Patrick Paul O'Neil (@the_burning_jewel) is a master of illustrative realism and neotraditional Japanese tattooing. Based in Toronto, Canada at Seven Eight Tattoo, Patrick draws inspiration from mythology, history, and the natural world. With a background in painting from OCAD University, Patrick honed his skills in realism before transitioning into tattooing where he now works to combine excellent artistic skills with top-notch customer service for his clients.
Education
Patrick's journey as an artist began in painting, where he developed a deep understanding of composition, contrast, and form. He later transitioned into tattooing, spending eight years at Chronic Ink Tattoos, five of which were under the mentorship of renowned Tony Hu. During this time, Patrick defined his Japanese and Chinese neotraditional styles, drawing on themes from Asian art including the Rinpa painting style and aesthetics of Japanese pottery.
Patrick + Jake Meeks: A Fireside Chat
In his two-part interview on the Fireside Tattoo Network with Jake Meeks, Patrick delves into his artistic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of mastering the basics, developing a unique style, and providing clients with tattoos that are both meaningful and enduring.
Patrick is self-examined artist who has high standards for himself, his art, and his clients' experiences. He believes that mastering artistic fundamentals allows artists to push creative boundaries while maintaining structure and balance. Patrick advocates for artistic experimentation, learning one's own unique style through observation and reflection.
You can learn more about Patrick and his artistic journey and musings on The Fireside Network, available on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Patrick and The Washi Set by Russ Abbott
At Tattoo Smart, we love collaborating with professional tattooists and inviting them to test drive our tools. With Patrick's strong background in neotraditional Japanese, we couldn't wait for him to use The Washi Set by Russ Abbott!
The Washi Set is a collection of 21 meticulously craft brushes and 17 Washi paper files for Procreate. It explores new territory with carefully photographed handmade papers sourced directly from master craftspeople in Japan, who continue the ancient art of papermaking. These authentic Washi paper files feature our exclusive "Pro-Mode" layers, which add realistic depth, texture, and lighting on top of your artwork layers. This innovative approach enhances the realism of creating Washi-inspired paintings, bringing a new level of authenticity to your Procreate workflow.
According the Patrick, he used The Washi Set to "reinject new life into a design I thought had lost its soul."
We definitely agree that this neotraditional Japanese back piece is full of life! This design masterfully blends traditional Irezumi aesthetics with modern illustrative techniques. The focal point is a striking crane, its wings elegantly arched and its body adorned with intricate feather detailing in soft purples, blues, and golds. In Japanese culture, the crane is often associated with longevity and good fortune. The surrounding bamboo and branches add depth and movement, framing the crane within a lush, natural environment. This composition is dynamic, utilizing bold linework and balanced contrast between light and dark areas. Negative space, perhaps motion lines that represent a gentle wind, streaks across the design. Patrick's skill is evident in the flawless shading transitions, the delicate balance of warm and cool tones, and the powerful composition that honors traditional Japanese motifs while embracing a contemporary vision.
Patrick's Favorite Tools
In making this design, we asked Patrick which tools he found most useful and to provide feedback on how we used The Washi Set brushes.
"Sky" excels at laying down initial shapes and value relationships without commitment. It lets me place abstract fields of color and tone side by side, with edges that can be as loose or refined as needed. This flexibility makes it especially valuable during the early, imaginative stages of the process.
The "Craft" brush impressed me with its ability to replicate the feel of the horsehair brushes I purchased in Japan. It demands presence and sensitivity, encouraging mindfulness with each stroke. The lines it produces are energetic and honest, keeping me engaged and attentive throughout the entire process.
I love how "Chrysanthemum" allows me to paint broad fields of color while also offering the flexibility to brush out areas, mimicking the delicate balance of dry and wet paint. The effects can feel chaotic at times, but with just the right amount of attention, they yield unexpected inspiration, evoking the sensation of working with real water and ink.
We were so honored that Patrick took time out of his busy schedule to use The Washi Set and provide his feedback on the brushes. We absolutely ove the art he created and appreciate his reviews of the brush set.
If you'd like to learn more about the creation of The Washi Set, be sure to check out this behind the scenes video featuring Russ Abbott. Here, Russ walks us through his inspiration for The Washi Set and gives us a behind-the-scenes tour of the creation of the intricate handmade Japanese papers and brushes.
If you have questions or need support with The Washi Set, be sure to contact us: support@tattoosmart.com
