Celtic 'Entwined Dog and Wolf' Tattoo

A client with several surgical scars on his shoulder came with a request to make a pattern to cover and distract from them. The spirits of dogs and wolves are inextricably entwined, and Celtic art with all its turns and twists is perfect for expressing the unity and balance of their dual natures.

Celtic 'Entwined Dog and Wolf' Tattoo by Pat Fish

This striking pattern of an entwined dog and wolf is an ideal shape for the shoulder as shown here. It is based on a grave rubbing done from an ancient high cross in Ireland.

The pattern for this tattoo is available for purchase and immediate download at

http://www.luckyfishart.com/enwo.html

Celtic Wallace Crest Sleeve Tattoo

Fortunate is the man who can claim membership in the clan of the great Scottish patriot William Wallace. This client came in earlier this year for the Celtic band on his arm, and today we created a custom knotwork background to fit above the band, to surround and embellish the Clan Wallace badge. Now he is significantly tattooed, with a half sleeve that demonstrates his own tribal roots.

Celtic Wallace Crest Sleeve Tattoo by Pat Fish

'Rose Tree' Celtic Tattoo

Today's challenge was to incorporate into a new pattern a small triangular tattoo and the melanoma-removal scar in it. The client had a very clear concept of what he wanted, and a triple tree of life pattern by the Welsh artist Jen Delyth worked perfectly to give him the circle of trees he had envisioned. To honor his recently deceased horticulturalist father we added three roses, making the piece a dedication. A nice way to rehabilitate a scar, and give it new life as the central element of something more meaningful.

'Rose Tree' Celtic Tattoo by Pat Fish

The pattern for this tattoo is available for purchase and immediate download at:

http://www.luckyfishart.com/rosetree.html

Celtic Forearm 'Gauntlet' Tattoo

Today a Police Officer came to complete a long forearm piece begun last month. I've been tattooing him since his days as a Marine, and in defiance of police department regulations he has now decided to have a tattooed sleeve. If that means he wears a concealing fabric sleeve to conceal it while in uniform, it is clearly worth it to him. In the highly competitive world he travels in, this will be the occasion for envy amongst his peers. Sweet.

To read more about how this kind of custom sleeve tattoo is accomplished, visit the Full Knotwork Sleeves page.

Celtic Forearm 'Gauntlet' Tattoo by Pat FIsh

The look of a warrior's gauntlet is created by this knotwork pattern that wraps the entire forearm. A woven cross shape commands the center front, and intricate weaves complete the inside. Ready for battle.