Beauty Like a Knife

“Beauty Like a Knife” — Surreal Botanical Illustration by Stan Watts

Beauty Like a Knife is a striking example of Stan Watts’ full immersion into digital art during the late 1990s. This piece carries an eerie, funerary tone — wilted roses, pallid lifeless skin, and an unnatural greenish glow create an atmosphere of mystery and tension. At the center sits the ominous tattoo carved into the flesh, grounding the artwork in a dark, symbolic narrative while still maintaining the unmistakable look of a classic Watts illustration.

Originally created as a promotional illustration and later adapted as an interior page for a murder-mystery novel, this image showcases Watts’ ability to merge traditional artistry with emerging digital techniques. The composition blends softness and severity: delicate rose petals frame a glowing hand set against a stark blade embedded in the palm. The contrast between beauty and unease gives the artwork its unique emotional impact, making it a standout piece for collectors of surreal, symbolic, and atmospheric art.

Printed as a high-resolution fine art print, Beauty Like a Knife preserves every tonal shift, texture, and digital detail that defines the original. It’s an evocative addition to any space — perfect for fans of surreal botanicals, thriller-themed artwork, and vintage 80s/90s illustration with a modern digital edge.

• One of Stan Watts’ early digital-art masterpieces
• Originally created as a promotional illustration, later featured in a murder-mystery book
• Dark, symbolic imagery with botanical and atmospheric elements
• High-resolution fine art print that preserves the original digital detail
• Ideal for collectors of surreal, moody, and narrative-driven illustration
• Exclusive to the Stan Watts Collection

A visually arresting fusion of beauty, tension, and digital artistry — a powerful piece that reflects Stan Watts’ evolution during a pivotal era in his career.