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Tolkien Online introduces promising new artist - Lord of the Rings news - J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings

June 15, 2000 at 06:02:17

Online Tolkien fandom has something new to talk about: Anke Eismann. She is a 21-year-old artist who has unleashed a 69-image portfolio through Tolkien Online. The collection of colored drawings sweeps across Middle-earth's history and legends with a breathtaking depth and honesty.

In glancing over the first sets of images we couldn't help but think, "This is pretty good for an amateur". It's not just pretty good, though. Some of the selections present haunting images of Tolkien's most tragic moments, from the death of Beleg to Frodo's grief over Bilbo's departure. And the artist has captured something of the wonder of Middle-earth in a scene with Bombadil, and the majesty of the Noldor in the prime of their power as the army of Nargothrond crosses Turin's bridge over the Narog on its way to the fateful battle with Glaurung.

"My images shall express how I see Tolkien's works," she tells Tolkien Online. "Although I must admit that I am not quite capable yet of putting to paper what I see in my mind when reading. The pictures are thus only one possible, very personal view. Each reader has of course his or her own. Since there is much I still have to learn and improve, I guess I will be practicing for some time still to make my painting match my imagination."

The artist's choice of early Medieval motif for the characters and world is overshadowed by the crisp drama the images present. A cold-hearted purist can easily warm to the sense of urgency conveyed by Eomer and his men as they listen to Aragorn explain his mission in Rohan.

As Fingolfin races across Anfauglith to challenge Morgoth, his banner flies proudly above his head and Rochallor, his mighty steed, moves sternly and with clear purpose. There is neither fear nor doubt in rider and horse, but something of Fingolfin's despair emerges in his grim expression. The world around them is dark and terrifying, but they are a shining light of hope despite the doom toward which they ride.

And perhaps in the moment when she first becomes aware of Beren watching her from the woods, Luthien looks pensively away from the viewer, searching the trees for something hidden. All the mystery of Tolkien is wrapped up in the stance of the Elven princess, whose left hand is slightly raised -- a gesture from a broken dance, or the menace of a powerful sorceres about to strike down some nameless evil which might assail her?

How should one pick a favorite image from so fulfilling a gallery? It would be a shame to have to favor one above the others. Rev up your bandwidth, put the phones on hold, and tell the boss you'll get that project done tomorrow. You've got some browsing to do!