Please visit Dave's  Instagram to view his most recent work...

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Dave specializes in Realism, Black & Gray, Portraits, Watercolor, American Traditional, Black Work, and Cover Ups.

Dave Payne is a black and grey artist with a focus on clean contrast, solid composition, and smooth shading. His work ranges from bold custom pieces to detailed realism, always aiming for tattoos that hold up over time and wear well on skin.
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He’s all about quality, not shortcuts—each tattoo is built with intention, strong fundamentals, and a clear understanding of the craft. Dave also brings a calm, professional vibe to every session, and his clients appreciate both his talent and his great bedside manner.

Dave is well-versed in the technical precision and subtle shading required for portrait work. He understands how to capture likeness, depth, and emotion in black and gray, creating tattoos that feel both lifelike and timeless.

Dave also has a strong eye for floral realism and color work, blending soft gradients with natural form to create pieces that flow with the body. His use of color is deliberate—rich where it needs to be, subtle where it counts—always with attention to long-term wear and balance.

Dave’s black and gray realism showcases his ability to translate fine detail and texture into smooth, lasting work. From lifelike faces to intricate objects, he builds each piece with careful contrast and soft shading, bringing depth and clarity without overworking the skin.

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If you’re looking for an artist who brings experience, consistency, and a laid-back, professional approach to the chair, Dave’s your guy. He’s currently booking at Captain Tattoo—reach out to set up a consultation and start planning your next piece.

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