Watercolors are stunning. We normally associate them with breathtaking paintings and flirty dresses, but they also make for pretty tattoos. If you’re looking for some feminine ink, a watercolor tattoo is just the thing. They’re oh-so dreamy and make us want to pick up a paintbrush and attempt to recreate the work.
As with watercolor paintings, every watercolor tattoo is unique. Some are more dynamic with slashes and splotches of color, while others use softer, more defined shapes. Certain tats add the color all over as opposed to others that completely forget about the color-within-the-lines rule. You also cannot forget about watercolor designs that mix other tattoo styles, like linework or dotwork. No matter what style you select, you always end up with a mini canvas on your arm, back, leg or other body part.
While we’re talking body parts, one other big plus is that a watercolor tattoo can be adapted to suit both areas big and small. Your thigh is just as suitable as your wrist for the ink. The watercolor tattoo possibilities really are endless.
If you want some visual inspiration, click through the gallery to see some stunning watercolor tattoos that will help you plan your next bit of ink.
[ Next: 13 Tattoos Prettier Than Your Flashy Rings ]
41 Watercolor Tattoos That Are Picture Perfect
-
Pick a Plume
Peacocks are colorful birds, but they don't have feathers quite this magnificent. There is something about feathers and watercolor designs that just look so good.
Image: @keirarosetattoo
-
Just Buzzing
If you didn't know better, you would think that the artist picked up paints to create this tat instead of tattooing equipment.
Image: @dopeindulgence
-
Rain or Shine
Remember that saying about how after every storm there is a rainbow? This ink is the visual representation of that.
Image: @maurydecaytattoosldn
-
Growing Up
Sometimes just a touch (or should we say splotch) of watercolor is needed. The multicolored swirls are much more striking than regular brown dirt.
Image: @tattoolazo
-
Take Flight
A realistic bird tattoo is always stunning, but the unique watercolor shades in this ink give it a whimsical finish. The fact that the bird looks like it is in flight makes it even better.
Image: @nedielko_mata
-
Head Games
Watercolor ink is known for being more girly, but that doesn't mean it cannot have some edge. This skull tat with swirling colors has a clear badass vibe.
Image: @marcleonard_ink
-
Birds of a Feather
A wrist tattoo may be small, but it can still have a lot of impact. The two birds in this piece look like they could fly away any second.
Image: @carolinahelenaart
-
Sealed With a Kiss
Who said that a kiss tattoo can only feature a lip print? This romantic ink takes a different approach, but it is just as sweet.
Image: @aquila_tattoo
-
Unicorn Vibes
Forget about unicorn hair, how about a unicorn tattoo complete with butterflies in its mane? Now that is fierce. If you do want to dye your locks to match your tat, we will totally understand.
Image: @thiagofreitastatuagem
-
Quote to Live By
A bit of watercolor work is all you need to take a quote tattoo to the next level. Just see this gorgeous one for proof.
Image: @mimimowmow
-
Feathered Friend
There may not be a real bird that has rainbow feathers like this, but we're never going to complain about an artist's creative twist, especially when it turns out this good.
Image: @nico_rispolitattoo
-
Skip the Jewelry
You wouldn't want anything to take away from these amazing hand tattoos. Mind you, even the shiniest cocktail ring would have trouble competing with the whimsical sun and moon designs.
Image: @shanetattoostudio
-
Love Birds
It is a must that you wear your hair up to show off this cute bird ink. Make sure that your top has a low enough neckline in the back, so we can see the ink properly.
Image: @ramonink
-
See the Stars
Do you love constellation tattoos? What about watercolors? Combine them into one beautiful design like this ink.
Image: @jmtattoos
-
Feminine Fish and Flower
Remember that watercolor tattoos don’t necessarily have to include swirling splotches. This lotus and fighting fish ink is about the graceful shading and fluid shapes that are present in our fave watercolor paintings.
Image: @ching_artist
-
Colorful Chemistry
Even if science wasn't your favorite subject in school, you can still appreciate this colorful molecular tattoo. FYI: It's the serotonin molecule, aka the feel good one.
Image: @krystel_ivannie
-
Be Extraordinary
It's no exaggeration to call this ink extraordinary. The placement of the twisting feather is clever. Then you have the turquoise and purple color scheme.
Image: @the_inker_78_tattoo_shop
-
Flower Power
Calling all nature lovers: This is a unique arm tattoo for you. Why have a one-color bloom when you can have a multicolored one with a swirling design?
