At the end of the nineteenth century, images of famous personalities were already seen on the body, for example, Bismarck or Napoleon. One professor even collected a collection of similar tattoos. Yes, it all started with portraits. Animal portraits also already existed. Sailors and soldiers made tattoos with the image of relatives and people close to them. But such images became widespread much later.
In the statistics of tattoo art, it is entered as a young style, since there is a big difference in the technique of application from the tattoo of the century before last. This is understandable, because now tattoo artists have modern equipment and dyes at a different level in their arsenal. Previously, there was simply no way to make a tattoo as realistic as it is today. Modern tattoo Realism is striking in its beauty and realism. This is a truly unique tattoo style, only 3d Realism can be better.
Tattoos in the style of Realism simply have to look realistic. The main and main feature of the style is the most accurate correspondence to the original. The tattoo artist must convey the full depth and fullness of the colors of the drawing. A master with high artistic talent, a good sense of color and considerable experience will be able to do such a difficult job. By the way, a high-class master will still have to look. When applied, the perfect repetition of shadows and highlights is observed. The tattoo will eventually look like a photograph and will perform a wonderful decorative function.
Both bright-colored and black-and-gray compositions can be performed. In the first case (Realistic color tattoo), absolutely any color can be used, there are no restrictions. The color scheme of the tattoo depends on the wishes of the customer and the subject. The second option involves black in combination with white (Realistic black & gray tattoo). The black pigment is diluted with distilled water, a white coloring pigment is used, getting a lot of gray shades. Therefore, even without the use of colored paints, all highlights will be observed and the image will turn out to be realistic. It doesn’t matter if you choose a color or black and white sketch, as a result, the tattoo should be “alive”.
Another not unimportant point, tattoos in the style of Realism are really complex, and therefore the cost is not small. Carefully choose the master, see the portfolio, communicate personally. A tattoo is made for life and it is necessary that it be of high quality.
1) Plot-thematic scenes. Real or fictional events can be depicted, paintings by famous artists in an exact copy or with the addition of new details. Historical events, such as battles or coronations, interesting moments from films, biblical stories. Sometimes these tattoos carry a whole story.
2) Portraits of people are the basis of Realism tattoos. Portraits speak of attachment to a person, the idea of an ideal appearance, character traits that attract the wearer of a tattoo. Apply images of loved ones, movie characters, actors, musicians, political figures and historically important personalities.
3) Animal world - wild animals and reptiles, pets, birds, fish and insects. It will be a cute fluffy kitten or a ferocious lion, the choice is yours, but most often such tattoos are applied in order to convey some of the features of their character.
4) Inanimate objects. In addition to images of people and animals, they create tattoos of various objects. Everything related to your life: profession, hobbies, favorite flowers, military equipment and weapons can be imprinted with a realistic tattoo.
3D Realism is a particularly effective composition in underwear painting. The picture, which is actually made in a 2D plane, looks voluminous and creates the impression of a real presence. Objects "lying" on the body or "ingrown" into the skin, wounds and tears on the body look like real ones. The master works out all points of contact and cast shadows, as a result, the picture is able to surprise with its realism.
Biomechanics and organics are similar to Realism tattoos, when various cracks and tissue ruptures on the body are imitated.
Chicano is a substyle of Realism tattoo. These are portrait images, plots and individual objects, made quite realistic, but the Chicano style is limited by the subject.
You and the master must decide on the size of the tattoo. And the master will make sure that the tattoo on the selected area of the body does not strongly distort when the parts of the body are bent. Apply to different parts of the body. Larger on the back, chest, shoulders. On the female body, most often there are tattoos depicting insects, birds, flowers, small animals, precious stones, imitation jewelry. Portrait tattoos are more often chosen by men. Men also prefer tattoos depicting wild animals, birds of prey, weapons.
