Middle-earth Journeys

Philipa wrote:Yes what a difference. I like the bold colors much better. When you've decided upon which six your submitting let us know please.

The jury for the exhibit wants only three submissions and I have narrowed my choices down to these four.

I was going to frame them in light wood, but the colors just didn't pop with it, so I chose the black frame. Each entry is required to be 16 x 20 and that's why they are framed and matted the way the are.

© Rabbit Ridge Art

Wow they look great! Maybe if you're having difficulty choosing which one should go you can have a poll.

LOL...I just might need one.

Perfectly matted and framed! The stained glass borders don't need any competition, and the thin black frames echo the lines in the stained glass.

A nice accomplishment, RR--it's great to see them side by side.

Tough choices! A poll would be interesting.

Wow! A really tough choice, Riv! They are all beautiful.

I don't know how this translates in terms of seeing them in real life, but it seems to me that the top left painting (with the cattails) and the bottom two paintings are bolder looking, and the painting of the inn seems lighter/fainter, more pastel . . . not sure I'm explaining this very well. Or, perhaps it is that the first three have larger, bolder images around the central image, and the inn is surrounded by much smaller images -- the grapes/wisteria, the much smaller grasses and leaves. Also, there is more blue sky in the first three.

At any rate, it just seems to me that the three "bolder" paintings go together better, with the painting of the inn seeming not to quite "fit" as well with the rest. Does that make any sense, or am I babbling?

In the larger series, I'm sure the inn painting will fit in just fine, as there will be other paintings with similar design features. But, since you are required to choose a set of three, my instinct is to go with the cattails, the gate, and the waterfall. And I would present them in that order, with the primarily red gate painting flanked by the two predominantly blue paintings.

Just my two cents, for whatever (little) that's worth!

I've just read down from the post about your four options, Riv, and was going to say exactly the same thing as Lindariel. The two predominantly blue pictures, and the gate, do stand out more - and presumably will do so in real life. When judging the impact of a painting I always try to think of how it will look from across a crowded room. The top left painting has always been my particular favourite and I shall be v disappointed if you decide not to enter it in the exhibition!!

Good luck!!!!!

Interestingly these three are my choices too, and for the same reasons! My top two - you just have to include them - are the bullrush one (top left) and autumn leaves one (bottom right).

Great job Riv!

As you can see, I did a major re-work of this one. I have never liked the galleon ship (shape) and I believe the only Tolkien artist that ever used that shape has been Pauline Baynes. Most artists (and I agree) use more of the corsair form for their ships. I think it makes a huge difference.

© Rabbit Ridge Art

Fantastic Riv !!! That's the biggest improvement yet! I agree that was the weakest one in the series - the ship wasn't quite right - but this is a beautiful design and the curling wave design at the bottom is wonderful .

I got my copy of Amon Hen today with my Gandalf drawing in it . There is also a full page colour of Ruth Lacon's 'Niggle's Tree' and a full page colour of a fantastic dragon by Jef Murray. I feel somewhat overshadowed . Still - I've got the cover of the next issue....

Wow! and, again, I say, wow! I love the wave pattern with the stained glass effect, as well as the inner ring. I like the flags, too, but the ship looks a little off to me--I don't know how to say it--a little simple compared to the rest of the drawing.

Iolanthe, that's a great accomplishment! This is so exciting! Which picture will you send for the cover?

Thanks Iolanthe. I am pleased with the improvement on the concept.

I eagerly await my next copy of Amon Hen.


Merry, there is always something to work on.

Oh, oh--hope I haven't offended. My apologies. But may I ask: when you (or any of the artists here) 'work on' something, does that mean starting all over? Or do you tweek the work you have already done?

Merry wrote:...when you (or any of the artists here) 'work on' something, does that mean starting all over? Or do you tweek the work you have already done?

LOL...both.

And we do appreciate new eyes looking at our work or we would not post it here.

Whew! Thanks, friend!