Rough design for my new Bonsai themed tattoo

I've had a few requests for pics of my tattoos of late, but I'm having difficulty locating any good ones. I only really have them taken at conventions so they tend to live in other peoples' cameras.
However, I'm currently working on a new design which will be done down my thigh at the Manchester Tattoo Convention in march next year. The rough sketch is below. It will eventually be the tree with a waterfall behind cascading down rocks into a pool below, with one (or two?) cranes fishing for koi. In contrast to my other work, it will be mainly black and grey except for the leaves of the tree and the crimson flashes on top of the cranes heads.
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So, whaddya think?

I like the gnarly, twisty trunk, but I'm not sure that the leaves match Too big? Too neat?

Either way, I wish I could draw like that

My own tree-inspired tattoo - I'd like to have it turned into a full-on sleeve but Mrs Treebeard says no...


Chris.

Ah, the Green Man, eh? Nice work. Who was the artist?

As for the leaves, they are supposed to give the impression that the tree is growing out of my skin, towards the viewer. We've (my tattooist mate and I) tried the tree with pine needles instead of leaves, and cherry blossom. I prefer the cherry blossom, but that drawing is somewhere in his studio. The pine needles looked ok, but when scaled down to 'my thigh size' the detail was lost.

I wish I could draw like that as well. Unfortunately, I'm just the ideas man!

Love it Steve, great future tattoo

Regards

Andy

OK, I see what you are aiming for with the leaves. Will look really good if that effect can be pulled off.

The artist for mine... don't know who did the original drawing, but David at Woody's Tattoo Studio in High Wycombe did the work.

Chris.

Woody's has a good reputation, and deservedly so. I've never met him but I believe he's a good lad.

As for the 'emerging' effect of the tree, it's quite easy really. It's all in the shading and perspective.

Looks sharp, I'd go for the leaves.

I'd use leaves and needles, its harder to get the ink into the skin if you justuse leaves!

(Sorry, couldn't help meself!)

Jay