DrawWithMike.net

Hi my friends.
I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it elsewhere (probably I’m not) Luke has asked me to do a Grey Wash realistic rose…
My way!
He didn’t push me to do another bunch of a bit boring circle shapes or 2D shading design, but 3 dimensional rose
Yes I’ve asked him what set of needles he wants me to use ~ he said use what you think it’s right
Well, that’s something new, lol …
Usually he was pushing me to do his way exercises so far…
The Grey Wash is all about 5 shades.
It’s set of black ink diluted with exact ratio of the water to make DARKEST DARK, DARK, MEDIUM and LIGHT tone.
Then obviously a BLACK ink is joining the companion
I don’t like it at all.
Why?
The whole idea of diluting the pigment with water makes me upset already.
To me, diluted pigment is weaker, with lessen saturation, cheated I’d say …
I do appreciate quality
So I’ve asked him straight away if he doesn’t mind me do OPAQUE instead ~ it’s black ink diluted with the white ink
It is FULL BODY pigment
It’s also looking much better saturated in comparison
He denied though.
He ask me to carry on Grey Wash for now.
Well.
It’s my boss () so I did follow his request
Below you can see the reference and the original piece.

Everybody who saw it says it is looking good ~ so I’m trusting what they say?
You know me - all I can see is all those spots around, that could be better done
Thank you for watching.

Sorry Artur, but I only see one attachment which I’m assuming is the reference. If I’m wrong and this is your tattoo, then I’m absolutely blown away!!

I've just corrected that for Artur, Laurene. Both displayed now.

Thanks Mike! I see it now Artur, and I’m impressed. You’d never know that this was a new medium for you.

I know you can handle many different mediums, but I’m trying to imagine what it’s like to draw on such a flexible surface as skin. I think it would drive me crazy not to be able to have a sturdy surface to work on.

Laurene wrote: Thu Dec 12, 2024 6:42 pm I see it now, Artur, and I’m impressed. You’d never know that this was a new medium for you.

That's exactly my feeling, too! My first thought was to ask, "And how many years have you been pursuing this art form?" >

I was about to say, "it's a very commendable result"... but it would be. It's Artur's.

...I’m trying to imagine what it’s like to draw on such a flexible surface as skin. I think it would drive me crazy not to be able to have a sturdy surface to work on.

Agreed but... not only is it not static and sturdy... it can talk back! .

Hadn’t thought of that! I’ll stick to paper and iPad !!

As soon as that terrible thought occurred to me, I had to go lay down in a dark, quiet room to recover.

You know what ?
I DIDN’T DESERVE yours comments
I’m not practicing at home since I’ve started apprenticeship back in October - the only request from Luke was to store my machine at the studio all the time.
That means I’m practicing only when going to studio on my days off, and then I’m busy swiping and moping floors, setting up stations for others, supporting them with any needs during tattooing process …
It means, I’m continuously being disturbed, so I’m getting back to my practice on the fake skin only between those busy times…
Therefore I think I’m rusted
I think the rose could have been much better done if I only could have a proper, full time practice of using the machine and the needles

But thank you very much dear friends for your kindness

lol ~ Mike
What a creepy humour you have !!!

I had laughed a lot after reading your comment ~ that the surface can TALK BACK

That’s very true
My canvas are inteligent beings (maybe not all of them ) and can communicate as well

I’m struggling to achieve saturated black colour on fake skin surface, it’s greyish instead?
So the contrast I’m after is hardly noticeable …

I’ve started my own project onto ruined piece of the fake skin ~ the stencil has had smudged a lot while being stored inside the plastic bag…
I can not get rid of the stencil marks, but as it’s only a practice piece ~ I’ve decided to carry on (yesterday)…
Two other artists did see this, and they have said it’s looking very promising…

Again.
I think it’s only compliment and being kind, rather than honest opinion?

It’s because I’m struggling mixing exact colour properly, so what I’m achieving is not matching the reference.
Obviously I’m pleased to be rewarded for my effort, but I wish I could deserve it

If you don’t see photos I’m being blocked
So wait for photos as they will come later ~ I’m promise
Bear in mind those colours are a bit dull ~ it does look a bit better in real life …

I don’t know how this type of apprenticeship program works, but if the tattoo equipment belongs to you, why do you have to leave it at the shop?

I think you’re going through what we all do when we’re trying something new. It seems to me that the other tattoo artists have nothing to gain from giving empty compliments, so I think their comments must be sincere.

Oh, I see the photo now. The skin tones are very realistic!!