Currently living and working in the island of Sardinia in Italy, Paolo Murtas has tattooed a beautiful assortment of birds and movie scenes on his clients. Cinematic examples include the slow-mo scene of Marla Singer smoking a cig in “Fight Club,” Raoul Duke’s crazy-eye look in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (in a crazy ass movie), and pals Buzz and Woody in “Toy Story.” Some of Murtas’ works have a hyperrealist quality resembling pastel or watercolor art, and other images have a more texturized shading similar to acrylic paint when water is not added to the brush. Without a doubt the artist has a good understanding of light, shade and texture.

Photos © Paolo Murtas