Tolkien, the Artist - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

THE Ka · 06-12-2005, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorgis

Well ... am I to join in this long list of praise?
Yes, I think Tolkien knew how to handle his pencils and he made quite some nice drawings.
What I do not agree with is the high amount of detail that was mentioned. He drew well enogh to give a quick impression of what he wanted to show. If you really look closely, though, his illustrations sometimes contradict his writings (example: Laketown) and are confusing rather than helpfull for any attempt to make a serious "realistic" approach.
I doubt that we should take the Prof. more serious than he would have, himself. He was not an artist, not a geologist, not an architect nor archeologist; he was a linguist who made some exzessive doodles that some people started to like.

*waiting to get flamed ......*

Sometimes your mind can run away with the paint...

As for pencils, they are the best thing next to smoked fish. Wonderfully adaptible and can convey any shade and depth. Something that is wonderful in illustrating Tolkien's world, something he proably would agree with as well. Plus they come in a variety of colours now!

~ Ka

Estelyn Telcontar · 07-05-2005, 06:22 AM

Let's continue discussing Tolkien's artwork with "Art for Children", Chapter 3 of the book. I just bought his "Letters to Father Christmas" so that I can see all of the illustrations, inclucing those not put into this book. Since Chapter 3 begins with those as well, let's start there before moving on to his other children's books.

The tradition of writing Father Christmas letters to his children began in 1920; his 3-year old son John received the first one. We can see how JRRT used calligraphy, imitating an "old" shaky handwriting. Besides the rather traditional depiction of Father Christmas himself, the second part of the picture shows his house, a very fanciful structure, a little like an iglu, with spires that are typical of his style.

The letters continued until 1943, when Priscilla was 14. I hope those of you who have one or the other book will post your impressions; I shall come back with more later on as well.

07-05-2005, 06:22 AM	#2
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Let's continue discussing Tolkien's artwork with "Art for Children", Chapter 3 of the book. I just bought his "Letters to Father Christmas" so that I can see all of the illustrations, inclucing those not put into this book. Since Chapter 3 begins with those as well, let's start there before moving on to his other children's books. The tradition of writing Father Christmas letters to his children began in 1920; his 3-year old son John received the first one. We can see how JRRT used calligraphy, imitating an "old" shaky handwriting. Besides the rather traditional depiction of Father Christmas himself, the second part of the picture shows his house, a very fanciful structure, a little like an iglu, with spires that are typical of his style. The letters continued until 1943, when Priscilla was 14. I hope those of you who have one or the other book will post your impressions; I shall come back with more later on as well. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'