A tattoo can tell a lot about its bearer. But to understand, for example, what "Bear" tattoo on the shoulder of a man or woman means, is not always easy. This picture has many meanings, which are set by mythology, literature, children's fairy tales, esoteric, ethnic and popular culture. Let's understand what a tattoo with a brown or white bear can mean, to whom this picture is suitable and in what styles it can be performed.
The meaning of the bear tattoo
To better understand the meaning of the tattoo with bears, it is worth remembering what this animal is. His nature is dual. On the one hand, the bear is a calm, good-natured and wise creature, a real master of the forest. It is attributed a peaceful character, and sometimes - real courage and nobility. On the other hand, this mighty beast can be truly fearsome in anger.
This beast is often found in the legends and fairy tales of various peoples:
- More often than not, the oblique is the embodiment of indestructible strength, fearlessness, fortitude, calmness. In this hypostasis the bear appears in Chinese and Japanese legends, Russian fairy tales, the myths of Egypt, India, the legends of Native Americans. He embodies many qualities that are valuable to men. But the Celts considered this animal a female personification - a symbol of motherhood and female fertility.
- The ancient warriors of Scandinavia (the Vikings) believed that the spirit of the bear has a berserker - a warrior, who in battle the god Odin gives sacred fury. A tattoo depicting a bear's paws adorned such a warrior.
- In Christianity, this beast is sometimes presented in a negative light as a symbol of the sin of gluttony (because of its love of honey). Islamic culture considered this beast the embodiment of vengeful cruelty.
- In popular culture (especially Hollywood) tattoos with a bear on the shoulder are often attributed to characters from the Soviet Union or Russia. Indeed, it is as much a symbol of Russia as vodka, balalaika, ushanka or matryoshka. And the national stereotype, "every Russian should have a pet bear," is also widespread.
It's interesting! The relationship "Russia (USSR) = bear" was formalized by the 1980 Olympics, whose symbol was the Olympic Bear. The friendly bear cub with a belt of five rings became world famous. His images can still be found today.
To understand the meaning of the bear tattoo on the shoulder or other part of the body, you need to pay attention to the gender of the wearer, the stylistics of the image and the objects that complement the composition.
How to draw an ordinary bear with a pencil
1 step. Sketch the outline of his torso, head and paws. Although the paws of a bear and not big, you should try to display them strong and solid in appearance. On top draw the ears. Mark the location of the eyes with a thin horizontal stripe.
Step 2. We proceed to the eyes and fur. On the prepared markings depict two small eyes. They must be symmetrical and of the same size. From them draw a line of the nose, on its end triangular tip of the nose. Not a long stroke add a mouth. Now it is important to remove all unnecessary lines, so they do not interfere with the drawing of the coat of the animal. Breaking strokes represent it on the head, hind legs, abdomen. Between the front paws, do wool "collar" on his chest.
Step 3. The main work is over. It remains to give the beast more volume. We make it even more fluffy, to do it correctly, you can look at the photo of a real forest dweller.
Step 4. The final step is to paint the eyes, the nose. Make the nostrils darker. Circle the entire outline again, which will give clear borders where they are needed.
Who chooses a tattoo of a bear?
Wear a tattoo depicting the brown Taiga Master, Mikhailo Potapycha, Kosolapogi (these nicknames Slavs hid the name of the formidable beast) as guys and girls. But the style of images on men's and women's skin is very different, as well as invested in the image meaning.
Women's bear tattoo
The most popular bear tattoo sketch for the fair sex is a drawing of a bear with cubs. Such an image symbolizes love, tenderness, devotion to the family.
Girls also do other tattoos, but they rarely contain aggression: instead of the brown variety, they choose the panda or order a stylized drawing of a cartoon character. If the drawing depicts a teddy bear, it is an indication of a friendly nature combined with a willingness to defend oneself or to resist circumstances.
Men's bear tattoo
Men often choose more aggressive subjects. The Bear tattoo on the arm, shoulder or chest is applied in the form of a head with an aggressively open mouth or a snarling beast standing on its pounce. Other popular subjects:
- Remembrance of military service in the Airborne Forces - a bear in a striped vest and blue beret, in the infantry - in a helmet and with a machine gun, in the Navy - in a visor.
