The Boy

2012-02-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

Just finished this new sheet of flash, inspired by my recent trip to Amsterdam. The wording is in Dutch, to fit with the theme. They are priced at £60 - £80 each, depending on the size.

Contact - Alpha Omega Tattoo Boutique: 02921 155430

Chris

WORK OF LATE...

2012-01-31T13:09:00.000-08:00

A few tattoo's I've made this week and last. I'm gonna post a list of stuff that I haven't had time to add soon, 'cos there's so much more I want to post

Added cloudage and finished the anchor for Elliot. (Excuse the redness, will post a healed pic when he comes back for more)

Miniature thumb tattoo for La

Also - I've painted a shed load of new flash, so I'll try and post it this week! All of the pieces are one off's, so check back.

TheBoy
(aka Chris Collins - @ Alpha Omega Tattoo Boutique)
X

2012-01-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

I did this open brief tattoo yesterday, for Jules. Loved making this! Gonna go back in to add some initials to the pipe and more detail to the butterfly. Jules is also a tattoo artist and he is due to return the favour. You can check out his stuff here:

I also made this Smoking And The Bandit portrait of Burt Reynolds!

Sweet dreams!

Chris Collins (aka - The Boy)

Alpha Omega Tattoo Boutique

Cardiff

www.alphaomegatattoo.co.uk

MY YOUNGEST CRITIC

2011-12-28T16:24:00.001-08:00

AHOY THERE!!

2011-12-19T15:02:00.000-08:00

I have a shed load of photos on my camera, but here's a few tattoo's I've started or finished from this week and last.

Pin-up and anchor, for Andy

Finished this Tiger and Cherry blossoms today, for Matt

Thanks for looking,
Chris Collins
If you would like to get tattooed by me you can contact Alpha Omega on:
Tel: 02921 155 430

...TWO FOR JOY!!

2011-12-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

It's really weird how tattoos come along in bundles. Even from one week to the next, it could be a completely opposite theme, but you still get two or three to design, one after the other. (With some others in between). Here are a pair of very small magpies I did this morning on a customers wrists. Tomorrow bring another bird, but this time a raven, with some other cool shit going on at the same time. Will post soon!

Thanks for looking!
Chris (TheBoy) Collins
Alpha Omega Tattoo
X

MORNING MR MAGPIE!

2011-11-20T02:11:00.000-08:00

I've had the pleasure of making some really exciting black and grey pieces this week, including this magpie and filigree for Clare. I love tattooing and drawing birds in-flight but it's supposed to be bad luck to have one magpie, so we'll have to add another, which I think would look really flippin' nice.

Chris
X

ALL GOOD THINGS....

2011-11-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

I made this Gypsy head today for Daisy. I would have to say that this is one my favorite tattoo's to do. It's the type of tattoo that you never get fed up of doing and don't want to end. But, unfortunately, all good things....

This was a super fun tattoo to do. I really didn't know what to expect when I found out I was doing it, but I really enjoyed making it.

I did a second sitting on Rhys' dragon last week, but haven't been around to post it. Sh. ading the scaling takes a while, but it'll be worth it in the end.

Thanks for looking,

Chris

STITCH, STITCH, HERE.....

2011-11-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is the first tattoo of two. The other foot will be dedicated to 'Gramp'.

HEART DIAGRAM

2011-11-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

I made this heart out of fine lines and tiny dots today, for Joe. (I was super jealous.) It was initially supposed to be a (sort of) cover-up for a red outlined rose tattoo on his other arm, but we both decided that it'd be a shame to have that showing underneath, or to colour it and lose the fine detail, so we went for a new space. I love putting my head down and getting really into this kinda stuff. Just ignore everything else that's going on around you and get deep in the zone!

IT'S BEEN A WHILE

2011-11-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

Finally I have an evening when I can post some new work. Here's what's been going on the last couple of weeks.

I have a lot more to share, but will post them again. Eyes are failing me... lids are... ZZZZZZ!!

