A Trip to Middle-earth

by Donato

I have been reading and rereading passages of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion over the past few months for various reasons, from research for work on private commissions to explorations in the freedom of expression to inspiration for drawings within my limited edition books.



Over the course of my career, I have created very few images along a single theme, preferring to bounce from one concept to another as I seek out challenges to keep my interests fired.  But as I began to draw and paint more from Tolkien's world of Middle-earth, the issue of inspiration was never lacking.  A large body of work has now been generated which a few years ago I never thought to undertake!  A series of images was born with out my awareness.



I  share with you here the work created for the limited edition version of Middle-Earth: Visions of a Modern Myth .  Each book features a tipped in toned paper plate upon which I have filled with a drawing, one for each letter of the alphabet.. With 22 now finished, there are just a few more to go!



What I have thoroughly enjoyed about these creations is that they need never be brought to full tonal color.  I am free to explore the lines and designs restricted only by pencil and chalk.  Of course a few of these will see a color final as I find myself falling in love with more than just one composition!



Enjoy.

Limited Edition 'B'  Eowyn

Limited Edition 'D'

The Departiure of Boromir

Limited Edition 'E'

The Phial of Galadriel

Limited Edition 'F'

Inside Information

Limited Edition 'G'

Flight to the Ford

Limited Edition 'H'

Eowyn and the Nazgul-Swift Stroke

Limited Edition 'I'

Gollum - the Debate

Limited Edition 'J'

Gandalf and the Balrog -you cannot pass

Limited Edition 'K'

Aragorn on the Trail of the Uruk-hai

Limited Edition 'L'

Nienor and Glaurung

Limited Edition 'M'

Zirak-zigil : I threw down my enemy...

Limited Edition 'N'

The Ents Roused

Limited Edition 'O'

The Greatest Deed - Beren and Luthien in Angband

Limited Edition 'P'

Riddles in the Dark

Limited Edition 'Q'

Beren and Luthien

Limited Edition 'S'

Aragorn in Arnor

Limited Edition 'T'

Escape from Orthanc

Limited Edition 'U'

Legolas : On the Banks of the Anduin

Limited Edition 'V'

Earendil and Elwing approach Valinor