- The attraction to the roots: the picture is supplemented by Slavic or Scandinavian attributes: runes, kolovrat, etc.
- To demonstrate national pride, the sketch introduces traditional and propaganda attributes: samovar, birches, red flag, hammer and sickle.
Complex philosophical themes, self-irony, and humor are also found. Their expression may be Winnie the Pooh or other symbols of popular culture.
Important: In prison culture, images of the crooked predator are widely encountered. Thus, the head of the beast is a symbol of the "safecracker", a specialist in breaking safes. A tattoo of a paw reads "whatever I want, I'll take". The bared mouth is a sign of aggressiveness and brutality. It is worth considering these meanings when choosing a tattoo, so as not to encounter misunderstandings in prison or in the wild.
Features and subtleties of the tattoo
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Very often the bear tattoo denotes rebirth and the beginning of a new life. This is explained by the fact that in nature, these animals hibernate after the fall for the entire winter, and in the spring they come out of their lair again. The image of a quiet bear with a closed mouth on his body is applied to individuals who have completed a stage in his life and are ready for a dramatic change or accomplishment. If you want to change your habits and start "with a clean slate," then the bear tattoo would be just right.
1Bear can symbolize struggle, spiritual and physical strength. In order to emphasize their masculinity, the strong half of humanity chooses the image of an aggressive and ferocious beast. This helps to overcome with dignity all of life's obstacles and turmoil, solve any problems with dignity and win all disputes.
Aggressive bear
2Tattoo with the image of a polar bear endows its owner with loneliness and independence. Such a person, as a rule, keeps away from society, used to decide everything on their own. He can not be a team player. This symbol is also applied by those who wish to protect their territory from outsiders, to survive in any situation, despite cruel conditions. Men from the northern nations very often put the image of a polar bear on their body. Now this tattoo is no less popular. In order that the white colors do not merge with the body, the white bear is printed on a black or any other background.
Tattoo with a white bear
3No doubt, for men in ancient times, the bear embodied militancy and heroism. These qualities of the beast were endowed by the Vikings. The men of these tribes could not be more similar to bears: huge, broad-shouldered, with thick long hair. Whenever the Vikings were engaged in battle, and they often were, they placed berserkers, one of their first in line, on top of which were the skins of dead bears. They were notable for their ferocity and aggressiveness. Seeing these warriors, the opponents began to tell stories about werewolves who were practically invincible. They were not afraid of wounds, they continued to fight even with a spear in their chest and fell dead only after the Vikings were victorious. The souls of the slain berserkers went straight to the god Odin, whom the people worshipped, which was very honorable. If you believe the myths, the bear bound warriors to Odin, giving his energy and strength for the battle. If the body is not depicted with a bear, but only the mark of his claws, it denotes valor in battle, courage and nobility. A symbol of berserker werewolves was a bear, which was depicted with red eyes.
Bear in the Slavic style.
4If we talk about other countries, in ancient Germany, the bear was a symbol of the god Thor. He was able to reincarnate into this beast. In Ancient Greece, bear-skin cloaks were worn by the priestess of the temple of Artemis, the goddess of fertility and hunting. In all ancient Slavic tribes, shamans summoned the spirits of ancestors and the dead using a mask in the form of a bear. This animal guarding the forest was considered the ancestor of all Slavs.
In Ancient Egypt, the image of a bear could be applied only to the pharaohs. In those days they were not considered ordinary mortals, but demigods. So a picture of this beast was associated with limitless power and eternal authority. In India, monarchs used the image of a bear as a title for their subjects. But the common people were strictly forbidden to depict the animal on their bodies. The bear's pawprint in the form of a tattoo meant power and was a sign of authority. Its owner is distinguished nobility, and most likely proved in battle on the best side. Also, the paw of the bear is endowed with some mystical properties.
Shaman in a bear skin
6Japanese culture is also not exempt from the image of the bear. But there most often portrayed on the body panda, which is a direct relative of our brown and white bears. Tattoo in the form of a panda on his body are people with a rich inner spiritual world, away from the mundane bustle, quiet, sensible, not hurrying anywhere. Injun tribes identified the bear with freedom and peaceful energy.