2011-10-18T01:14:00.000-07:00

I've spent most of this week lining large scale pieces. The first of the photos is a cover-up for a friendly fella named Rhys. We were slightly limited on the layout due to the other dragon he already had, but I'm really pleased with the way we worked the new layout in and I'm absolutely hanging out to get the scales in and make a start on the shading. Rhys asked if we could document each stage of the tattoo, which is a good thing as, although I always plan to, I usually forget.

I made this 3D Anthrax tattoo for my good friend Station (aka - Andrew, aka - Smithy) who is gonna end up with a wicked sleeve of band tattoo's if he carries on.

(You'll have to excuse my camera work in these next ones.) Here's an phoenix that I outlined for Hope. We still have a bit of lining to go and then it's straight onto colour.

A QUILL

2011-10-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

I made this quill today. A very elegant decision for a first tattoo, in my opinion and it's the type of tattoo I really enjoy designing and tattooing.

ADAM'S FIRST WIFE!? WHAT!?!?

2011-10-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

I spent my Saturday with Paige, who got this really nice painting of Lilith on her ribs. We still have the top half to finish and the background, but it was a good first sitting for a rib tattoo. Excuse the wrap, I forgot to take the photo before.

I made these rather fun ducks today for Kirsty. I didn't realize how much fun these kind of tattoos were to do, but hope to get a lot more in the future.

I saw my good friend, Tosh on his way home last week when I was standing outside the shop, so I dragged him in to do a bit more work on his There Will Be Blood, Daniel Day Lewis portrait. It's also the first healed picture I've posted of it. Will still have to get the ear done, so at the mo' it looks a little like he's wearing headphones.

Thanks for looking,

TheBoy

A DAY OF REALISM

2011-10-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

This morning I added this portrait to a customers back. I'd usually tell people to wait until their child gets a bit older before getting them tattooed, but unfortunately this little fella passed away at birth and this was the only photograph they had.

I don't even know what this is and neither did the customer, but nevertheless, it was super fun to do. It's one of those fluffy things you stick to the car dashboard, complete with a Tenovus tag.

After these two were done I made a start on some roses and a huge swarm of butterflies on a girls hips and ribs, bit we'll have more of that after the next sitting.

Thanks for looking,
TheBoy
X

TINY LITTLE GEMS

2011-10-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

I arrived at the studio this morning to find an eagerly awaiting Felix (and friend Lisa), who was looking to get loads of ultra small, but detailed tattoos to help finish off his super cool sleeve. Several minutes into tattooing his head dropped and body slouched into the chair. He'd fainted! We cooled him off and after a fizzy drink and some chicken nuggets we were back into the tattooing. He then went on to book himself in for a further sitting in the afternoon. What a true champ! I think we did nine all together, including some tiny diamonds, candy cains and swirly lollies.

After Felix's first sitting I did some more work on Alex's roses, before he headed off to work.

2011-10-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week with a mixed bag of tattoos, for a mixed bag of people. Here are just a few of the creations that I made this week:

This is a cover-up of a Tinkerbell tattoo. You can still see the legs, but at least the dark wings were covered by some strategically placed leaves.

Got to do some ultra fine needle work in the branch on this memorial piece for Tom

I had to be a little stern with this lass, as she couldn't seem to keep still, despite me telling her a good few times. In the end I had to grip her arm and take the ol' fashioned sailor tattoo approach.

We made a start on Darren's cloud filler work, which he wanted to sort out before making a start on his other arm, where he wants to do a full indian cultured sleeve dedicated to his wife.

I thought I'd throw this one in as I've done a few back of hands this week, but this one was by far the quirkiest.

GIRLS ARE TOUGHER THAN BOYS! (OFFICIALLY!)

2011-09-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of this weeks creations! I spent the whole day with Stella doing the chest piece. We were slightly limited due to her work uniform height, but it wasn't too much bother adjusting the design and we got the stencil spot on, first time.

Loved doing the roses. It was a walk-in and I'm pretty sure the guy really didn't expect to walk-out with such a large piece, but I got carried away drawing them on and all of a sudden we had this rather large, bold piece, which we were both excited about, so we went for it. He did tap out though, so he has to come back for a second sitting. (Sorry!)

