Watercolor bright colors fine line fishing lure tattoo by Gary Dunn at Rose Tattoo in Point Loma San Diego California Ocean Beach

Watercolor tattooing

Watercolor tattooing is a style that mimics the appearance of watercolor painting, using vibrant, flowing colors that blend and bleed into each other. This style is known for its soft, fluid look, with colors often appearing to wash out or bleed beyond the outline of the design, much like how watercolor paints would on paper. Unlike traditional tattoos, watercolor tattoos typically have less defined lines and focus more on color gradients and artistic expression.

The technique involves layering bright, translucent inks to create an effect that resembles watercolor artwork, often paired with fine black linework or minimal shading for added contrast. Watercolor tattoos can include a wide variety of subjects, from abstract designs to florals, animals, or portraits, and are prized for their unique, painterly aesthetic. However, because of the lighter application of ink and blending techniques, these tattoos may not be as durable as traditional tattoos and may require more care and touch-ups over time


Book with one of our watercolor artists

Gary Dunn