A bear in the Japanese style.
7The Russian bear tattoo is applied in order to have success in hunting affairs. Not for nothing he is considered the patron saint of all hunters. It is believed that such an image gives courage and promises great luck in the woods. Not for nothing the bear is the national symbol of the Russian Federation. It is noteworthy that after the Olympics, which took place in the eighties, many athletes began to put on their bodies cartoon images of a bear. That is the one that has become a symbol of sporting events.
Russian Bear
8In the West, as well as in Christianity and Islam, the bear was the spawn of sin and evil. Representatives of these religions ranked the animal as a devilish force because they believed that it provoked man to cruelty, bloodthirstiness, gluttony, and other similar sins. This is not surprising, since mankind has always been afraid of strong and dangerous wild animals.
9If we speak of "places not so distant," a bear on the forearm is stuffed on the forearm by upper caste prisoners. Prisoners believe that the animal can heal mental and physical suffering. Often you can see a bear with an axe embedded in its paws on the prisoners. This image has two interpretations: the prisoner was either a bear-catcher, or served his time working as a lumberjack.
Prison tattoo
Styles
Emotions programmed into the tattoo, attitudes toward life and the self, help emphasize visual styles. For example, aggressive tattoos are often made in the style of "geometry" or in the directions of "thrash polka", "blackwork". Often stylization in Celtic or Slavic patterns is used, as well as ethnic styles. Girls prefer cartoon techniques or realistic images.
3D bear tattoos
Drawings made with a 3D effect in the "Realism" or "New Skool" technique have a special charm. Such an image conveys volume, which allows the figure to look spectacular and attractive. Having thought about the location, the master can give additional expression by inserting the muscle relief into the drawing.
Pattern varieties
There are different types of bears in nature. Tattoos in many ways also differ according to this parameter:
- Brown bear - readiness to fight, to protect their possessions, to show courage.
- Grizzly - a large and extremely dangerous predator, he represents the thirst for battle and victory.
- Polar bears are popular with the Nordic nations. It has been the symbol of Odin since ancient times. The bear could have magic, it helped to overcome obstacles, and at the same time was a symbol of a kind of wise solitude. Many single men often prefer this image as a tattoo.
- If depicted on the body of a panda or koala, they actually have nothing to do with bears. Many people mistakenly think of them as a separate breed of bear. However, the panda belongs to the raccoon family, as does the koala. They signify good-natured, lazy and harmonious, joyful lifestyles, and are generally positive.
- Cartoon and fairy-tale bears - Milne's Winnie the Pooh, Teddy the Teddy, the famous Kung Fu fighter, Kipling's Baloo and other children's images - cannot mean aggression. Rather, this is a favorite childhood hero of the particular bearer of the tattoo. Often these options are chosen by girls, indicating their spontaneity, humor and love of life.
- There is a tattoo with the Olympic bear, a symbol of the 1980 Olympics. It is a sign of nostalgia for a bygone era, pride, as well as belonging or love of sports.
This tattoo can be applied anywhere. But most often, the shoulder, shoulder blade, heart area or neck are chosen for it.
Popular Places
Choosing a sketch for the tattoo "Bear", think about what zone will be stuffed with the image. So, for small drawings are suitable for the wrists, ankles, calves, a place on the neck or behind the ear. Large eye-catching images are made on the back, chest, shoulders, hips. To fill the sleeve, the composition is built vertically, tending to fill the space with large elements.
How does the family feel about your tattoos?
Styles and colors that are popular for a bear tattoo
Styling a tattoo can significantly change the same sketch into dramatically different designs. The styles most commonly used for bear tattoos today are:
realism - The most plausible drawing;
Celtic style - Recalls ornaments and symbolism;
geometry - looks effective on small areas of skin in a small size;
old-school - bright and colorful sketch, as you can see in the example photo.
The main colors for bear tattoos are black and white or colored drawing with red, green, blue, brown, yellow.