TheBoy
X

ROUND UP...

2011-09-18T05:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a few tattoo's that I actually remembered to photograph this week. The portrait is for Jo (shop co-owner) at Alpha Omega. We will be adding his Dad to the left and also the brides vale. It's healing very nicely and actually seems to be looking better with each day. The second is for a rather nice chap who wanted his sons name. Oh, and amongst many, many other creations I also did my first ever chinese symbol this week, for a very proud uncle Barry who is collecting, what seems to be the early stages of a chinese symbol sleeve of family names.

TheBoy

LILY AND ORNATE SWIRLS

2011-09-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a tattoo filled belter of a first week at Alpha Omega. There were a few tattoo's I did that I forgot to take photo's of, but here's one I made yesterday.

TheBoy
X

HERE'S JOHNNY!!

2011-09-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here's the very beginning of a Johnny Cash sleeve that I started today. We still need to go back into the top of the face and finish the hair. As the internet is currently down in the shop I had to resort to the good ol' fashioned form of research - books! A portrait seemed like a great way to get started. We will probably be adding a few more Cash portraits to this arm throughout the making.

Thanks - as always,
TheBoy
X

2011-09-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

I have officially joined team 'Alpha Omega', which is on High Street, Cardiff. I had an unofficial first day on Saturday, where I joined the crew to take on the Mardi Gras walk-ins, but today was my first official day and I created this Sugar Skull... Which I thoroughly enjoyed making. Couldn't ask for a nicer, relaxed environment to work in and group to work with.

Shit loads to come!!! Love,
TheBoy
X

BIG NEWS!!

2011-08-31T05:22:00.000-07:00

As of Monday 5th September I will tattooing from Alpha Omega Tattoo Boutique, which is situated on the High Street in Cardiff city centre. If you would like to get tattooed by me then please feel free to pop in for a chat or contact the shop for further details.

http://www.aoboutique.co.uk/home

Thanks for your support,

TheBoy

THERE WILL BE BLOOD!

2011-08-31T03:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a portrait of a still from the film There Will Be Blood, that I made yesterday. I still need to do some work on the hat, hand, background and around the back, so will post some full pics once it's complete, but it's getting there.

TAKING SHAPE...

2011-08-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

It's been another busy week - I made a start on finishing a full japanese back piece which is already half done, as well as dropping in on a few prospective customers to chat about fix-ups, cover-ups and new pieces. I've just got back from another sitting with the dragon, (which is really coming together), where we added some ribbon-like, background smoke. We still have to do a little work on the foot scales and the tips of the smoke, but I may decide to get a little more crazy with the smoke when it comes to it. We'll see!

I made this rib piece last night for a nice chap who goes by the name of Lee. We have to go back for another short sitting, but in all fairness he took a hell of a pounding to the ribs which is not the easiest area to get tattooed, which is why I've added a black and grey version. I will add a full colour version when we finish.

Over the weekend I'll be finishing the prep for next weeks adventures, including a super cool Daniel Day Lewis portrait of a still from There Will Be Blood and a rather nice skull and humming bird piece.

TheBoy

PECK-TAT-ULAR!!

2011-08-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of creating this family crest style tattoo for James this week. The Swedish flag is for his girlfriend and mother of his children and the the St Davids flag is for himself. We added the clouds and birds because both cities are ports and the scrolling is taken from the Cardiff Coat of Arms to balance with the Tre Kronor on the Swedish flag. A beautiful idea with a beautiful sentiment.

TheBoy

ALMOST DONE AND DONE!!

2011-08-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Did another stint on the dragon this week. I think one more sitting should complete it, where we'll finish off some scaling, then get all the crazy smoke kicking off all over and behind. I've been hanging out to get it in. Not because I can finally lay the tattoo to rest, (because I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of making it) but it'll fill in all the little areas that (right now) look empty.

I also finished the cloud filler background to a Maori 3/4 sleeve that I didn't do. I was really surprised at the difference between the original tattoo with no background and after the clouds were added. I try to dig out the pre-TheBoy tattoo to add for comparison.

