flower.

Karashishi and Peonies Pt. 2

Second day in a row. Tattooed about three hours or so. It was a nice visit from an out of town client and hopefully we'll finish up soon in the city...