Sunday, June 12, 2016

My Favorite Middle-Earth Artists

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Good [insert your time of day] to you, my lovely readers!  As you can see, I've been making some changes to the look of my blog.  I figured after all this time I could use a fresh look here... perhaps something more fitting with the title, "Writing in Rivendell".  What do you think?  I feel like the blog description is way easier to read than it ever has been, which is good because that's been a thorn in my side since day one.  

Today I'm here to share some of my favorite artists who often work with themes from Middle Earth.  There are so many wonderful artists, but these are the few that stand out most in my mind.  So, whether you're a fan of Middle Earth or not, get ready to enjoy some truly spectacular artwork!


(DISClAIMER: Images below are subject to copyright.  I do not own any of the artwork shown below.  Each piece will be accredited to its original creator.  Please  respect the artists and their creative property.  :)

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John Howe

The first Middle Earth art I had the pleasure of enjoying was done by John Howe, who was one of the leading concept artists for Peter Jackson's film trilogy. He has also done extensive work for many other fantasy series, including many by Mercedes Lackey, or Robin Hobb, and also some from his own imagination.


Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep
property of John Howe

The House of Tom Bombadil... I assume.  Either that or Radagast's.
property of John Howe

Minas Tirith
property of John Howe



Alan Lee

And speaking of concept artists for the film trilogy, Alan Lee was another prominent leader in that department.  He also illustrated one of the editions of The Children of Hurin.

Image result for alan lee artwork
Rivendell
property of Alan Lee

Turin Among the Outlaws
property of Alan Lee
Beleg Cuthalion's search for Turin
property of Alan Lee




Jenny Dolfen
(Pronounced Yenny)
This artist works in watercolor- which is very inspiring to me since I am a great fan of watercolors.  She does tutorials on youtube, and I'm hoping to learn a thing or two from her because THIS!  THIS IS WHAT I WANT!

Image result for jenny dolfen middle earth art
Maglor, son of Feanor
property of Jenny Dolfen

The death of Maedhros
property of Jenny Dolfen
The Darkening of Valinor
property of Jenny Dolfen





Gerwell 
(I don't know their real name)

I found this most interesting artist on Deviant Art while looking for Silmarillion illustrations.  What I find intriguing about this work is the detailed character designs, particularly for Sauron in his 'youth'. 

A number of characters, most prominently Sauron
property of Gerwell

When Sauron first tests the power of his One Ring over all the rest...
property of Gerwell

Portraits of Silmarillion characters
property of Gerwell



Hannah Williams

A lot of you  know this up and coming young artist.  She's in most of your blogging circles, and was a member of that same beloved Underground forum that served as the starting point for my internet activity.  Hannah also does a lot of work with themes from Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series which I desperately want to read but cannot find anywhere in my area.

Songs of Power
property of Hannah Williams
  
Maedhros Before Morgoth
property of Hannah Williams


Beleg Amongst the Outlaws
property of Hannah Williams


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Well, there you have it!  My top five favorite Middle Earth Artists.  Do you have any favorite artists- Middle Earth-themed or otherwise?  Let me know in the comments below.  I'd love to hear from you!

-Emmarayn Redding


6 comments:

  1. Alan Lee is my favorite--mostly his sketches and not the watercolors as much, though I do love those as well!

    I like your new blog design--perfect for summer!

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    1. Thanks! I'm really glad you like it. It took me about an hour and a half to complete. :)

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  2. Dawwwww! You included me! **hugs*

    Yes, Jenny Dolfen is my FAVORITE and Lee and Howe are classics. I love collecting Tolkien art on Pinterest but searching for it can get discouraging since so many artists (including ones I love) will depict such inappropriate and uncannon material.

    But I love most of Dakkun39.tumbler. My favorite piece: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/472878029600739534/ and at least the first page of his Tolkien work is clean: http://dakkun39.tumblr.com/tagged/Tolkien%E4%BD%9C%E5%93%81

    Catherine Chmiel is another good one who respects the author's story.

    7hotfeanorians.devianart used to do the FUNNIEST Tolkien comics and HEY....its clean! http://7hot-feanorians.deviantart.com/gallery/26373468/Tolkien

    My other favorites I will not share cause they sadly descended into doing nothing but shipping the entirely wrong people together.

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    1. Yes, how could I not? :D *hugs back*

      Ooh! Thanks for all the links! I can't wait to check these guys out! XD

      Yes, I know it can be very disturbing and discouraging. Especially when looking for depictions of Sauron. >:( People and their blatant disregard for canon and original intent.

      I think that of all of these, I like Jenny Dolfen's style the best. She's just so perfect! I think it would be cool someday to save up enough money and by one of her originals. Maybe even commission one! :D

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  3. Oh, you included Hannah Williams! I've always enjoyed her art.
    I recognize that picture of John Howe's Minas Tirith. It was on the cover of my copy of The Return of the King.

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    1. You have a copy of Return of the King with John Howe's art? Cool!

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