Meet the Tattoo Artist Who Recreates Famous Paintings With Ink

If you have a passion for famous paintings, look no further than NYC-based tattoo artist Eva Karabudak’s work. Her mesmerizing designs range from recreations of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Starry Night to illustrations inspired by classic children’s literature.

Karabudak is a master of depth and dimension. The colors used in her work are almost identical to the artists' original palette. "I [try] to imagine every detail, right down to how the artist felt while mixing the colors and selecting a brush," says Karabudak. The result? Stunning pastels, vibrant blues, and life-like neutrals depicting breathtaking scenery that looks more like a photograph than a tattoo.

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Karabudak made street art before she began tattooing. While studying art in Ankara, she airbrushed walls and eventually started translating her designs into ink at a local tattoo shop. After school she moved to New York City and found herself working at its famous Bang Bang Tattoo parlor, where clients poured in from around the country to receive her signature circle-framed designs.

As of March 2019, Karabudak is venturing out on her own with Atelier by Eva. While most of us marvel at the paintings of Klimt and Seurat in galleries, Karabudak continues to bring them to life where needle meets skin. "Everyone has paintings they identify with, these are the artworks one could get lost in and may even wish to carry on their body for life," says Karabudak. Click through the slides ahead to see examples of her work.

The most common requests are for Karabudak’s signature circular pieces, which condense entire works of art into miniature masterpieces. The time it takes to create them depends on detail and size. For rates, contact Atelier by Eva.

If you’re dreaming of turning your body into a living, breathing piece of art, be sure to keep an eye on Karabudak’s Instagram, where she debuts available designs and makes announcements concerning her availability.