Among the most visually powerful tattoos are those that can only be called American. Whether it’s Old Glory in red white and blue spread across a bicep, or the Harley-Davidson bar and shield done in orange with a black outline, these images are among the most compelling ever seen. This new book from ArtKulture and Wolfgang Publications begins with a discussion of the things that define an American Tattoo. There’s the subject matter of course, but also the overall design, the style and the bold colors. Author Doug Mitchel, (author or the best-selling Advanced Tattoo Art book) uses 144 pages of color photos to show a variety of patriotic designs and how each was created on a living canvas. Each step in the is documented here, from the initial concept drawing to the last prick. Captions include information on both the art and artist, and why one set of needles works better for a particular application than another. Also included are pictures of exceptional finished Tattoos, as well flash art of the highest quality.

American Tattoos is from ArtKulture, sister company to Wolfgang Publications. This week you can add this photo-intensive tattoo book to your collection for only $17.95. Save ten bucks off the regular $27.95 price and get free shipping to continental US addresses.