Many people think that realistic tattoos appeared recently, but this is far from the case. Back in the middle of the nineteenth century, people began to depict portraits of Napoleon and Bismarck on themselves. Today, the tattoo style realism has not lost its relevance. Most tattoo artists in Moscow believe that realism is the heaviest style in terms of technique. The whole difficulty lies in the fact that the specialist must have high artistic abilities, because he needs to convey all the accuracy of the drawing. The portrait on the body should look as realistic as possible. So, the master draws every stroke and detail of the drawing for hours. In addition, the tattoo artist needs to apply a natural tone in order for the picture to be real. As a result of such work, a real photograph appears on the body. Such a drawing should "breathe" and "live".
As already mentioned, not every specialist can perform such work. So he must have the talent of a tattoo artist and an artist at the same time. In addition, the tattoo artist must "fill his hand" in order to perform work in the style of realism at a high level. It is worth noting that this style of tattoo has a huge number of fans. Many people prefer this "live" style. Brightness, realism and uniqueness are the main distinguishing traits contemporary Realistic Tattoo(tattoo realism).
The basis for creating realistic tattoos can be beautiful images or photographs of loved ones. Also, you can use photos of your favorite actors and famous people, as well as images of animals and plants. The choice of picture depends on your personal preferences and tastes. It is worth noting that realistic tattoos can be done in any color scheme. It could be like
realism (English)realism, realistic) - a tattoo style in which the image matches the original as closely as possible.
In a realistic tattoo, it is the level of correspondence to reality that is considered the key quality parameter, and the highest skill is an image that is absolutely indistinguishable from the original.
However, the tattoo artist can bring his own vision to the work within certain limits and apply various artistic techniques.
Realism is the brightest representative artistic tattoo, since it primarily performs a decorative function and has all the means for its maximum expression.
Realism (fr. realisme, lat. realis ) - real, material.
The most complete, objective reflection of reality with the help of artistic means.
The term was first used by a French writer Jules Francois Felix Husson in the 50s of the XIX century to indicate the direction of painting, opposing romanticism and academicism.
A full color palette with all shades and tones in between can be used ( Realistic color tattoo) or only black and gray scale ( Realistic black & gray tattoo).
Strictly speaking, there are no restrictions on the color palette of a tattoo at all, and its scale depends only on the original image and its interpretation by the master.
White is often used to achieve maximum contrast. The highlights of the eyes, the illuminated part of the skin, hair, the glare of water and metal, and other objects that reflect or emit light as much as possible are whitened.
In the absence of white, its role in the image is played by the flesh color of the client's skin, not covered with pigment, which significantly reduces the overall realism and brightness of the tattoo.
To achieve realism in a picture, it is necessary to have intermediate shades, halftones and their gradation, since chiaroscuro, falling shadows, reflection, focal blur and other effects, without which photorealism is simply impossible, require smooth color transitions.
Chicano- in fact, it is a sub-direction of realism and inherits all its features, limiting only the theme of the tattoo and visual features.
Biomechanics and organics also included in realism. They come into contact with it in case of simulating a break in the surface.
The basis of the theme in realism is a portrait image. People want to fix the memory of their loved ones for life.
Often there are portraits of relatives and loved ones. Children, parents, husbands and wives, whose meaning in life is the most important, are worthy of memory through fixation in a tattoo.
The image of an idol is also quite popular. He can be a famous musician, actor, political, ideological and spiritual leader, scientist and philosopher, in a word, any popular person whose activities a person connects with his life.
Characters of films and modern computer games, heroes of literary works, mythological heroes - everything with whom a person self-initializes himself, whose qualities he aspires to.
There is a well-known tendency not to take tattoos and one's own body too seriously. And some individuals fill themselves with portraits of people who are of temporary importance to them. It can be a girl, beloved, but not the fact that it is long-term, a portrait of one-day groups and even funny Internet characters. Most often, such clients return to the tattoo studio to cover up the unfortunate portrait.
Scenes from films, paintings by famous artists, great historical events, biblical episodes, or just some plot invented by a tattoo artist - all these are themes for display in a realistic tattoo.
The tattoo artist transfers a certain scene to the client's body with the greatest accuracy, often even imitating the manner and technique of the artist, and imitates other effects of the original.
