Woodsman At Heart

Today’s tattoo of the day is this amazing piece by Ron Henry Wells. Wells, who is also known as “The Laughing Hyena,” is an incredible tattoo artist best known for his fun spin on a neo-traditional aesthetic.

Today’s piece is this remarkable deer chest piece. While this piece upholds many of the conventions used in American traditional tattooing, it also branches out more into the illustrative realm, which really helps to give it that neo-traditional feel. Take a look at the bold outlines used to define the deer, but then make sure to note the attention to detail put into the well-placed shading and highlighting. The cartoonish nature of the fur’s outline paired with the beautiful white highlights actually make this tattoo look like it could be textured fur on the image.

Another cool addition to this piece are the branches which create a sort of bannered frame. Not only does this replicate the woods the deer could have come from, but it also makes the deer read somewhat like a trophy, something any master hunter desires to have. And since this deer has a full set of antlers, this guy would definitely be a grand prize to any woodsman.

For more amazing work by Ron Henry Wells, make sure to check out his artist’s page right here.