Here are the final results:

TheBoy

TODAYS ANTICS

2011-08-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

After a long time waiting we finally got to put this on Rhian today. And what a great day it was too. I thought that I got hit by the fever sweats midway through, until I realized the heating was on. (Idiot!) I know British summers aren't one to boast about, but today deserved enough credit. We've already got a design prepared for her other shoulder, (which accidently happened through the process of designing this one) so if it goes ahead I will be sure to post some healed pics. Thanks Rhian!

Love

TheBoy

"WISH HEART"

2011-08-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

Most of today was spent feeling feverish and sweaty, but as it turned out all I needed was a little fresh air and a good, solid tattooing session. It did me the world of good. I love the positioning on this one.

TheBoy

Hold That Pose!

2011-07-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

I gave a little of my time and finally made a start on the background to the dragon tattoo today. HOORAYYYY!! There's going to be (without a doubt) a shed load of smoke involved, but it's nice to see it coming together a little more with each sitting.

Here's a couple of band tattoo's I did for my mate, Station. The first is of Iron Maiden's Eddie, from the album cover Power Slave and the second is the Wildhearts smiley.

IT'S NOT THE ARROW, IT'S THE INDIAN...

2011-07-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

After setting up my shit and was just about to touch needle to skin, my long time, (and usually) trusty and well loved liner machine decided to pack in. Nothing major, just the capacitor, which is easily fixed, but this meant I had to pick up my spare liner machine, which I'm not too fond of. Nevertheless... we managed to fire through and finish this old pair of boxing gloves. I did wonder if it was a sign, but decided to ignore the little voice and trust my abilities, which I'm very glad I did.

I headed back to the very nicely healed dragon tattoo today, that is now on it's fourth sitting. (This man looks after the tattoo like it were his new born). We now have, pretty much, all the scales done, which means after a few small touch ups, we're finally on to the background. Looking forward to pouring all the ideas out of my head and onto the tattoo. Here's what it's looking like thus far....

Thanks

TheBoy

Splendid Feather

2011-07-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

I spent my yesterday doing a bit of charity shopping in the morning, searching for an old desk for my new little, private studio. I didn't have much joy, but managed to sniff out some other little treasures on my travels, before heading home to tattoo this feather on my mucka, John Splendour. A day very well spent. Thanks John!

Thanks (as always) for looking

TheBoy

Dragon Tattoo - Update

2011-06-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here's what I got up to today. I got quite a few scales filled in and shaded and my back is sore. Still got a shed load of scales to go though, as well as the background. So, put the blinkers on, and keep moving forward.

Thanks for looking
TheBoy
X

2011-06-16T03:39:00.000-07:00

All of sudden I seem to be drawing, painting and tattooing a lot of clouds. Even when I'm driving I find myself analyzing different types of clouds, rather than focusing on the road. Quite a specific subject to get into, but I'm having much fun creating them, be it on skin or paper. Here's a rib background tattoo I made yesterday, for Lewis. We didn't quite finish, but it was getting late and rib tattoo's are not the easiest to sit for hours for, (although he didn't complain or move once). (Sorry about the unnatural lighting on the tattooed photograph. Like usual, I start tattooing when it's light and finish very late, when it's dark.)

Thanks for looking

TheBoy

The Joy of Painting

2011-06-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

Broke out the watercolours this week. First time in a fair while and I don't think I'm gonna be stopping anytime soon. I got so eager to start new pieces and ideas I don't think I quite managed to completely finish a single one of them.

You'll have to click for a closer look. Especially for the hens head.

Thanks (as always) for looking

TheBoy

A taster from the week...

2011-06-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post this quickly, before I start a bit of painting. There are more to come from this week, but as I'm just taking the snaps off the camera and my blog page was up... I'll add more photo's of it, (including the face) when I post my work from the week. We're still along way from completion, as there's a smokey background to add too. Anyways, I'm harping on a bit too much.