We remind you that realism is a style of artistic tattoo and, accordingly, is exclusively decorative. None of the meanings of prison tattoos apply to her. And the image of animals, including, will carry only the meaning that you put into it yourself.
Of course, people choose the most beautiful, respected animals for tattoos, as well as those whose character traits correspond and appeal to them.
Tiger, lion or bear - as evidence of the wearer's desire for strength, authority.
Raccoon, cat, fox, squirrel - affection, sensitivity, love of love.
Snake, shark, wolf, bull - aggression, challenge.
Often, attributes of certain professions and hobbies become the object of the image, for example, a tattoo artist will choose a tattoo machine, a casino player - cards or dice, and a musician and music lover - a microphone or an audio cassette. To do this, you need to accept your work and be proud of it.
Skulls, weapons, berries and flowers, feathers and ribbons, precious stones - as objects that characterize the nature and value system of the wearer (as with animals).
Flowers are the most common inanimate object used in realism, since only in this style is it possible to most fully transfer into a tattoo all the beauty of the play of chiaroscuro petals and glare of dew on them.
The drawing of objects “lying” on the body or crawling animals and insects “crawling out” of it looks quite impressive.
In 3D, the tattoo master works out high-quality shadows and points of interaction (wound, tear, break, hole, window). In this direction, realism can intersect with biomechanics and organics.
Crawling spiders and lizards, butterflies and caterpillars, objects threaded through the skin, windows and rifts leading to another reality - all this becomes an excellent plot for a tattoo.
Often a sketch for a tattoo in the style of realism is taken from search engines (of course, with the exception of portraits of relatives). And, of course, lazy users grab the first high-quality photos of the desired subject that are found in the search results, and then they are disappointed when they see a copy of their own tattoo, especially if it is done a little better.
Realistic tattoo style has appeared relatively recently and is rapidly gaining momentum. And, in order to avoid dozens of duplicate tattoos on the street, photos for which are taken from the first page of Google, the only right decision is to order the development of an individual sketch in a tattoo studio.
Believe me, a master who is able to realize an exact copy of a photo in a tattoo will easily draw a completely unique sketch based on the images you have chosen and taking into account your personal wishes, or, in extreme cases, will perform a photo montage.
As a rule, a realism tattoo is made from a photograph. The reliability of the final drawing depends on its quality, resolution and contrast. Therefore, ideally, a tattoo artist working in this direction should be proficient in graphic editors in order to process the photo if necessary. In some cases, a photomontage or a collage of photographs is possible, forming a new unique image.
The tattoo artist prints out the final photo and then uses it as a normal hand-drawn sketch.
The transfer of the sketch is carried out by standard means using transfer paper or similar materials. The printed photo itself or its outline is taken as a contour sample.
The difficulty lies in the smooth transitions that must be faithfully conveyed in the tattoo. If the shadow on the cheek of the portrait is distorted, shifted or does not match the original in terms of smoothness, the general features of the face will also change, and then the portrait will turn out to be different, which will not suit any customer. Therefore, in addition to contrasting boundaries, areas of tone transition are also noted. And, the more complex the image, the more additional intermediate lines should be present.
Unlike less artistic styles, in a realistic tattoo, even with transitional contours, it is impossible to completely transfer the original image. Many nuances remain undefined, such as the softness of the borders, the color itself (after all, it is far from uniform) and small details. Therefore, the tattoo artist in the process of work still has to work, as they say, by eye and constantly check with the original in order to get a minimum of differences.
Realism is recognized by most tattoo artists as the most technically difficult tattoo style.
Needless to say, to reproduce a photorealistic image using such a rather crude tool as a tattoo machine, not only artistic skills are required, but also the highest level of equipment and materials.
In realism, unlike other styles, the finest detail and complex elements are required, such as hair, skin texture and folds, eyes with highlights and reflections, water drops, clouds, evenly blurred out-of-focus borders, and the like.
To form soft transitions and shades of the tattoo, the pigment is diluted with distilled water or other specialized means, after which the master has the opportunity to operate with any intermediate tones.
