Tattoo Artist Art

On By ResaIn Faces, Garage Doors

Le Gasp when I found this garage door.

The colours pierced my side vision from a half block away.

I should have known, even before I got to the door that it was painted by…

…tattoo artist extraordinaire, The Half Decent.

Just another piece of alley art I had to TEAR myself away from.

In real life, it appears black, white, red and silver. The pics weren’t capturing this, so I tried a slower shutter speed, which made the rest too, dark. Below is the comparison.

Normal shutter speed on the left. Slowest I can get on iPhone on the right.

Pano setting created a bluish overtone.

Pics taken by Resa – September 21, 2025

Toronto, Canada

The Artist:

The above fab song, Tattoo, was exhilaratingly performed by Loreen at 2023’s GNTM (Germany’s Next Top Model). Of the 5 finalists presented here, who do you think won?

153 thoughts on “Tattoo Artist Art”

    1. Thanks Merril!

      Interesting, I hadn’t thought about her looking drugged, although her pupils are small.

      His art is all over the place from: tattoo scary skulls & demented faces, to beautiful roses and great burners. This is the most normal face I’ve seen from him.

      I do get excited when I find a piece by him, even if don’t like it. .?

      1. You’re welcome, Resa. I thought her open mouth was maybe in the midst of sex, but her eyes looked glazed. Idk, probably just me. 😂

        But yes, I can understand that about art. You can get excited by art (including theater, dance, etc.) that is provocative or unsettling. That’s why artists and writers get banned and arrested. Did you see the sculpture that was put up today in front of the US capitol? It was the White House rapist with Jeffrey Epstein as best buddies.

        1. Huh. Well, who knows? I didn’t get that, but I did think maybe a party..red balloons, and red ?? bunny ears???.

          Agree about art! And that’s why “they” removed that statue from the Capitol.
          The statue is brilliant. I read in NPR they tore it to pieces. Still, it had to have come from a mold. It could appear again.

          That is the #1 thing that can’t go away, in the dizzying chaos the felon creates. It would yield a mighty blow.

    2. I forgot to mention, I watched Jimmy Kimmel last night. I thought he did a great job delivering a funny and thoughtful – thought filled monologue.

            1. Not sure, but I saw it on YouTube. I didn’t have time to read letter today.
              I was getting ready to go out when that speech was on. It was just gangster nuts. I had to turn it off. The pain was too, great.

              Now there are elevator and teleprompter conspiracy theories.
              Dizzying!

                1. Agree! Now it’s the Comey thing and the shut down.
                  It’s exhausting, which is what he wants.
                  Well, he’s not tiring me out… I feel feisty.

                  This is why the Epstein files need to come out. I really think that’s the only true thing that can stop him, and why so many stick up for him in government.
                  There are many guilty men covering for themselves and their cronies.

                  Thank goodness Canada has a clever, intelligent, experienced businessman leading us.

                  In the podcast I saw today, Heather was asked if she thought the original files have been destroyed. She said it was possible, but it didn’t worry her because too many have seen them.

                  He looks so sickly. Must be being kept alive by his doctors.

                  It really is a sad and unbelievable situation.

                  1. Yes, it is scary and exhausting to all of us who are paying attention. There are still so many who are clueless. Someone made a good point in the comments of her letter today–that it might not only be a distraction from the Epstein files, but also a distraction from the implementation of Project 2025. He is so obviously deranged and sick. Any other president in this condition would have been removed. I’m scared here in NJ that we will end up with a MAGA governor.

                    1. Lol… it is not a distraction from the implementation of Project 2025. IT IS the implementation of it.
                      Now, there is a big meeting of top generals called.

                      I’m thinking all the top generals will be fired, and loyalist generals put in.
                      No kidding scary!
                      How, why is anyone still voting MAGA?
                      I guess it’s true about the power of hate, and there are so many haters midst us.

                      Merril, it is mind blowing how some are chucking out the American ideals for hate.

                      I saw a video from a teacher in Oklahoma.
                      He said he was happy when the felon said he was going to put trump bibles in all the classrooms, but he’s been waiting for months. Big disappointment.
                      His school finally got 2, only.