Thanks for looking
TheBoy
X

Cloud Filler - 2nd Sitting

2011-05-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

This evening I got in a bit more cloud filler work on my mate Paul. Really fun to do. No pressure. Can't really make any mistakes. He played (somewhere in the region of) 500 games of Solitaire during this sitting alone. Whatever helps you along and takes your mind off it is all good with me. We've got the inside of the arm to do yet,

Sundays 80's Music Revival

2011-05-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon with a group of very fun peeps today, where I got to recreate some iconic band logos and album artwork. Let's see if you can guess which bands they are? Answers below

THIS WEEK, I HAVE MOSTLY BEEN...

2011-05-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

TATTOOING!
I have always been a slight chap, but at the end of this week I am a slight chap, with the right hand of Thor.

I haven't been home for long enough to sit down and add anything to the blog this week, so I have to do the whole week in one go.

Did a second sitting on the fan. Need to go back in for a bit of colour and colour shading and highlights.

Hand drawn, retro Olympus Trip camera. It is what it is! Loved making it and we're gonna go back into it once more for some soft, wash shading on the chrome areas.

We had to do the stencil by hand for this one, as we were adding a cloud background to what was already there. I keep picturing an old WWI plane flying through the clouds. Will get it finished next week and post the final product.

Japanese Dragon - Lower Leg (outline)

Took 4 and a half hours of hand cramp, but absolutely hanging out to start the shading on this black and grey piece. We could've made a start, but the guy had to go on a weekend break. But, in all fairness, he damn well deserved it.

Itching to crack on....

There were a few tattoos I also did this week that I forgot to take the camera for.(Plank!) I managed to polish up the Hot Air Balloon that I have previously posted and I also did an Iron Maiden - Eddie tattoo. For that i am truly gutted, as they were definitely ones I wish I could've added to this post.

Anyways, there's much more to come, but right now my eyelids are being pulled down by Mike Tyson's right claw.

TheBoy
X

GOOD FRIDAY

2011-04-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here's yet another unfinished piece of my artwork walking the streets. Just the rest of the colouring to do, so not too much work left on it. I got a massive amount more done than I ever imagined I would, so it was a good Good Friday.

CREATURE COMFORTS

2011-04-11T02:30:00.000-07:00

After these past few weeks of playing catch-up (again) I finally managed to spare a bit of time to created a few small tattoos for a group of new friends, who I had the pleasure of spending yesterday evening with. Including the simple, but authentic and classic 70's TCB (Taking Care of Business) logo, plus a very sweet, 'ickl ladybird, which could quite possibly be the smallest tattoo I've done, but that didn't stop me from adding some nice detail.

HOT AIR!!!

2011-03-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Made this on Monday, for my dear friend Matt. Gotta get back into it for a short session to neaten up shit, but it's almost there. I was baked by the end as it was almost one in the morning and my eyes were shot. We went through a whole lot of Tom Petty, plus he's a witty fella, so the time spent was a fun one and he sat like an absolute rock for the whole period of it. I will post the final result once fully completed.

NEW PRINTS!!!!

2011-03-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of my latest efforts, entitled Team Circus. It was used for the 50-50 Art Exhibition, which took place last night (24th March). It is a limited edition of 25 and is available now, from my ETSY shop. Get 'em in!

TEAM CIRCUS

Limited Edition of 25

420mm X 297mm

Printed on Hahnemuhle German Etching paper

The 50 - 50 Affordable Art Show

2011-02-23T14:16:00.000-08:00

On March 24th I will be showing some new pieces at The 50-50 affordable art show, which will be held at Undertone (the downstairs of 10 Feet Tall, in Cardiff). The idea of the show (and behind the name) is to exhibit and sell works that range from 50 pence to 50 pounds. Great idea! Thought that I'd give a sneak peek at one of the pieces I have been working on recently...

(click on the link above to view the 50-50 affordable art show Facebook profile!)

Death Of A Loved One

TheBoy

New Custom Matryoshkas

2011-02-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

I've thought and said before that I really need to get on my Blog more often. Whenever I feel like I have something to show I end up having quite a few things to show (or post, even). Here are a couple of custom Matryoshka prints that I have made of late.