Each master has his own method of working, but there are several general steps after transferring the sketch:
1. Designation of contours.
Transitions can be indicated by sparse dotted lines or diluted black. In some cases, they do without marking the contours of the tattoo at all, because, unlike the old school, in a realistic tattoo, the stroke lines may have different colors or not be clear at all.
2. Filling black and dark areas.
3. Filling colored areas, starting with darker and brighter tones.
4. Filling white elements.
5. Final adjustment. Elaboration of the nuances of compliance and realism.
The technical possibility for applying a tattoo, which claims to be a qualitative reflection of reality, has appeared relatively recently. Realism in the modern sense appeared at the end of the 20th - beginning of the 21st century, with the advent of professional equipment on the market and, first of all, high-quality tattoo machines. Prior to this, attempts were constantly made to capture portraits of relatives and friends, famous personalities, as well as animals, but such works could not be called realistic.
Traditionally, such tattoos were made by sailors, prisoners and soldiers who, by the forces of circumstances, were excommunicated from their loved ones and tried to emphasize their individuality, to express themselves contrary to the surrounding reality. But, given the quality of the available equipment, and even more so the conditions of the places of sale, the result left much to be desired.
The development of technology, the expansion of the market and the popularization of culture led to the fact that the tattoo from an underground, often forbidden and very specific activity was reborn into a new art form, which attracted a new kind of masters with the highest artistic abilities.
After the style reached a qualitatively new level, it immediately spread far beyond the places of its formation.
Now, having all the necessary technical means and professional master artists in its arsenal, the tattoo culture can afford any styles and trends, including full-fledged realism indistinguishable from photography.
Realistic tattoos appeared in the 19th century. They say that the beginning of this style was laid by a certain professor who studied them. He collected a collection of copies of tattoos depicting famous personalities such as Bismarck, Napoleon and others. This style is one of the most difficult. Work on such a tattoo takes a lot of time, several sessions. And this means that it will cost quite a lot.
A tattoo in the style of realism requires high professionalism from the master. This style requires accurate rendering of the image. The master must be proficient in drawing techniques in order to give the image depth and realism. Drawing on an uneven surface of the skin is much more difficult than on canvas or paper. In addition, such tattoos are quite large. Therefore, they are usually applied to the chest, shoulder or back.
In the style of realism, portraits of close people, celebrities, idols, movie or game characters are very often performed. For a portrait, it is especially important that it resembles the person depicted in it, since errors and flaws in this style are most noticeable. Small inaccuracies - and the resemblance to the original is already very doubtful. If a completely bad master comes across, then the mistake can become almost irreparable.
Often in the technique of realism depict landscapes, space, the underwater world. Some make tattoos with a variety of animals and plants. Especially popular in this sense are cats, horses, dragonflies, spiders, owls. Pet owners sometimes want to get a tattoo with his image. And sometimes whole reproductions of famous paintings are applied as a tattoo.
But perhaps the most difficult direction in realism is 3D tattoos. Special techniques allow the master to make the drawing three-dimensional. Such tattoos look especially realistic. An interesting effect is created when looking at three-dimensional insect tattoos. Looking at the photographs, it is sometimes difficult to understand whether this is a drawing or a real beetle.
The value of such tattoos lies in their uniqueness. It is extremely difficult to make two absolutely identical realistic tattoos. And the realism itself gives them a special aesthetics.
Hippo tattoo on forearm
Realistic tattoos are among the most expensive. Drawings are made with high quality paints. The master requires a high level of professionalism. This work requires a lot of time, inspiration and effort.
Realism is in the top three of the TOP 10 popular styles. Realism is not just a tattoo, it's art imprinted on the skin. Unlike many other styles, drawing in the style of realism will adorn the skin at any age.
Realism tattoos have the widest range of interpretations. Images tell a story. The symbolism expressed in the style requires an abstract perception of the drawing.
This tattoo style took a lot from its original source - classical painting. Realistic paintings tell the story through details and overall perspective.