Compositions with other elements
First of all the bear is the master of the forest. All items related to his habitat are relevant to compose the original composition. He is depicted with trees, leaves, acorns, berries and naturally with a background in the form of woods. It can also be drawn in this forest or a scene from the bear's life.
Further relevant tattoos with Indian totems, for this client chooses in addition to the bear two more representatives of the animal world. Most often it is a wise owl or a wolf. Their heads are placed one above the other. The bird with outstretched wings is drawn at the very top.
Girls prefer the composition of a bear or a bear with cubs. As decoration choose flowers. Their calmness and beauty of flowers can make a predatory beast less aggressive.
Drawing a Teddy Bear
Not only realistic bears are popular with art lovers. Characters from various cartoons have won the love of not only children, but also adults. One of these, is the Teddy Bear. It can be found in every store of soft toys. Children love them.
So how to draw a teddy bear and make your child happy? The sequence of the process is similar to the previous lesson. Here you only need to add distinctive details and give a recognizable look.
- Draw two auxiliary circles for the head and torso. Legs and arms need to be made slightly elongated. Give a smooth shape silhouette.
- On the head, draw small ears, eyes-buttons, mouth, nose. The bear is sitting, so we draw clear feet. One hand will be hidden behind his back, and the other do on his stomach.
- Draw little strokes hair. Make a patch on his chest and half of his forehead, as if he had been mended.
- You can paint the teddy bear and add, if desired, a bouquet of flowers or a card.
Where to stuff.
The bear is a large animal, which means that and the sketch of the tattoo can not be small. It is necessary to carefully choose the location for such a tattoo. It should be a flat place where you can apply a beautiful picture with all the details. The most suitable options are:
- Back;
- Shoulder;
- Chest;
- Calves.
Girls who have decided to get such a tattoo can be recommended such areas as the shoulder or thigh. In this case, the fair sex before the procedure is not superfluous to clarify what the meaning of a particular tattoo, so as not to get a masculine symbol.
Teddy Bear Kesha
Among the modern cartoons are actively becoming popular "Teddy Bear. Every kid will want to add one of the characters to his art collection. Below is a master class: "how to easily draw Kesha"?
It is worth preparing a helium pen and felt-tip pens.
- Draw an oval for a muzzle. It should have slightly square features, on top depict ears.
- In the middle of the hero's head to draw another small oval. This is the future nose.
- Draw the eyes. They need to show highlights. Paint all around, except them.
- Moving on to the torso. From the head draw two lines. At the bottom they should extend slightly. Then connect them with a horizontal sausage.
- Draw the upper paws, claws.
- Draw the blouse, the tummy and the two legs of the character. On the sweater you can depict a picture in the form of a net.
- All that is left is to paint everything. Kesha himself will be brown. Nose, mouth, inside of ears, bottom of paws and claws will be dark brown. We do the sweater blue. Your child is sure to appreciate the work.
Each drawing can be made unique, just bring your own twist to it. Bears can be drawn in motion, when they are lying down, raising their paws, anything. You don't have to be a certified artist to be creative, what's important here is the ability to grasp the details and grasp the meaning.
The desire to learn and learn something new. With the first time, few can boast a perfect transfer of the picture. For this purpose, and created a master class, various step by step instructions. It is necessary, as they say, to get a hand. Everything comes with experience. This also applies to art.
The polar bear in nature and in myths
The polar bear is one of the oldest predatory animals. Presumably, it first appeared on the territory of Ireland 100-120 thousand years ago, as evidenced by numerous excavations. Today, the population of the species is so reduced that the animal has been listed in the Red Book.
The polar bear is a solitary animal, but peaceful to its congeners. It has a quiet disposition and appears to be clumsy, but this is a misconception. In extreme situations this predator is aggressive, very agile and bold. Being the largest land mammal, it easily crushes any obstacle in its path, overpowers opponents and can attack humans.
The polar bear was feared and revered by the Nordic peoples. It was considered the embodiment of the formidable forces of nature, symbolizing power, greatness, resilience and aggression. In the Old Testament, the animal is compared to the Persian kingdom, which was destroyed by God for bringing death and corruption into the world.