Image: @magdalena_bujak
-
Beautiful Message, Beautiful Design
If you're a Disney fan, it will be hard to resist this tattoo. It has a positive message and the watercolor splotches are as beautiful as the words.
Image: @studio_one_chemnitz
-
All About Contrasts
Even if you don't get the Depeche Mode Violator album inspiration, you can appreciate this ink. The blue and pink watercolor is a beautiful background to the blackwork rose.
Image: @tiz_tattoo
-
Ready for This Jelly?
A jellyfish may not be the first animal that comes to mind when you think of tattoos, but that is part of the appeal. The way the watercolors have been used to create the jellyfish's translucent body and the watery background is very clever.
Image: @maddmoll
-
In Bloom
A watercolor design combined with flower motifs is as good of a match as red lipstick and black eyeliner. The best part is, if you love this upper arm tat, you could extend it down to create a full sleeve.
Image: @tattoosandpastel
-
Outside of the Lines
Combine an outline tattoo with a watercolor one and you get this cute ink. There's even a galaxy vibe going on thanks to the purple, pink and blue color scheme.
Image: @nikachic
-
For Animal Lovers
Pandas are already adorable, but this ink has managed to up the sweetness a little bit more thanks to the blue and green details.
Image: @coryconnellart
-
Come Fly With Me
You'll always be ready for takeoff with this rainbow airplane tattoo. If you have a constant case of wanderlust, this ink could help cure it...at least temporarily.
Image: @sabywabyyy
-
In the Details
Ink that looks as good from far away as it does close up is key. When you're admiring it at a distance, you can see the dream catcher's pretty shape. When you get nearer, you can appreciate the subtle watercolor shading in the feathers.
Image: @tattooist_ida
-
Foxy Lady
Show everyone what a foxy woman you are with this abstract tattoo. The brush splatter design is a more unique alternative than fur-like strokes.
Image: @tina.100farben
-
Oh, Yes
You won't be saying anything negative about this tattoo. It's cute and quirky. If you're a tattoo newbie, this is a good option if you're not ready for a full back watercolor tattoo.
Image: @tattoooie_ph
-
Be Bold
Watercolors are traditionally pastel shades, but you can also turn the intensity way up. The saturated blue and pink bring this wolf tattoo to life. You know what we mean.
Image: @diamondtattoo92
-
Ride the Waves
When you look at this ink, it transports you to a tropical destination. You can practically feel the ocean breeze and smell the flowers.
Image: @lizalvarezart
-
Put a Frame on It
Dress up a black and white line work tattoo with a watercolor frame. Instead of a square one, take inspiration from this swirling semicircle.
Image: @mark_benson_artist
-
Fly, Fly, Fly Away
Hummingbirds are blink-and-you-miss-them fast. The watercolor design mimics what they look like in flight.
Image: @the_outlaws_tattoo_shop
-
Eye See You
That is some fierce eyeshadow. You can take inspiration from it for your actual eye makeup or you can get your own ink based off of it.
Image: @carlosfarinha13
-
Magical Mark
Harry Potter fan? Skip the lightning scar and try a Deathly Hallows tat. You can play around with the shades in your design. You could base them off of your favorite Hogwarts house or a beloved mythical creature.
Image: @monsters_ink_art
-
Blown Away
People love blowing dandelion tats. This ink brings the focus to the breeze thanks to the rainbow wind design. It's magical.
Image: @takker_art
-
See Shell
You don't have to go to the beach to get seashells. With this shell ink, you will always have a bit of the ocean with you. We get it if you still want to go on a trip to the sea.
Image: @tattoo_nano
-
For Beauty Girls
Love makeup? Don't just show it with your beauty haul, prove it with your ink. Incorporate your fave shades in a watercolor design.
Image: @eallina_pradhan
-
You're a Star
The star of this show isn't the shape, but the delicate lotus flower design. The star only helps to enhance the curving flower.
Image: @mandoalducin
-
Ziggy Stardust
David Bowie fans often pay tribute to the legend with lightning bolt ink, but this is a step above. The twist on the classic colors is genius.
Image: @jcramer_tattoos
-
Stick a Feather in It
We've said it before and we will say it again: Add a splash of watercolor to a feather design and you get a next-level tat.
Image: @inkyoursoultattoostudio
-
Snap Happy
Forget about taking a photo because it will last longer. Get a tattoo of it instead. Although, you will probably want to take lots of snaps of your new ink.
Image: @simonecenteno