                      Turns out theres an American Constitution in the back. He says he’s furious, because it’s been altered. There are amendments missing.. 11-27, which cover slavery, due process etc.

                      https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/amendments-11-27

    1. I agree, TOF! Art is special. It speaks, even if we don’t like the message. Even if the artist is saying nothing, their art may say something to someone on a personal level. Recorded history, a moment captured, I love it all!

    1. Thanks Dave! It was a thrill finding this after 2 hours of walking and no new art.

      The colours lured me down an odd piece of alley.

      BTW. I’ve worked my way up to #146 in queue at the library, to borrow Joy’s new book. They’ve upped their number of copies to 84.

  7. I generally don’t like a tattoos, especially not facial ones. A butterfly on the ankle is about all I can handle. Tattoos are a personal choice, I think, Resa. The street art is striking though.

    1. I like tattoos, but I don’t have any. Facial ones are odd, but mostly the guys I see with them are no prize to begin with, so…..

      I’ve yet to see a female with a face tattoo.

      A number of street artists are tattoo artists by trade, and their alternative art can be wildly different from their tattoo art.

      Thanks for checking this out, Marian, and commenting! I appreciate it.

  8. What a striking mural! I can very well understand why it caught the corner of your eye from far away. The colours pop big time. Beauty, Sorceress! (I have to agree with Merril that she looks all sorts of stoned…)

    xoxoxoxoxox

    1. Thunder!

      You escaped! Just kidding. I know your work has become demanding (yet, enjoyable I hope). They need to give you a bonus.

      I walked 2 hours before I found this exciting garage door art. What a great addiction that makes me walk to find art.

      The girl stoned?… could be. Her pupils are small. Ever since Merril said that, I keep hearing the song The Girl with the Far Away Eyes.

      Also, more insanity, tattoo, tattoo, tattoo – now I keep seeing Hervé Villechaize as Tattoo, from Fantasy Island. A most disturbing image.

      xoxoxo⚡️💥xoxoxo

      1. Sorceress!

        I haven’t. But every now and again, I break from the crazy and try to read one post here or there. It is erm… I guess it’s enjoyable in the sense that I am not sitting here twiddling my fingers. But dealing with guides is like working in a kindergarten and to be honest, I never did dig on a classroom of kids… They usually do. It was a good un last year…

        It is a fantastic addiction!

        She doesn’t have a sleepy look, it’s more of a disconnected one, to me, anyway.

        Hahahahahaha! You are certifiable!

        xoxoxoxo 🧚🪄 oxoxoxoxo

        1. Geez… it sounds good actually, except the kindergarten part.

          Disconnected – yes.
          Why, oh why did they have to name that character Tattoo?
          I wonder if anyone ever got a tattoo of Tattoo? 😱
          xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. I agree, Cheyenne. You are welcome!

      After I shot it, I just stood there staring, like I was hypnotized. That happens to me at the Art Gallery, too, but at least I’m alone in the alley. At the Art Gallery I seem to be blocking the flow after a few minutes.

    1. It really is fabulous.
      Thanks Meece! The lighting is interesting right now. Think I’ll go set up the easel (okay…ladder) for taking pics of art!
      xoxoxoxoxo

    1. You are welcome, Klausbernd!
      I just adore this one. I never know what I wll find when I go out and look for street art.
      Thank you so much for checking out the art here. I appreciate the Fab Four from Cley!
      ❦❦❦❦

  19. Resa, your blog sent me on a little search today — I just had to learn more about The Half Decent. What an extraordinary artist! The blend of tattoo, mural, and street art feels both raw and thoughtful — like a visual conversation with the city itself.

    And I love your experiment with the slow shutter speed. It’s such a brilliant idea — almost like adding another layer of artistry on top of the mirror itself. In real life you captured the black, white, red, and silver so vividly, and the way the camera translated it shows just how many ways there are to “see.” Thank you, as always, for opening the door to discovery and creativity. Sending hugs across the mountains, prairies and lakes!

    1. I’ve been enjoying his street art for years. He is the most expensive tattoo artist in the city.

      Yes the shutter speed is an interesting tool. I’m playing with it while shooting my drawings today.
      Lots of art to see and do!
      BIG HUGS!

    1. I’m glad it caught me too!
      Question – Is Oannes still using the Pcloud? Suddenly I’m getting all the music. Yahoo!!!!!
      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxx(🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽)

      1. Yes he is, so YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! I think it may have been some firewall blocking it. Also WP has been really annoying lately with subscriptions and logins …grrrrrrrrrrr

        meantime, take cover cause Hera’s uncontrollable!

        xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  21. Interesting how light changes not only the color but the texture. I wonder what color the garage door was painted. Was it metal? Hum. At first I thought she had bunny ears – which would change the feel a bit. Bad bunny or at least vixen bunny!

    1. What colour was the garage door? Great question. Maybe it was metal. Lol…if I find myself there again, I’ll check!

      Yes…bunny ears. That thought crossed my mind too. Red balloons and bunny ears.

      I like Vixen Bunny. Sounds like the name of a female Rock band.
      Thanks Jan!

    1. Me too!
      It’s crazy how both realistic and unrealistic it is at the same time.
      I keep trying to do something purposefully real but with strange colours with my portraits, but so far it never looks right.
      ❦

  23. Wow, wow! The colours here are incredible and stand out; I can’t believe this is painted on a garage door! Love the black, white and red; it makes the whole image so striking. What a fantastic song, too. I have to say, Resa, your eye for photography is captivating and really drew me in, as if you’re telling a story with each artwork. Thanks for sharing! 💜🍂😊

    1. Aww, thank you Ada! I just love outdoor art.
      I’m quite thankful so many in Toronto love having painted art garage doors.

      The song is cool, and I got a kick out of watching the models walk backwards. That is hard to do!
      🌟❦🌹❦🌟

    1. It is stunning, even if I don’t get it.

      Haha! The walking backwards was the challenge. It’s hard to do that, on a runway, loud music, hoards of people and all while being judged.
      The plus sized model seemed to be the only one comfortable with it. SHE WON!
      First Plus SizeModel ever to win that competition. xx

  28. That is a striking painting! It’s hard to take your eyes off it. In the video, I was distracted by Laureen’s fingernails. I sure hope they were part of her stage costume and her own nails.

    1. I agree about the painting.
      LOL…Liz.. now this is a cool comment! Her nails.. I’ve seen a few videos of hers now, and the nails are a signature.
      I don’t know how one could live impeded by nails like that?

  30. Hi Resa, this must be the third or fourth artwork you have brought us from “The Half Decent” and each time it never disappoints! I totally get the problems with showing the details in the background. The principle of showing dark objects on a black background works great for magicians (who use it to achieve certain illusions) but it must be a pain for photographers. I do like how the silver pops on the slower speed though. Thanks as always.

  32. Resa!! Wow, Le Gasp indeed! It took my breath away when it came across my email today 😍 The colors are stunning and so is the woman’s facial features and physiognomy, the nose, the eyes… Simply wow!! I love the image shot w/ the slowest shutter speed; the silver really popped.

    Beautiful art, thanks for capturing it for all of us, Resa!! ♡. ♥︎. ᢉ𐭩.ꨄ︎

    1. II know! I wish I was so trained, or innately talented, as to draw so realistically.
      The capturing silver became a bit of a must.
      It seems I keep learning things about photography.
      No wonder DOP’s are half mad when they are lighting a shot.
      Luv ya!
      ❦❦🌹❦❦🌹

      1. I think your photos are amazing, Resa!! Yeah I love that you’re able to capture the silver, even if the rest became darker it actually looks more dramatic!

        I worked with a fantastic DP for my short film and I’m always amazed at what the do. Luv ya back!! ❦🌹❦😘

  34. Another fabulous find, Resa. It’s beautiful, even though it feels sort of violent to me. Something about the diagonal shapes in the background combined with the red. But it demands one think. It’s amazing art. Thanks for sharing it with us. Hugs winging northeastwardly up to you. ❤

    1. Thanks Teagan!
      Yes, lots of thought provocation with this one. I quite like it, and was truly excited when I found it.
      Southwestwardly hugs on the move! x

  35. Oh wow! It’s science fiction future in neon! The more you look, the more you find and the more you find the more you look and well, it just keeps going like that.

