Full Upper Back Tattoo

[Semi-Sly]

On Saturday I had the third session on my new back piece.  We went for 3.5 hours this time.  This one was not as painful as was the second session; probably because he was working about 4 inches higher than last time and there was not as much work being done right up against the vertebrae.  So, all total we are about 11 hours into this piece and there are probably about 12 more hours to go.

[WaltWhite1979]

Pictures or it didn't happen! 

[Semi-Sly]

I know that my artist took a snap after each session.  I will ask if he can send them to me by email.

[mrzed]

You will become a walking mural.

At that point, you might as well go for full sleeves and full legs and look like an oriental carpet.

[Mike E. P.]

Can't wait to see it, Randy!

[Semi-Sly]

Well Walt, et al:

You said; "pictures or it didn't happen".

Here are two photos:
1.  Stencil and initial line work.  This took 3hours.  During the second session he did the initial color blocking of the airplane.  That took another three hours
2.  After the third session.  Color blocking of the wings.  This took another 3 hours

There is still a long way to go.  All of the detail work has to be done on both the airplane and the wings.  Probably another 3 hours.  Then, the rest of the back will get a beautiful sky to fly in.  The sky will be a very large tattoo and will likely take 10 hours.

After the sky is finished, he will go back and recolor the airplane and the wings to put the "brights" into them.

[Semi-Sly]

Last night's session:

The major color blocking is now finished but there is a LOT more to do.  All of the detailing still needs to be done and all of the bright colors still need to be applied.  I expect this to take another three sessions to complete.

[Ruffnek]

Loving it! Mind if I ask the symbolism?

[Mike E. P.]

Looking really great, Randy!

[Semi-Sly]

Loving it! Mind if I ask the symbolism?

Becoming a pilot was a dream of mine ever since I was a little boy.  Finally being able to "earn my wings" in my early 40's, after paying off student loans from 10 years of college, was a really big deal to me.

The airplane in the tattoo is my own airplane.  I built that airplane myself, in my garage, and I fly that airplane.  It took me four years to build that airplane.  It is an RV-12.  In fact, if you look closely, you will see me in the pilot seat in the tattoo with my sunglasses on!

[Ruffnek]

Very nice.

[Semi-Sly]

Another 2.5 hours progress.

Should be finished in about two more sessions.

[john.peachie]

Looks great!  The artist does some great cloud work...makes me want to get my back finished now 

[paperclip]

yes, that's very cool. great job