Using Celtic knotwork as a cover-up can be very difficult, and for this project the use of color was absolutely necessary. The pre-existing follies of youth were so black, covering all sides of the arm, that a very bold design was required and it demanded completely solid coverage with ink. A pattern was created on such a bold scale that it allowed for a lot of black background areas, and much black shading to mask over the old work. Then a blue stripe was run up the center of each braid line, and finished off with a mint green pin-stripe on the edges. Without the lighter color the arm would have been a solid mass of black and blue, but with it the pattern comes alive. And the wearer is transformed.
To read more about how this kind of custom sleeve tattoo is accomplished, visit the Full Knotwork Sleeves page.
Color Celtic Knot Forearm Tattoo by Pat Fish
Celtic Coverup Progression by Pat FIsh
The pattern for this tattoo is available for purchase and instant download: