Reinventing The Tattoo Forum

Now as I post this I am second guessing my choice to go with larger shapes and a close up view. But I do think that larger shapes do read better from a distance and enhance the flow and fit of a piece, I just wonder now if it's leaning away from a feminine feel. I gave the snake a slightly upturned nose and almond shaped eye to try and convey a more feminine feel to its head. I've never been good with using negative space but am giving it a try with this one. I conceptualized this one using only color but felt it lacked contrast, so I used a bit of black underscoring in some lower edges and a few cast shadows with some black shading. Of course the areas drawn outside of the arm sketch would wrap around, and some more drawing would have to be done to fill in the inner arm. The deconstructed flower gives me something to use to fill in those areas.I look forward to your critiques and opinions. 

Thanks,

             Lou