The idea with the custom Matryoshka dolls is that you add something in the centre that is meaningful to you, or whoever you are getting it made for. The first doll was a little different as it wasn't about the centre piece, but about theflat-cap. I wasn't sure how this was gonna work out, but thought it could be a bit of a challenge and took on the commission anyways. The tweed cap was especially fun.

The second was for a child aged 1! (I think). Well, a birthday present for a child of 1. Her name is Poppy, hence the poppy theme. Hmmm, hope she likes it.

Getting into the niche!

2011-01-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

As well as catching up with some well enjoyed tattoos this week, I have also spent every available waking hour whip shading a pencil portrait for a customer. I really enjoy doing these types of commissions, because I get that same feeling I get from sitting for hours, tattooing - lost in the trance, or 'the zone'. The more I tattoo, the more I find my techniques developing and changing in my pencil work and the more drawing I do, the more techniques I learn for tattooing.

Please click on the image for a closer look. Would have scanned it, but forgot and it's all framed and ready to go out, so had to settle for a photograph.

STAG SKULL TATTOO

2011-01-10T02:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple of photo's of a tattoo I finished yesterday, of a stags skull and antlers, on my good friend, Tosh. It took around 8 hours overall and in all fairness, he sat like a rock for the two sittings. I think it probably had something to do with the repeated programs of Saturday nights shit reality TV. The idea is to add in a background at a later date, which I'm looking forward to, as I thoroughly enjoyed making this one.

Catch Up!

2010-12-19T11:24:00.000-08:00

These past few weeks have been spent catching up with a back log of tattoos that have been building up whilst preparing for my exhibition at Milgi. This is one of the tattoos I made this week:

Four of the apples are coloured in, representing family members. Absolutely loved doing this one! It took around four and a half hours overall and I didn't want it to end.

More tattoos to come, as and when they get finished. Hopefully I'll get to finish a chest piece I started, too. Pedal to the metal! Full steam ahead!

Custom Matryoshkas

2010-10-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have been selling prints of Matryoshka/ Babushka/ Russian Dolls for a while, but it wasn't until being commissioned to design one doll in particular that I learnt the full story of what these dolls represent and where they came from. (I know it's Russia, but I mean 'where' in the cultural sense). After paying a visit to the home of Elspeth James to find out exactly what her custom design involved, I left feeling extremely inspired and raring to get to work. It wasn't just the story of Babushka that fuelled me, but also the reason behind the commissioned piece itself. In fact, I found it so uplifting that, on my return to present the finished print, I asked Elspeth if she would do me a favour and write, in her own words, a few words telling the story of Babushka and the story behind the commission.

Why did I commission a Babushka and Pink Cadillac? - by Elspeth James

When I was born in the 1950’s my father purchased several Dinky toys for me even though I was a girl. My particular favourite was a pink Cadillac. A few years later my brother arrived on the scene, more Dinky and Matchbox toys were purchased and we soon had quite a collection. Then one day my dear brother decided to paint my beloved pink Cadillac...... SILVER! This has been a moot point all our lives about how he ruined a treasured toy and a story often told to family and friends. So much so that the story took a new twist five years ago when my brother, his wife and twin daughters travelled to Australia, via Hong Kong. Whilst shopping in the crowded streets, one of my nieces spotted a pink Cadillac, centre stage in a toy shop window. It was duly purchased and on their return presented to me as a peace offering – all was forgiven and it now has pride of place on my marble hearth.

My husband to be (although I didn’t know this at the time) visited Russia in his teens. He returned with a gift for me and a set of Babushka dolls for his sister. I commented I would have loved the set of dolls. This obviously left an indelible memory because last year we visited St. Petersburg to visit all the tourist attractions. My husband had set his heart on buying me a set of Babushka dolls. Unfortunately I was so overwhelmed by the number, size and different kinds of decoration that I couldn’t make a decision and so came away empty handed.

