Mikes work

Here are a couple of mine...now that I figured out how to read Gabes post....duhhhhhhh.

Nice work, Mike...Doc

Dats my boy!!!...Keep goin Mikey!!

Thanks Doc!! I am still trying new mediums for color. Maybe watercolor or prismacolor markers..suggestions? Mike

Awesome work! Prismacolor markers take a bit of getting used to. I highly suggest getting the colorless blender to go with it. They are a lot of fun to use, though. They've got some great colors.

No prob, Mike, just stating the obvious. As to mediums for coloring, PrismaColor pencils/markers are my personal preference and what I'm used to, using a tech pen for the outlines. Naturally, use a good quality paper and that can effect what medium works best on that weight/finish. Be advised that your gonna run into a problem finding exact colors to match your tattoo colors, I know I have and I buy from 8 different makers! Keep up the good work...Doc

Thanks guys...and gals? Sorry don't know who is what here sometimes... I am using Prismacolor pencils and verithins but don't like the "texture" of the paper (smooth bristol board) when using the pencils. I want more of a "2D" texture...flat like flash. Taz recommended using liquid watercolors so when I get the chance here shortly I will be ordering them. The PC markers are the look I am looking for so I will be ordering some of those too. Thanks again for the words of encouragement...I just started drawing seriously 3 months ago....(doodled alot in school...many years ago) I just following directions well and read damn near everything I get my hands on!!

....bump

Mike, right off the bat I love it. The bunny outline is awesome, of course it takes a lot to finish that off full blast, but to me it seems like you have a style and its a matter of mastering different technical skills to finish em off brilliantly. I like the lady, might wanna see some more background but maybe not. I assume your familiar with Gunnar, Jime Litwalk, Joe Capobianco, Tony Ciavarro, etc, etc. The eyes are cool too, whenever I think about learning to draw I think about the hours that I will need to spend on eyes, ears, noses, oh my lordy. Keep it up, it seems like many artists work to get their realistic skills down pat, then loosen up and get comfortable in their own style after having mastered the different techniques. dont mean to move to a tangent, but if you dont mind me asking who are you getting tattooed by?

Also, with the eyes, If I had the time I might try going a level of detail deeper, get in there with some fine line veins in the eye, texture out the pupil maybe, try experimenting with highlights or something to get some more "wetness/fleshiness" in the corners...? I dont draw at all, though, so may be completely offbase. Do you have Guy's book? Its awesome and you get access to his critique room...

Gabe, I am TOTALLY inspired by Jime L, Joe C, and the rest...those two stand out to me. I am playing with different mediums to obtain that "flat" look of flash. The bunny is from a tattoo Jime did...I didn't trace it, just looked at the computer screen and did a rough sketch onto Bristol Board. It will take me some time to pull these type of images right out of the old noggen but it won't be long. I understand that immitation(sp) is the highest form of flattery but the bunny will never be tattooed on anyone as that would be copying and unoriginal so I did it to put in my portfolio. As for who does my tattoos....um that would be me. I own Barron County Tattoo. For the Graphite...eyes. I am refining my techinique for more of a "polished" look. To make the eyes look almost "wet"...and am studying with the help of Lee Hammonds books. I am going to purchase Guys book here shortly..just a matter of "cash" right now..the studio is verrrryyyy slow. Feel free to email me at [email removed] if ya wanna chat... Mike ps. I love the new code system!!! SPAMMMERS BE GONE!!

Sounds like yer gonna excel man, fun stuff! My only thoughts really are that you should be getting tattooed by Jime and Joe... Dunno if thats in your future, but its a great way to learn and get a peek inside the heads of the best... and getting Guy's book/message-board which seems like it is in yer future. Keep posting...

Gee all that sounds familiar huh Mikey? Where have ya heard that before?.... Mikey is getting a half sleeve by me in a couple weeks then I am gonna make go see Joe and/or Jime!!

Yes brother...it sounds alllll to familiar!!! I just needed some more justification...*pats himself on the back* but I won't get a BIG head...I will always remember where I came from...!! Jime is closer to me than Joe...so he will be first to push ink in me, than it will be Joe. Given that either one of them are not to busy or doing the circuit....If you want to be the best you have to learn from the best... ...now send me some dang customers so I can go spend some money!!!!! ;o ~ Mike

Well, we cann't just send you customers, but we can get your tattoos in the galleries in front of a zillion eyeballs... It costs dough to be an artist member but most artists who join and use it make their money back in a few months. Lets see some of yer tattoos (email or posted here)...

Gabe, Hit me up with your real email addy and I can send you some...If you have myspace I am on there. Not all my work, just some reworks and a couple C Creek designs.. http://www.myspace.com/bctattooco Mike

Stitch in Color...done, I think.

See there you chicken shit scratchers, now that's what we're talkin' about here!!! Class work Mike!!!!! TCE

Thanks TCE!! Appreciate the props.. M ps. I am now working on a "very special" design for our brother...Taz...