When choosing the style in which the tattoo will be created, it is recommended to think about a personal story. In realism, the components of the semantic mosaic are important to create an overall picture.
For the selection of images, it is important to combine realistic components with the inner world of the carrier. This is the only way tattoo meanings can take on a unique meaning.
In the direction of hyperrealism, tattoos are an abstract expression of who you are. Images in this technique are symbolic in themselves and appeal to the emotional experience of the viewers.
Such work requires high skills of the artist from the master. It is more difficult to create a single picture in it than in the standard direction. Looking at the tattoo in more detail, you find a lot of details that allow you to understand the creator's intention.
Among connoisseurs of style, human faces are especially popular. Emotions, facial expressions and gestures express meaning. The viewer does not have to turn on the logic. Everything becomes clear at the level of the subconscious and feelings.
The most popular tattoos reflect the beauty of nature. These are all kinds of plants, animals and whole paintings. Plants are naturally combined with femininity, expressing certain aspects of character. Animals are selected on the basis of their qualities and human associations associated with them.
For men, images from mythology, historical figures and technology are common. An important place is given to the semantic load. Each drawing is a kind of manifesto.
Each tattoo in realism emphasizes the beauty of the body and image. Color combinations are used. The volume is achieved by halftones and shadows. This gives the drawing expressiveness. For men, sharp contrasts are more often used. In women, gentle transitions predominate.
The areas of drawing images in realism are not limited. A person can decorate any part. However, the areas are divided into zones of open and covert wearing. The first are intended to draw the attention of viewers to the tattoo. The latter are fought by the user from personal aspirations without the purpose of demonstration.
Popular Open Wear Locations:
In these areas, tattooing on the bodies means conveying a message to the audience. The tattoo stuffed on the chest symbolizes the protection of the sensual. The back is a great place for large-scale panels.
Tattoo on arm, realism
Lilac tattoo, realism photo from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BlTkna7A-pg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Boxing gloves tattoo, 3D realism photo from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BIAXePQDM86/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Shaman bicep tattoo, realism photo from: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bif5kJahUV4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Calf tattoo, realism photo from: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq294XwlUun/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Bat tattoo, with skull, realism
Animal tattoo, realism, photo from: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk0SE_tFUps/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
panther tattoo
Sunflower tattoo, realism
snake tattoo
Dolphin tattoo realismUnder each area, its own geometry of the location of the details of the picture is laid. On the back, all the details line up more linearly. This is due to the large open space. On the hands, the drawings start in a spiral. On the legs, the drawings are arranged from a wider space to a narrow one.
The direction of the drawing gives an understanding of the plot. Each composition has key images from which the story begins. Details are added gradually. Due to which harmony is achieved in the perception of the whole picture.
The rich collection of realistic tattoos on the Internet shows a huge variety of forms and expressions. The plot is expressed through form and color.
So the black and white version focuses on the allegoricalness of every detail. A skull tattoo will not mean a direct reference to death. This is an illustration of the bearer's perception of the flow of time, belief in immortality.
A picture depicting or a bird is rather a reference to their properties.
Bear, wolves, tiger, lion, bull - unconditional strength of mind and body. Carp, lotus, praying mantis - inner harmony.
The plot of the tattoo can tell about the wishes of a person. For example, birds and fish are symbols of freedom. The former conquer the air expanses, the latter the water depths. Flowers and any images of nature are a wish for fertility, happiness.
The arrangement of several elements can deeply express a thought. The main idea will express an emotion or feeling, the accompanying elements will emphasize the semantic load. That is why when working on a tattoo in the style of realism, it is worth carefully discussing the details with the master.
When choosing themes for tattoos, carefully work out the sketches. All details are important, realism tattoo sketches are easily created in graphic editors. That allows you not to spend a lot of time. Women are encouraged to choose images by photo. This makes it easier to determine the features of the color scheme relative to the skin.
Sketches of male tattoos are often based on photographs. This allows the master to adjust the pattern to fit the features of the body. When it comes to drawings in a graphic editor, tattoo designs for men are selected based on the color preferences of the future wearer.
