Ethereal Nature Tattoos Transform Skin Into Delicate Watercolor Paintings

Despite the South Korean law that states that only medical doctors can legally give someone a tattoo, Seoul-born artist Hongdam uses his watercolor skills to turn his clients’ skin into pastel cherry blossoms and iridescent moons. He focuses on simple but elegant floral designs, drawing first the thin outline of the plant and then bleeding the ink from the sketch’s core outwards. This creates a delicate watercolor effect, as the bold colors seamlessly flow into the next hue.

In addition to rendering flowers, Hongdam’s body of work includes a range of natural elements, from trees to animals to celestial bodies. The natural world proves to be a resounding theme through Hongdam’s designs, which is understandable—the outdoors provides inspiration for Hongdam’s versatility of life and color found in his light and ethereal tattoos. What’s even better? These watercolor artworks won’t wash off in the shower.