Last year I was approached by an art collector, Luca Schroeder, to see if I was interested in pursuing a new commission along the theme of The Argonath, a rendering of the Fellowship as they pass beneath two large statues flanking the River Anduin from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

Given that I had not yet illustrated this moment from the novels, I was more than happy to explore and see what kind of composition and landscape we could arrive at as a solution.  As scale was a primary factor in conveying the immensity of these statues it likely meant for very small figures in the artwork.

Abstracts, sketchbook,11″ x 8.5″ Watercolor Pencil and Chalk on Toned Paper

 

Rough Drawing, sketchbook, 11″ x 8.5″ Watercolor Pencil and Chalk on Toned Paper

Yet even with such a dramatic scale range, a larger painting would allow me to hit upon many of the detailed notes Tolkien had provided regarding the experience of each of the Fellowship as they passed in the shadow of these forms.  Strong silhouettes from backlighting carved out expressive gestures from these very small shapes.

Preliminary Drawing, 18″ x 20″, Watercolor Pencil and Chalk on Toned Paper

It was interesting how the statues evolved. I had intended to make them free standing, independent, but it seemed ‘right’ to join them more to the earth. During the process of drawing and painting, the statues ‘told’ me that they were more cliff-like, molding themselves from the rocks. Power of the Realm of Gondor exudes from them that way, deep earthen power linking them to the land rather than being impositions upon the landscape. The land and carvings are one.

‘The stones remember’.

I love when paintings help create themselves, talking to me, and I am willing to listen to their speech.

In a final little nod to details, I placed seven white birds encircling the crowned head, symbolizing the seven stars from the heraldry of the Kings of Gondor.

Progress in Oils, final art, 36″ x 36″

 

The Argonath, 36″ x 36″, Oil on Panel

 

Detail – The Fellowship