monitor tattoo / Lacie pics

[SnakeGrrl]

So I finally got started on my monitor tattoo! It was supposed to be a Kimberley Rock, but the body type turned out to look more like a big guy, so I think I am going to make it a Lace (the "Bell's phase"). Anyone have pics of them they can share to I have something to give my artist?

Here are some pics taken mid-session. It is just an outline right now, and details/shading and color will come later, as well as more flowers down by his tail. I look all bruised but that is just the black ink smears and blue stencil ink. And my poor red inflamed angry skin!

http://photos.imageevent.com/snakegrrl/meandmyfriends/websize/backpiece%20_3_.JPG
http://photos.imageevent.com/snakegrrl/meandmyfriends/websize/backpiece%20_4_.JPG

[BoidsUnlimited]

Great looking tattoo!

I am planning on getting something once I get some money in my bank account (it just never seems to make it there...)

Crocdoc should be able to lend some photos...maybe his gallery has some, check it out.

[Lrptls]

wow, even though its just started iv got to say its one of the best reptile tats iv ever seen. i get really let down by most, they are sometimes cartoony or dont look much like a real species but thats just what i like lol. its going to be amazing im sure. i really cant wait to see it finished! google is visited by me almost on a daily basis, i google every thing and for lots of pictures, you should get tons.

[Steeve B]

Darn you could have started with a hatchelling, this thing will tear you to shreds, anyway if you ever get over lacies? I have an exhibit ready for this one.

You should know about me that I have experience with this specie, also that I never force handling and respect my creatures, I am a good provider and will do everything in my power to breed her. Just kidding! My wife will not let me have an other monitor, even if its a work of art.

Will try to find a bells for your artist, worn you theirs a lot of details in the scales (don’t know how he will manage this?) in any case courage and determination I wish you.

Send me your email via PM
Rgds

[havenbounce]

Ouch! I love it! That thing is big. Can't wait to see it with the colours added to it. The flowers look great.

Ginnette

[NewLineReptile]

AWESOME TATT!!!!!! should look real nice all colored in. I dont know what would hurt more your back or your bank account after a tatt like that lol:)

B.

[treevaranus]

I suppose that I am the only one so far that feels that it doesn't look or resemble a lace monitor, or any real monitor for that matter. Real varanid's feet do not look like how your artist depicted them, they also have five digits on each limb, and it looks as if your artist only drew 3, or what would be 4 if a digit was hidden(on the front left limb). The head shape does not resemble V. varius either, I would say if anything, it looks closest to V. olivaceus or mabitang.

I guess I had to be the a**hole and speak my mind, but if that was me going under the needle, I would sure as hell make sure that my artist got it down right and accurate, especially being that it will be on me for the rest of my life... I guess when it comes to a monitor tattoo like yours, especially being the varanid enthusiast that I am, I would demand perfection on such a tatoo, making sure that every scale is in its right place, having the correct proportions and body form as the species it is designed after; therefore I would be very angry/upset if the tattoo turned out not looking like what I wanted it to, and being 'quick fixed' into some other or non-existant species.

I will say that in general, it is one of the better tats that I have seen of any varanid that people have posted on the fora, but I do feel that it is still far from looking like a real monitor species. I guess luckily for you, the tat is still in its early stages, and the simple flaws and errors in the current design could be fixed and corrected.

Good luck, I can't wait to see the finished piece.

[SnakeGrrl]

treevaranus- I see where you are coming from, and there is nothing wrong with expressing your opinion.

The idea was to not necessarily have a photo-realistic perfect copy of a real monitor, but a beautiful, artistic rendering of a monitor in general. I was using a Kimberley as a model because I love them, but was really happy with what she came up with (and I fully approved the drawing before I let her put it on me!). I think she captured the strength and grace of a large lizard quite well, be it a stylized one. Did Pablo Picasso's people look like "real" people? Something does not have to be super-realistic to be beautiful.

Point is, my tatto makes *me* happy and is what *I* want, and that's what matters because it is on *me*! I'm with you on the toes though, and we have already discussed adding at least one more if not both, LOL. You also have to remember that because my back is not flat, that in the photo you are getting a distorted view of the tattoo as parts are at angles to the camera and will be elongated or foreshortened.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

[havenbounce]

Great reply. Tatoos are an art and not an exact photocopy. It's close enough that we all knew what it was.

Ginnette

treevaranus- I see where you are coming from, and there is nothing wrong with expressing your opinion.

The idea was to not necessarily have a photo-realistic perfect copy of a real monitor, but a beautiful, artistic rendering of a monitor in general. I was using a Kimberley as a model because I love them, but was really happy with what she came up with (and I fully approved the drawing before I let her put it on me!). I think she captured the strength and grace of a large lizard quite well, be it a stylized one. Did Pablo Picasso's people look like "real" people? Something does not have to be super-realistic to be beautiful.

Point is, my tatto makes *me* happy and is what *I* want, and that's what matters because it is on *me*! I'm with you on the toes though, and we have already discussed adding at least one more if not both, LOL. You also have to remember that because my back is not flat, that in the photo you are getting a distorted view of the tattoo as parts are at angles to the camera and will be elongated or foreshortened.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

[Steeve B]

It looks very artistic to me! this may become a prize winner.

It really looks like a lace, they have a unique broad banded tail that distinguishes them from others. use this info
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/959photo_024.jpg

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

That looks awesome so far! I agree, it does look more lace-like than like a Kimberly. Also, I totally agree with your explanation of why the perfection doesnt matter to you, it makes sense.

I think tats are awesome, but I wouldnt get more than a couple(and I could get one right now anyways, parents would kill me).

Cant wait to see what that looks like when its done!

C.

[mbayless]

Hi Goanna girl,
That is a nice tatoo - what a whopper it is! Perhaps you would consider a juvenile/hatchling Megalania (Varanus priscus)? Its built like a Lace goanna all right...if you send me an email, I can send you goanna pics -
Thanx for sharing.
markb

[SnakeyeZ]

Very Nice! I love it. Who cares if every darn feature is correct, it's very well done, and im sure itll only get better lol.


Rich

[JAdkins2451]

Thats a nice tattoo, I agree that its what you like and not everybody else.

Jamie

[crocdoc]

I have quite a number of lace monitor photos, including photos of bells phase. Most were taken on transparency and I've just picked up a new scanner, so some time in the next week or two I'll get a chance to actually set up this scanner and will be able to supply some photo reference.

Or, in the meantime, you could go with a nice looking 'normal' lace monitor ;)

http://www.pbase.com/crocdoc/image/40335424.jpg

[mbayless]

Hi DK,
More! more!.....
markb

[Rikki]

Great looking tattoo, it looked like it hurt :)

[second skin]

sombody requested photo realism
well here you are