Ian McKown started tattooing in 2003 in Boulder, Colorado and has always found himself drawn to what some would call 'realistic' tattoos, but only recently came into his own in regards to finding his own style within this genre of tattooing.

If you ask him, Ian will tell you that a big turning point in his tattooing, and more importantly - his art, was when he picked up an art magazine containing an article written by David A. Leffel, an American artist who paints in the classic Flemish/Dutch old master style. “I cannot stress enough what an eye-opener seeing his work was for me. It was as though I was seeing art for the first time in my life”. Ian began painting in oils in early 2008, mainly focusing on still life’s and portraiture with a distinct shift towards more archetypal and story driven works. Ian finds this type of work very rewarding and has been able to bring together some of his painting and tattoo styles, combining them into something fresh, and hopefully unique. .

As with everything in life, Ian’s art is a study in hard work, and a constant desire to become a better artist, in both mediums. “Coming to the end of my second decade tattooing, I have come to appreciate the importance of being fully present and meeting my clients wherever it is that they are at in their lives. Through this type of meeting I feel the tattoo experience can be rewarding and enriching for both the client and the artist”.