As a teacher the story of Babushka is a favourite of mine and one I told regularly to my junior school pupils at Christmas. It is the story of a Russian lady who was always hard at work – sweeping, dusting, polishing and cleaning. (Some might say a bit like me!) One night there was a bright star in the sky. As she was working in her cottage she heard a loud knocking at her door. There were three kings requesting a place to rest until nightfall when they would continue to follow the star. Babushka served them and asked why they were following a star? They replied they believed it would lead them to a new born king. Why didn’t she accompany them? No she would tidy up first.

The kings left and Babushka finished her housework. She opened a small cupboard and looked at all the toys. They were very dusty and not fit for a baby king. She cleaned them all until they shone. Suddenly she realised it was morning and the star had gone. She was so tired she needed to sleep. That evening she followed the star asking everyone she met if they had seen the three kings. They pointed her in the right direction and eventually she arrived at Bethlehem too late - the three kings and the baby had gone.

Babushka was sad she had missed Jesus and it is said she is still searching for Him. She only stops on Christmas Eve visiting all sleeping children and leaving them a toy.

So the Babushka and pink Cadillac print neatly represents significant events in my life – Memories in a Frame – PRICELESS!

Elspeth James

*All Matryoshka/Babushka/Russian Doll prints are available to purchase buy clicking on the link below

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBoy1982

Oil Painting: It's back!

2010-10-25T01:22:00.000-07:00

This past fortnight has seen a venture into a slightly different, but old-skool medium for me. I was asked to do an oil portrait from an old photo. The reference I was given was far from the best, (plus I can't remember the last time I actually used oil paints. Think it was in art college, but that was to make a mess more than creating precision portraits) but I think I got a good likeness out of it. It's coming into it's final stages.

Today I will be picking up and dropping off a few other commissions, including a very lovely custom Matryoshka doll involving a Cadillac and a great story to coinside. More on that though, after I pick up the print.

The Boy

NEW WORK IN...

2010-09-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

Been a very busy TheBoy lately, with the Milgi Exhibition coming up. I've managed to finish these little beauties;

LOVE 'N' HUGS

TheBoy

XXX

A very little chair...

2010-09-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest project that I've just completed. An heirloom to one particular family, a childrens chair to the rest of us. This was a very exciting project to take on, as it's something that I wouldn't really have done off my own back. Actually, until I'm asked to do these kind of things, it would never have even entered my head. I should listen to random people more and try and rip off their little gems of ideas and pass them off as my own? Hmmm...

I immediately got to work, sanding. Rain and shine, I spent many a day and night, out my back garden, with a home-made canopy collecting water over my head.

Once sanded, I put on the first coat of paint and began designing the illustration for the seat. I went for the classic tale - The Gingerbread Man. So... without further ado... here are the final results:

You should be able to click on the images to get a closer look, if you wish. I'm a bit gutted this one's all over and I did stretch out the process and was extremely picky, just so I could hang onto it a bit longer.

Onto the next one...

TheBoy
X

2010-08-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

I never realize quite how much has happened, until I get on here and start writing about it. So, here goes:

Just picked up the appropriately titled, 'Massive Octopus' from the printers, which is available for purchase on my ETSY shop, for only $43, which equals approximately £25 in the United Kingdom sterling. You can check out my shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBoy1982

On an even better note!....
I am pleased to announce that my work, entitled 'DEAD DOG' has been chosen as a final contender in the Vintage at Goodwood festival art competition, in Sussex! The festival will take place on the weekend beginning Friday 13th August. More news on this after the results have been announced.... Watch this space!

HUFFFF!!!... On another, equally exciting note!!!
After picking up the Massive Octopus prints today, I when on to meet up with Becky, from Cardiff's Cocktail, music and Arts bar - Milgi, http://www.milgilounge.com/ (which is situated on City Road), who have kindly let me hold an exhibition of my work at their venue. I am super excited about this and am looking forward to getting stuck into finishing and mounting artwork ready for the opening night on 7th October. As well as the exhibition, I will also be painting their window the week before, ready for the show. If you're in the area it would be great if you could show your support. Would obviously love to see you there!

Massive Octopus

297mm X 420mm

Check it out here!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBoy1982

THIS NEW PIECE!!

