Middle-earth Journeys

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

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.

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!

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:

© Iolanthe

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.

Excellent sketches Iolanthe and Riv! Can't wait to see the finished results!

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!

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.

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....

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

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

© Text: J.R.R.Tolkien. Image: Riv Res

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

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

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

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