Stunning Flower Tattoos With Black Backgrounds Transform Arms And Legs Into Beautiful Artworks

Tattoo artist Esther Garcia loves to add an ornamental touch to her clients’ limps. Throughout her 20-year career, she's evolved her style to combine black backgrounds with colorful blooms, winged creatures, and decorative motifs which seemingly float on skin. The idea for this approach had initially been a solution for coverup tattoos, in which she inks over a previous design that somebody wants hidden. The solid black ink hides the old tattoo and makes way for a new illustration. It's become so popular that it isn't limited to only coverups—clients request it on their untouched skin as well.

Garcia is inspired by the Dutch tradition of flower painting from the 17th century. Her blossoms have a realistic feel evoking the same lushness and light on a dark backdrop. The reds and pinks shine like a beacon of light against the rich black ink and signify a welcome beginning—particularly for people who were living with unwanted body art.

After twenty years of tattooing and owning her Butterfat studio in Chicago, Garcia is working on projects which are off the body. One endeavor in the artworks is called Flower Thieves, a textile and commercial design collaboration with freelance artist and illustrator Kyle Letendre. Scroll down below to see some of Garcia’s tattoos and then make sure to follow her on Instagram for even more.

Esther Garcia: Website | Instagram