2010-07-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm really not sure if I'm doing myself any favours by creating artwork based on ugly mollusk's. Not that I think there's anything grotesque about them, but I'm just not sure if there's much of a demand for mollusk wall hanging's, at the mo'? It may be an aquired taste.

After spending a short lifetime on this piece, it is soon to be in it's final stages. Maybe I get so indulged in the smaller, finer parts of the work that I forget to look at the overall picture? Maybe, subconsciously, it was my fear of the deep sea that led me to sketch out this creature in the first place?! Anyhows - It's gone too far now. Job (almost) done!

Luv 'n' hugs...

2010-07-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

FOR SALE!!
While I am in the process of designing some new tattoo's and finishing art works I thought It'd be really nice to sell some Matryoshka dolls as individual prints. Maybe I'll get them printed as postcards in the future, or even ceramic tiles? Hmmmm....

These are available from my ETSY shop, which you can view by clicking HERE.

2010-06-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of tattoos I made this week, for my friends Karis (arms) and Seren (foot) Who were accompanied by their knights in shining armour - Matt and Beaver.

Karis' right arm was done a few weeks ago (by myself) and I added to the star on her left arm that was already there. Great day all 'round, spent with some top draw people.

THEY'VE ARRIVED!!!

2010-05-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

It was just like any other hot and sunny summer morning. Birds singing. Families arguing. Sun was a blazing and I was up and ready to go pick up the Dead Dog prints. Yes, they're here! and looking pretty sweet (even if I do say so myself). Im over the moon with the quality and it's times like these that make you realize why the hell you spent so long sheltered away, like a hermit, working on your whip shading techniques.

Any-hows... These are available for purchase on ETSY.COM, which I recommend checking out (if you haven't already done so before?) Even if it's just to see what amazing handmade stuff people are capable of making.

DEAD DOG
Limited Edition of 75, signed and numbered
Fine art Giclee print on Hahnemulhe German Etching paper
420mm X 297mm (A3)(including white border)
349mm X 246mm (actual image size)
Click here to purchase

Laying DEAD DOG to rest...

2010-05-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, but I've finally completed DEAD DOG, after spending what seemed like every waking second working on it. Over breakfast in the morning, right up until the last drop of red wine late at night. I will be producing a limited run of 75 high quality, Giclee prints, which are 420mm x 297mm in size. Please check out the prints section for more details...

So it's onto the next adventure we go. Got loads of ideas planned, which I've sketched out during the 'Dead Dog era' and can't wait to make a start.

Luv 'n' hugs,

The Boy

DEAD DOG....

2010-04-27T11:03:00.001-07:00

As I have a fair few pieces in the process of being finished at the moment, with no real idea of when they'll finally be completed, I thought it could be a while before I get to post anything on my blog. So, I thought I'd post one of my works in progress. Long way off yet, but this is a section of a piece i'm working on, titled 'DEAD DOG'.

Domestic Life

2010-04-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

There's usually a point when you're 'in the zone' with an art piece that brings you right back down to the real world. Today it was my venture to B&Q with the missus for a hard bristled sweeping brush, ready to scrub the back garden for the summer.

Didn't manage to finish my latest drawing today, as planned, but got sent this from a friend instead:

Here's a photo that was sent to me, of a small doodle I did a while back, for a beautiful frame that was bought by my mate, Hywel. I went through a long phase of drawing females in running mascara, before I hit my Victorian/Edwardian phase. I'm kinda getting into animal skeletons now. Or a cross between...(Where on earth do these ideas come from?!?!)

Tattoo Under Construction

2010-04-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

I had the honour of tattooing my good friend and muse, Mr John Maloney this week. John was one of the first people to put his trust in my then weak and bumbling hands, right at the very start. (Much respect). We didn't manage to close the curtains with this one on first sitting, but here it is in its unfinished state:

Matryoshka Dolls

2010-04-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

Well, this week I finished a series of 5 matryoshka dolls that I was commissioned to do by my good buddies; Hywel & Catrin. It was initially designed for a tattoo, but the tattoo was done and dusted before I managed to finish them, so I developed them further with some intricate detail and they'll now be used as prints. Click to enlarge