    Another brilliant treasure uncovered.

  36. I really think that’s truly avant-garde! Thank you, Resa, my friend, also for your excellent work on the pano setting illustration. 👍🤗🙏🥰
    PS: I haven’t a clue who won!! 😂

    1. Thank you dear Aladin! I really enjoy taking pics of the street art.
      The WINNER! The last woman, who was larger won.
      She is the first Plus Size model to win that competition.
      Honestly, she was the only one who walked backwards with complete confidence!

  37. I can see why this caught your eye, Resa. That’s powerful color. And since following you, I’ve become more aware of the way different qualities of light change the color of the subject. These were interesting comparisons. 🙂

    1. Thanks Diana!
      Photography is intense.
      Noe wonder the lion’s share of prep time on set is given to the DP and the lighting department. ❦🌹

  39. I can see why this called to you and your post did a great job in letting us feel the colors of black, white, red and silver. what talent

    also, the Loreen video showed an artsy set up and did the model contestant who went last win the competition ?

    1. Yvette, I agree! Pardon for the late reply! I’ve been away on my other blog, which does not share notifications with this one. Two blogs were easy when I had 10 followers, but I do my best.

      Anyway, Yes, the last model won! She is the first plus size model to win the competition. IMO, she was the only one who walked backwards with full confidence!

      1. oh Resa, that might be why I guessed she won – she did have a certain confidence that I felt.
        However, I do think they all walked pretty well going backwards – and oh my goodness – I cannot even walk forward properly in shoes like that – so I am still in awe of their skills – wow – and hopefully even the non-winners will still have good career opps come their way.

        and wishing you a great day
        xxx
        Yvette

  41. At first, I almost thought it was a Marilyn Manson, you know, because of the left eye. However, looking super closely, this artist painted something so dark and very beautiful in its color palette. I really love this one a lot. You took a great photo shot of this so well. 🙂

    1. Thanks Charlie!

      Definitely, now that you mention it, I see the Marilyn Manson vibe.

      Thanks about the photos. I do love shooting art, of any kind! 🎨❦

  42. Another stunning mural, Resa, so I can see how she caught your eye! I love the combination of red, black, silver, and white. I was never into tattoos, but my daughter and I have a matching treble clef on the inside of our right ankle, sentimental to our love of singing and music. These were done when she was diagnosed with a rare disease 14 years ago. I want to get another one, but I’m not sure; I’m a bit chicken, but it would represent my son and hubby, something outdoorsy like a hiking boot or tree. 🙂 Hubby’s not into them at all. Anyway, great find! Hope all is well! Hugs xo

    1. All is well!
      As you know, my reply is late, as I was over on my other blog for a week.
      I used to hate tattoos, now I adore them.
      Now, my skin is a bit too wrinkly. How would it look?
      I’ve seen some women who are around 60 now, with tattoos. They probably got them in the Punk era…early 1980’s. Not so good looking now.
      Anyway!
      The tattoo with your daughter sounds like the perfect sentimental tattoo.
      Still, true love is tattooed on out hearts!
      x ❦❦🌹❦❦o

      1. No worries, Resa! My head has been spinning ever since King Copper launched. I like tattoos regarding their sentiments, but not super big. Small are better to me. But the permanency is another thing. I’m 64 and my tattoo is on my ankle, so it still looks good. LOL But my arms from all the sunshine in my youth are looking a bit different. That’s the kinder way of saying it. 🙂 So, only one for me, and like you said, it’s special. And yes, true love is tattooed on our hearts! Hugs, my friend xoxoxoxo

        1. HUGS back to you, Lauren!
          I knew you would be beaver busy when King Copper came out.
          Hey.. my upper arms…If I had had a smile tattooed there when I was 20, It would be a frown by now!
          I do not feel frowny, so I would have to get an arm lift to make the darn thing smile, like I do!

          xo❤️❤️❤️

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