Members' Art, Prose and Poetry

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:44 pm

I probably shouldn't answer, since I don't contribute, but I'm DYING to see what you've been working on, RR!

Riv Res · Post by **Riv Res** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:56 pm

Will try to post a couple of preliminary sketches this weekend.

I wanted to do a series (12) inspired by Tolkien poetry. Iolanthe has guided me into the world of watercolors and I am delighted with that medium and am currently taking a watercolor class to learn technique, style, and essentials.

It is delightful to get back into my art after decades of absence.

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 2:16 am

Cool! You have a great eye for design, as we can see in your web pages and posts, so we know we can expect great things!

Iolanthe · Post by **Iolanthe** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 5:23 pm

I know it's going to be good

.

In the absence of Gollum seen in the Ring - I've no idea when I'll get a chance to paint it - here is the preparatory sketch I did of Gollum not in the Ring, although you can just see the Ring reflected in his eyes.

I thought it would be a good idea to fix in my mind what the poor soul looked like before I distorted him as a reflection:

Riv Res · Post by **Riv Res** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 1:16 am

Iolanthe...LOVE your Gollum!!

Here are the first five in the series of VERY preliminary sketches inspired by Tolkien poetry. You can see that I am just getting started. Need a couple more watercolor classes before I get the courage to start adding the color.

Iolanthe, you can see the enormous changes in the first piece. It morphed!

Nothing like the original.

I sit beside the fires and think
Of yellow leaves and gossamer
In autumns that there were.

A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.

Reeds by the shady pool, lilies on the water:
Old Tom Bombadil and the River-daughter.

Beside the falls of Nimrodel,
By water clear and cool,
Her voice as falling silver fell
Into the shining pool.

Ship my ship! I seek the West,
And fields and mountains ever blest.
Farewell to Middle-earth at last,
I see the Star above your mast!

Airwin · Post by **Airwin** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 5:14 am

Excellent sketches Iolanthe and Riv!

Can't wait to see the finished results!

marbretherese · Post by **marbretherese** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 11:01 am

Iolanthe, your Gollum is tremendous - a real flesh-and-blood river hobbit fallen from grace!

And Riv, please post a finished version of at least one of your sketches soon, I'm really looking forward to seeing them! Water colour is a brilliant medium, because it's full of light - as I'm just remembering now after a break of many years from painting (mostly in oils).

I'm working on something more dramatic than my last offering. Not sure I'll be brave enough to post any prelims, though!

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:53 pm

This is AWESOME, as my students say! You both are as good as the pros!

I like the botanical nature of the first four sketches, RR--JRRT would have approved. I look forward to seeing them full of color.

Iolanthe · Post by **Iolanthe** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 2:21 pm

I can't wait to see the finished results Riv

! I think the designs are excellent, really strong and graphic. I love the way the tree branches form the window frame in the first one. In the second one I also see a crescent moon

. I hope you'll give us the Tolkien poems to go with them? Get those paints out soon....

Lindariel · Post by **Lindariel** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 5:22 pm

Beautiful concepts and execution, ladies! I look forward to seeing the final results!

Riv Res · Post by **Riv Res** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 2:43 am

8th try...but this is the direction I am heading in. Much to be perfected yet. LOL...images is too big for scanner to begin with.

Click on image to enlarge.

I Sit Beside the Fire and Think

Airwin · Post by **Airwin** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 4:52 am

That is just GORGEOUS Riv! It has such a nice warm feel to it! Very well paired with the poem!

Merry · Post by **Merry** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 5:47 am

Yes, I think you have captured that autumn quality that Tolkien loved so much. Lovely!

marbretherese · Post by **marbretherese** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 2:17 pm

Well done, Riv! very delicate work - and we know there are more to come

Lindariel · Post by **Lindariel** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 3:25 pm

Just lovely Riv! And also very comfy and hobbity looking!